When we arrived at our site here this year I was unable to extend the Girard awning over the patio because of some tree branches that were in the way. Cutting those few branches was no problem, but now the awning has a lot of reddish/brown sap spots on both the top and bottom of the fabric (where the sap was transferred during retraction). I have tried both Goof-Off and lacquer thinner, and with some scrubbing I can remove the sap but the stains are still there, just not sticky.
The awning fabric is the same on both the Girard patio awning and the Zip-Dee window awnings, and appears to be a lightweight,
tan colored canvas material that absorbs everything.
The awning was like new until the sap problem, so needless to say I'm bummed out.
I guess my question is; What other fabric can anyone recommend that might be better than what I have now, and what's a ballpark cost to have them redone?
As I understand, the fabric is not canvas but a man made material. Just can't think of what it is. Maybe someone else can tell us.
Sunbrella-- very common on boats as well.
And to retain waterproofing, it should only be cleaned with a mild SOAP, not detergent.
I know Zip Dee sells a soap that works very well.
T-Man,
Maybe Zip-Dee can tell you how to get the stains out.
John M
You might try going to the Sunbrella website to check care and cleaning.
and if you want Sunbrella again it is about 1/3 rd the cost in Mexico. I bought 15 meters bunch of years ago in Mazatlan to make a boat cover and window covers for coach to match our awnings. It was Sunbrella too.
US prices may be better than Cndn.
JohnH
303 Fabric Guard is the only Sunbrella Approved conditioner for the awnings. They also have a 303 fabric cleaner to safely clean the fabrics. The Fabric Guard will give you 100% waterproofing.I used it on my 91 awnings and they don't leak a drop. It's expensive about 100.00 a gallon but that will do all your awnings. I used a pump sprayer.
303® Protectants, Cleaners, Detailers for Cars, Boats & Home (http://www.goldeagle.com/brands/303-products)