4 Common Auto Upholstery Fabrics and Their Considerations

When purchasing a new car, you must ensure you have the interior you desire that meets your comfort and aesthetic needs. Or, if you own an older vehicle, you may need to re-upholster your car due to wear and tear or staining.

That’s where auto upholstery comes in. But what are your options? And, what do you need to keep in mind when purchasing upholstery for your car’s interior? Keep reading to learn more.

What Are The Different Fabrics Used for Auto Upholstery?

Here are the different types of auto upholstery, along with the best uses for each material.

Nylon

Nylon is a highly versatile auto upholstery fabric available in various colours and patterns. Nylon is very durable due to the tight weaving of the fabric, and since you can wipe it clean and liquids do not permeate the material quickly, it is stain-resistant. The material does not stretch out like other fabrics. However, one downside of nylon auto upholstery is the high temperatures the material can reach on hot days – which can be particularly uncomfortable for bare legs!

Polyester

Polyester is a popular choice for auto upholstery because it is affordable and comfortable. The material is stain-resistant and comes in a wide range of colour options. The material is one of the few upholstery materials that does not get too hot or cold, so you don’t need to worry about waiting for the material to reach a standard temperature before taking your seat.

Vinyl

Vinyl is a highly durable auto upholstery material. It is frequently used in marine upholstery as it is water resistant, which means it will not hold onto water and cause mould to grow in your vehicle. You can easily wipe down any spills with vinyl upholstery, and the material is available in many colours.

Faux Leather

Faux leather is an animal-friendly car upholstery fabric and can elevate the look of your car’s interior, giving a classy, elegant, and expensive feel. Any kind of leather is popular for car upholstery as it does not stain easily, and you can wipe it with cloths and spray when you need to clean your car. One of the negatives of leather seating is that it can get very hot and very cold in extreme weather conditions – making it uncomfortable to get into your car in the less temperate months. Leather tends to be less durable than other fabrics, as the material can easily scratch or wear down over time.

What Do You Need To Consider Before Choosing Auto Upholstery?

When choosing auto upholstery for your vehicle, it’s important to consider three main things:

• The design – you need to choose a fabric that matches the rest of your car’s interior and is cohesive with the general feel of the vehicle. If you choose black in a cream-coloured interior, it may clash. If you’re unsure what would look best, consult an upholstery expert for advice.
• The price – you need to establish your budget for your car’s upholstery, as some materials, like leather, are more expensive. So, work out what your budget will be before choosing auto upholstery.
• Durability – if you replace your car’s upholstery, you want your investment to last. You need to consider which are the most durable materials. If you have dogs or children regularly travelling with you, you should consider opting for materials that do not scratch or stain easily.

Summary

Auto upholstery can change the look and feel of your car, and replacing worn-out upholstery can give you that brand-new car feeling. If you’re reupholstering your vehicle, it’s essential to know the different material options. To find a fantastic upholstery fabric, why not check out what’s on offer with Sydney Upholstery?