Available in an amazing array of colors and patterns, coated fabric is practical and durable. Polyvinyl chloride, PVC coated fabric, vinyl coated fabric, teflon coated fabric, and other fabrics treated with resistant coatings will resist mildew, oil, salt, dirt, chemicals and the sun's rays.

Ideal for use in stain resistant kitchen or dining furniture, outdoor furniture and cushions, some advantages of these fabrics include:

1. Coated fabrics are highly durable
2. Coated fabrics can be easier to clean
3. Coated fabrics are usually quick to dry

Finding a wholesaler with reasonable prices on coated fabrics can help you keep an eye on your bottom line. Many products your business sells will likely use several yards of fabric, so even a small difference in price per yard can make a big difference in your profit margin.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find coated fabric distributors

Find and purchase online many types of coated fabric.

I recommend: L'Art de Vivre sells gorgeous French fabric by the meter, with many styles available containing an acrylic coating. Ideal for restaurant or cafe owners, purchase different types and kinds of tablecloths and table linens, many with easy-to-clean coated fabrics. Another coated fabric retailer, American Home & Habitat, sells a huge variety of specialty-coated fabrics. Fabric.com has many laminated and coated fabrics for the creation of a variety of fabrics. Archer Rubber Company sells rubber coated fabric, including neoprene, for many manufacturing applications.

Find coating fabric wholesalers

To create furniture or home decorator items with coated fabrics, there are many wholesalers who deal in vinyl coated fabrics, and other coated fabrics. There are specialty companies dealing with industrial-use fabrics also.

I recommend: FashionFabricsClub, Greenhouse Design, and Discount Fabrics USA are three such wholesalers dealing with coated fabric. Warwick Mills and Precision Coating Co. specialize in teflon coated fabric for industry.

Get your fabric coated rather than buying pre-coated fabric

In addition to coated fabric manufacturers, you can also find companies that will take fabric you have purchased from a wholesaler and coat it for you.

I recommend: Dal-Bac Manufacturing Company will apply acrylic or polyurethane coatings to sheeting, nonwovens, or upholstery fabrics to seal and protect them. Hub Fabric Leather Company offers acrylic, latex, and flame retardant coatings to add to your fabric. Sun Belt Coating specializes in the application of coatings, including for decorative fabrics.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many fabric wholesalers that sell coated fabrics will provide a swatch of the fabric free of charge. Take advantage of this offer before purchasing large bolts of fabric for your business to make sure the fabric is what you had in mind.