Quick answer
Acrylic fabric is a synthetic, wool-like fiber valued for its colorfastness and resistance to fading — which is why solution-dyed acrylic dominates outdoor upholstery. But acrylic is only one path to a performance fabric. Revolution builds its performance fabrics from polypropylene (olefin), a fiber that is inherently stain- and moisture-resistant, bleach-cleanable without color loss, and PFC-free — delivering durability and easy cleaning for indoor sofas, chairs, and high-traffic spaces.
What is acrylic fabric?
Acrylic is a synthetic fiber made from a polymer called polyacrylonitrile. It was developed as a wool substitute and shares wool's soft, warm hand without the cost or the moth risk. In upholstery, the most important form is solution-dyed acrylic, where color is added to the liquid polymer before the fiber is extruded. Because the pigment runs all the way through each strand rather than sitting on the surface, solution-dyed acrylic resists UV fading exceptionally well — the reason it became the default for awnings, marine canvas, and outdoor cushions.
The performance-fiber family: acrylic, olefin, and polyester
"Performance fabric" is not a single material. It is any upholstery textile engineered to resist stains, abrasion, moisture, or fading. The three workhorse synthetic fibers each have a niche:
| Fiber | Strengths | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic (solution-dyed) | Outstanding UV/fade resistance, soft hand | Outdoor cushions, awnings, marine |
| Polypropylene / olefin | Inherent stain & moisture resistance, bleach-cleanable, lightweight, PFC-free | Indoor & Outdoor performance upholstery, family sofas |
| Polyester | Strength, wrinkle resistance, takes print well | Blends, printed patterns, velvets |
Why Revolution uses polypropylene instead of acrylic
Solution-dyed acrylic is excellent outdoors, but for indoor living Revolution engineers its fabrics from polypropylene (olefin) for three reasons:
- Inherent stain resistance. Polypropylene does not absorb water-based liquids, so spills bead up and blot away rather than soaking in. The stain resistance is built into the fiber, not a topical coating that wears off.
- Bleach-cleanable. Revolution fabric will not discolor when cleaned with a diluted bleach solution — even in dark colors — so cleaning is straightforward without professional service.
- PFC-free. Because performance comes from the fiber itself, Revolution does not rely on PFC/PFAS-based topical treatments for stain protection.
The practical result: the same easy-clean, fade-resistant durability people associate with high-end acrylic, in fabrics designed and milled for everyday indoor use.
How acrylic and olefin are cleaned
Solution-dyed acrylic is typically cleaned with mild soap and water, and can tolerate diluted bleach for tougher jobs. Revolution's polypropylene fabrics follow a similar but more forgiving routine: blot, spray a solution of about 2 oz bleach to 30 oz water, rinse with clean water, and air dry. With both fibers, avoid solvent-based cleaners and after-market stain treatments — on Revolution fabrics, those treatments void the warranty because their solvents can break down performance yarns.
Explore Revolution performance fabrics
Revolution mills durable, easy-clean upholstery fabrics in the USA, including solids, chenilles, and jacquards rated for heavy residential use.
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Frequently asked questions
Is acrylic fabric good for upholstery?
Solution-dyed acrylic is excellent for outdoor and high-sun upholstery because the color runs through the fiber and resists fading. For indoor furniture, polypropylene (olefin) performance fabrics often offer better stain resistance and easier bleach cleaning.
What is the difference between acrylic and olefin fabric?
Acrylic is a wool-like fiber prized for UV resistance, common in outdoor fabrics. Olefin (polypropylene) is a lightweight fiber prized for inherent stain and moisture resistance and is bleach-cleanable, making it a strong choice for indoor performance upholstery.
Is acrylic fabric stain resistant?
Acrylic has moderate stain resistance and excellent fade resistance. Revolution's polypropylene fabrics offer inherent stain resistance — water-based spills do not absorb — and can be cleaned with diluted bleach without discoloring.
Does performance fabric use chemical coatings?
Some performance fabrics rely on topical PFC/PFAS coatings that can wear off over time. Revolution's performance comes from the fiber itself, so its fabrics are PFC-free and do not depend on after-market treatments.
How do you clean acrylic or olefin upholstery?
Blot the spill, apply a mild soap-and-water or diluted bleach solution (about 2 oz bleach to 30 oz water on Revolution fabric), rinse with clean water, and air dry. Avoid solvent-based cleaners and after-market fabric protectors.