How To Keep Patio Umbrella From Fading?

The sun is a powerful force that can cause all sorts of havoc on your outdoor furniture. If you own an umbrella, chances are it’s been through its fair share of rain and sun. But have you ever wondered how to keep patio umbrella from fading?  

In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips for taking care of your umbrella so the color stays vibrant and won’t fade away!  

Clean the umbrella regularly with soap and water 

We’re going to start off with the easiest way: washing it! This will remove any dirt or grime that has built up on the fabric canopy since last time.  

You can use a gentle soap like Woolite or dish detergent mixed with water in a bucket. We recommend using cold water as hot water may set stains into place more easily.  

Scrub the canopy with a soft brush 

Next, use a soft brush to scrub away any stubborn dirt or stains. If they don’t come off with just soap and water, this should do the trick.  

Be sure to avoid using any harsh chemicals or solvents as these can damage the fabric.  

Vacuum the umbrella to remove dirt or debris 

If your umbrella is made of a synthetic fabric, you can also vacuum it to remove any dirt or debris. This will help keep it looking clean and new for longer. We recommend doing this at least one to three times a year. 

Make sure patio umbrella stays clean 

Keeping it clean by washing and vacuuming will help keep patio umbrella fading away or at least slow it way down so that your patio umbrella looks fresh longer! You can also try using specially formulated Fabric & Vinyl Cleaner to help. 

This is designed for use on patio umbrellas and patio furniture, so it’s perfect for keeping your patio umbrella looking fresh after each wash!  

Apply weather guard every other week 

If you want to take extra care of your patio umbrella, consider using a weather guard. This will help protect the fabric from the sun’s damaging UV rays.  

You can find weather guards specifically designed for patio umbrellas, and we recommend applying it every other week. This may seem like a lot of work, but it will help keep your patio umbrella looking new for years to come! 

Place the umbrella in a shady area or cover it with an ultraviolet protective furniture cover 

If you want to be absolutely sure your patio umbrella doesn’t fade, you can place it in a shady area or cover it with an ultraviolet protective furniture cover. This will help keep the sun’s damaging UV rays from hitting the fabric and fading the color.  

Put the umbrella away in a shed or garage during the cooler months 

If you live in a colder climate, we recommend putting the patio umbrella away in a shed or garage during the cooler months. This will protect it from the harsh elements and help keep it looking new for longer. 

Hopefully these tips has given you some tips on how to keep patio umbrella from fading! By following these simple steps, you can keep your umbrella looking vibrant and beautiful for years to come. 

What can you do with faded patio umbrella? 

A faded patio umbrella doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be thrown away and replaced. It’s not uncommon for a patio umbrella to fade over time, whether it’s from the sun or from being left out in the rain. This can cause the umbrella not to look as attractive as it once did. However, this doesn’t mean that a faded patio umbrella has to be thrown away entirely. 

Treating a patio umbrella is a great way to refurbish it, making it look like new again. One of the most popular ways to treat a faded patio umbrella is to spray paint it. Even if the aluminum ribs underneath are faded, they usually still work well, so there’s no need to replace them even when they’ve been painted. 

Another option for treating a faded patio umbrella is dyeing it. There are many different types of dye available on the market, including fabric dye and spray dye. The type of dye chosen depends on the type of material used in the umbrella and whether or not it will be left outside when treated with dye. For example, fabric dye can be used on nylon fabric material and will typically last at least one year outside when applied in warm weather. 

If using spray dye on a faded patio umbrella, make sure to read all instructions before applying.  

It’s also important to test the dye on a small, hidden area of the umbrella first to make sure the color is what you want and that it won’t damage the fabric.  

Once you’ve dyed your patio umbrella, it’s important to keep it out of the sun and away from rain to prevent the color from fading. 

How do I protect my patio umbrella? 

Patio umbrellas are a great way to have shade outdoors, but they can also be vulnerable to wind and rain. Here are some tips on how to protect your patio umbrella so you can enjoy it all summer long!  

  • Minimise stains by brushing off any fallen leaves and bird droppings, and washing any slight stains with warm water, detergent and a soft sponge.  
  • Store umbrellas in a dry, shaded location when not in use.  
  • Wipe down the metal frame of an aluminium-framed outdoor umbrella with warm water and mild soap.  
  • Use a mix of white vinegar and water in a 1:9 solution to remove water spots from a metal frame.  
  • Clean timber frames with warm water and mild soap, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions first.  
  • Don’t use abrasive cleaners on the canopy or frame.  
  • If you have trouble opening or closing your outdoor umbrella, don’t force it.  
  • Apply scotch guard to the fabric of your umbrella for additional protection against the elements.  
  • Avoid windy conditions by taking down the umbrella and storing it somewhere safe.  
  • Secure the base of your outdoor umbrella with the appropriate base or anchoring system. 

Why do patio umbrellas fade? 

When patio umbrellas fade, it can affect both the appearance and the level of protection they provide. One of the most common reasons patio umbrellas fade is because they’ve been left out in the sun too long. Over time, the constant exposure to sunlight fades and discolors patio umbrellas, resulting in a faded patio umbrella that no longer looks vibrant or appealing. 

While certain types of patio umbrellas like Instant Canopies will guarantee up to 5 years worth of fading resistance (or more!), not all patio umbrella brands have this same guarantee so be sure to check your patio umbrella’s warranty before purchasing to ensure optimal longevity!  

In addition to being placed in direct sunlight for extended periods of time, other factors that can cause patio umbrellas to fade prematurely are wind and rain.  

Excessive exposure to either of these elements can lead to water spots, rust, and even tears in the fabric. To help prevent patio umbrellas from fading, it’s important to be proactive in cleaning them off and storing them in a dry place when not in use. Additionally, using scotch guard on the fabric of your patio umbrella can offer extra protection against the elements. 

If you’re looking for ways to restore your patio umbrella back to its original glory, be sure to try one of our tips above! And if all else fails, remember that it’s always possible to spray paint or dye your patio umbrella to it a new look. 

Will black patio umbrella fade? 

Black patio umbrellas are also longer-lasting than other colours as they tend to fade less quickly. This is because the pigment used to create black dye is typically more stable than other colours, meaning it’s less likely to change or fade over time.  

However, even black patio umbrellas will eventually fade if they’re not properly taken care of. To prolong the life of your black patio umbrella, be sure to clean it off and store it in a dry place when not in use. Additionally, using scotch guard on the fabric can offer extra protection against the elements.  

Should you cover an outdoor umbrella? 

There is no one definitive answer to this question as it depends on a variety of factors such as the type of patio umbrella, the weather conditions, and the wind speed.  

Generally speaking, if it’s going to be a particularly windy day or if there is a risk of rain, it’s best to take down your patio umbrella and store it in a safe place.  

Additionally, if you live in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions (i.e. high winds, hail, etc.), it’s a good idea to cover your patio umbrella when not in use.  

On the other hand, if you live in a mild climate and don’t experience much wind or rain, you may not need to cover your patio umbrella.  

If you do decide to cover your patio umbrella, make sure it’s not tight or restrictive as this can cause damage to the fabric and poles. Make sure there is some room for airflow underneath the patio umbrella to keep it looking fresh over time. 

Is it OK to leave patio umbrella in rain? 

While patio umbrellas can provide a great deal of shade on hot summer days, they cannot completely protect you from the rain.  

According to an article in The Chicago Tribune, patio umbrellas are not meant to be left out in the rain and doing so will cause them to rust and break down more quickly.  

To keep your patio umbrella looking fresh for longer and to prevent it from breaking down prematurely, we recommend taking it down when not in use and covering it with a patio umbrella cover or stand if you’re expecting rain. 

Can you spray paint a faded patio umbrella? 

Yes, you can spray paint a patio umbrella to restore it back to its original colour.  

However, be sure to test the paint in an inconspicuous area before painting the entire patio umbrella as some paints may cause discolouration or staining.  

In addition, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when spraying paint on any type of fabric.  

If you’re not happy with the final result, you can always try dyeing your patio umbrella instead.  

Patio umbrellas are a great way to add shade and style to any outdoor space, but they require a certain level of maintenance to keep them looking their best. By following our tips above, you can help prolong the life of your patio umbrella and keep it looking fresh for years to come.