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amex jcb maestro
Textile products since the 1950's
Over 70 years experience
Visit our trade shop
Fabric samples on display
Free quotations
Get in touch for a bespoke quote
Manufactured in the UK
In our factory in Gloucestershire

Frequently asked questions

How can we help you?

If you can't find the answer you're looking for, just ask.

  • General FAQs

    • What fabric is fire retardant?

      We offer an extensive range of outdoor fabrics with a flame retardant finish including PVC coated fabric, heavy duty canvas fabric, clear PVC fabric and PU coated fabric. The flame retardant finish is normally built into the finishing chemical which is then impregnated into the fabric during manufacture. A flame retardant fabric is more resistant to fire than others. Our flame retardant fabrics are generally tested to BS7837 for textiles used in the construction of tents, marquees and similar textile structures.

    • Are canvas tents better?

      Cotton canvas and polyester/cotton canvas fabric is naturally breathable – its ability to regulate temperature and moisture make it unique. Cotton canvas is often used to make canopies, marquees, and camping tents due to its breathable nature – a cotton canvas marquee or camping tent will keep cool on hot days and warm during cold nights. Cotton canvas fabric’s ability to manage condensation is superior to most modern, manmade fabrics.

    • What fabric is used for tents?

      Traditional marquees are made from polyester/cotton canvasPolyester/cotton canvas fabric is naturally breathable – its ability to regulate temperature and moisture make it unique. Cotton canvas is often used to make canopies, marquees, and camping tents due to its breathable nature – a cotton canvas marquee or camping tent will keep cool on hot days and warm during cold nights. Cotton canvas fabric’s ability to manage condensation is superior to most modern, manmade fabrics. Modern marquees and tents are made from PVC coated fabric. PVC coated fabric is easy to clean, weather-resistant, and has excellent strength and durability. PVC coated fabric is made up of a woven base fabric (normally polyester), a bonding or adhesive agent, and exterior PVC coatings to give it these qualities. Camping tents are made from PU coated fabricPU coated fabric is made up of a synthetic woven base fabric (usually polyester or nylon) with a waterproofing polyurethane coating or laminate. The polyurethane coating is applied to a single side of the base fabric, this makes the fabric water resistant, light weight and flexible. Applications include: camping tents, light duty covers, clothing and bags.

    • How wide is canvas fabric?

      Canvas fabric is commonly available in 91cm (3ft) and 183cm (6ft) widths. We also offer 150cm and 200cm widths. Roll lengths vary due to the canvas manufacturing process. This is experienced throughout the industry.

    • Is cotton canvas waterproof?

      Cotton canvas and polyester/cotton canvas are waterproof. The waterproof finish is normally built into the finishing chemical which is then impregnated into the fabric during manufacture. When joining canvas panels together, extra attention is required to select the correct type of seam construction and thread to avoid any unwanted seam leakage.

  • Shop FAQs

    • Which courier company do you use?

      For small orders – parcels under 30kg in weight and 1m in length we use DPD.

      For large orders – parcels over 1m in length we use DX Delivery.

      For Pallet deliveries we use Freight Movement.

    • Will the fabric arrive folded or rolled?

      All fabrics will be rolled on a cardboard spool to avoid creasing.

    • What are your delivery details?

      Online orders are processed and dispatched within 3 working days (subject to availability). Orders are delivered by courier on a next working day service to the UK mainland. For prices and full delivery & returns details, please go to our delivery & returns page.

    • What fabric is fire retardant?

      We offer an extensive range of outdoor fabrics with a flame retardant finish including PVC coated fabric, heavy duty canvas fabric, clear PVC fabric and PU coated fabric. The flame retardant finish is normally built into the finishing chemical which is then impregnated into the fabric during manufacture. A flame retardant fabric is more resistant to fire than others. Our flame retardant fabrics are generally tested to BS7837 for textiles used in the construction of tents, marquees and similar textile structures.

    • What fabric is used for tents?

      Traditional marquees are made from polyester/cotton canvasPolyester/cotton canvas fabric is naturally breathable – its ability to regulate temperature and moisture make it unique. Cotton canvas is often used to make canopies, marquees, and camping tents due to its breathable nature – a cotton canvas marquee or camping tent will keep cool on hot days and warm during cold nights. Cotton canvas fabric’s ability to manage condensation is superior to most modern, manmade fabrics. Modern marquees and tents are made from PVC coated fabric. PVC coated fabric is easy to clean, weather-resistant, and has excellent strength and durability. PVC coated fabric is made up of a woven base fabric (normally polyester), a bonding or adhesive agent, and exterior PVC coatings to give it these qualities. Camping tents are made from PU coated fabricPU coated fabric is made up of a synthetic woven base fabric (usually polyester or nylon) with a waterproofing polyurethane coating or laminate. The polyurethane coating is applied to a single side of the base fabric, this makes the fabric water resistant, light weight and flexible. Applications include: camping tents, light duty covers, clothing and bags.

  • Made to Measure FAQs

    • What is your manufacturing lead time?

      Once the design and measurements have been confirmed, products normally take around 2 weeks to manufacture depending on the scale of the product and current order levels. Please contact us for exact lead times.

  • Product After Care

    • How can fabric be treated with a fire retardant?

      The flame retardant finish is normally built into the finishing chemical which is then impregnated into the fabric during fabric manufacture. Additional flame retardant treatments can be applied to natural and synthetic fabrics including cotton canvas, polyester/cotton canvas, hessian and nylon.

    • Do poly cotton tents need waterproofing?

      If you use your poly cotton tent frequently then we recommend regular waterproofing. Fabsil Waterproofing Liquid replicates the original finish applied at manufacture. By using it you can restore the waterproofing of tents and other equipment, allowing them to perform like new. Fabsil is a silicone based waterproofer suitable for all types of fabrics. Sold in store.