What Material Best Blocks the Sun?

Sunlight contains two main light waves which are the ultraviolet rays and the x-rays. When it comes to patio furniture, ultraviolet radiations are the problem. Ultraviolet rays or commonly known as UV rays can easily destroy your patio furniture over the years.

This is why sun resistant or UV resistant material is required to block these dangerous rays/radiations. There are many materials that are sun-proof, but some are better than others. 

In this article, I am going to talk about the different materials that are sun-resistant. However, some are used in combination with others for them to work well.

  1. Acrylic 

This is a polymer that comes in three different forms, which are fabric, plastic, or paint. Acrylic is the best compound for absorbing UV rays. It has developed over the years until now some manufacturers of patio furniture use it in making plastic patio furniture. 

Acrylic can absorb up to 90% of the sun’s radiation, making it the best material for sun blocking. 

In addition, acrylic is a strong plastic that can come in many different colors, and even sometimes it can be clear. 

  1. Engravable sheet 

These are special sheets that use photo engraving technology to absorb sun rays. These sheets are easy to use because they are flexible. 

Just cover your patio furniture with them and you will never worry about the sun damaging your patio furniture. 

  1. FEP material (fluorinated ethylene propylene)

This is a fluoropolymer that has a unique ability to absorb UV rays. Many plastic patio furniture are made with this material. This will help the furniture not to lose its color or become weak due to strong UV radiation. Your furniture will remain new and colorful for many years. 

  1. PVDF material (polyvinylidene fluoride)

This is a non-reactive thermoplastic. With the advancement of technology, many manufacturers of patio furniture have found a way to incorporate this material into the manufacturing process. 

The material leads to strong, durable, and sun-resistant patio furniture. PVDF is not only resistant to sun rays, but also resistant to some strong acids, hydrocarbons, and any other strong solvents. This is an additional benefit to patio furniture. 

  1. PTFE material (polytetrafluoroethylene)

This is a polymer that is non-flammable and resistant to both X-ray and UV rays. PTFE can be used in the manufacture of plastic patio furniture, making it resistant to sun rays. 

PTFE can also be used in paints when it is combined with other elements. This paint can be applied on non-plastic patio furniture, making them resistant to the sun.

  1. ETFE material (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) 

This is a plastic that has fluorine as the main compound. This plastic has the unique property of absorbing all of the sun’s rays. This is why it is used in making plastic patio furniture. 

Sometimes it is used to make umbrellas that cover the patio furniture. If it is combined with other elements, it is used to make paints that can be applied to wooden or metallic patio furniture.

How Can You Protect Your Patio Furniture from Sun Damage? 

  • Use umbrellas 

Umbrellas can either be fabric or plastic. Both types can protect your patio furniture from the direct sun rays and moreover keep you cool. Most umbrellas are cheap and durable depending on the material used to make them.  Umbrellas work well on a simple set of four chairs and a table. 

  • Use patio covers

Patio covers are mainly used on large patio furniture sets, where umbrellas cannot work well. 

Make sure you cover your patio furniture with a good sun-resistant cover. These sun-resistant covers must have air vents that allow free circulation of air, that is, the hot air under the cover moves out while the cool air moves in.

Lastly, use opaque covers because clear ones will still let the UV rays pass.

  • Use UV-resistant fabrics 

These are special fabrics that are made with UV-resistant materials. These materials can absorb UV rays, hence resisting UV damage. 

You can buy patio furniture that already has this special material or just buy normal patio furniture and then cover it with UV-resistant fabric. 

  • Sun rays protection sprays 

This option comes when you don’t have the shading technique. Just like how human beings use sunscreen on their bodies, this spray also works the same way on your patio furniture. 

Always read carefully the instructions on the can before applying it to your furniture. This spray often needs re-applying. 

  • Keep the furniture in storage 

By taking your patio furniture inside is also a way of protecting it from sun damage. This reduces the amount of UV rays that get it. 

It looks like a simple step, but it can extend the lifespan of your patio furniture. The only caution is that you must clean your patio furniture properly before storage and cover it when it is in the store to avoid dust and dirt.

  • Check for wear and tear   

UV rays are very strong radiations that can bring big damage to your patio furniture. For example, the fabric can begin to fade or the plastic can become weak. 

You should always inspect for any damage caused by the sun and repair if necessary.

If the stain you applied on the wood has reduced, you should apply another coat, preventing strong sun radiations.

  • Choose the best furniture 

Only the best furniture is made with sun-resistant materials. While the above options increase the lifespan of your furniture, choosing the best furniture will also make a huge difference. 

For example, avoid plastic furniture that can easily be damaged by the sun and choose some high-end furniture.

Conclusion 

Not all materials that are used to make patio furniture are sun resistant or can block the sun but if combined with other sun-resistant elements they can work. If you stay in a very sunny environment try and have patio furniture that is both sun-resistant and fade-resistant. Â