Phifer Inc. has expanded its line of indoor and outdoor furniture fabrics to include an additional 30 cushion and sling fabrics. This new collection features styles in bold, rich and fresh tones as well as soothing neutrals that mix and match for a host of color-coordinated options. GeoBella® cushion and pillow fabrics are made of [...]

Concerned you'll lose customers if you ask competitors for help? Not to worry. For many people, asking for help is an acquired skill. Faith Roberts, owner of Banner Canvas, Ham Lake, Minn., knows this first hand. Her customer wanted a wakeboard tower covered. No problem, said Roberts. Then reality set in. “I kept telling myself [...]

Positive outlook projected for marine businesses. Six years after the world economy emerged from the Great Recession of 2009, a return to a strong global expansion remains elusive. The downside risks to the world economy appeared more noticeable than ever in 2015. Economic growth has improved in the advanced economies—the United States, Japan and Europe. [...]

Every marine fabrication business faces an increasing amount of red tape in the form of rules, regulations, fees and taxes. At the same time enforcement on every level is becoming more aggressive and issue-focused—with even more costly results. Experienced fabricators know that tax mistakes are sometimes inevitable. Fortunately, a combination of unique tax write-offs and [...]

If you are a regular reader of Marine Fabricator, you have probably noticed that Jim Tarbox’s photo is missing from this page—either that or he has drastically changed his look. Jim hasn’t changed his look, but he has stepped down as editor of this publication, and I’m taking over his duties. I will be the [...]

Eliminate mold, mildew, leaf stain, tree sap, bird droppings, grease, oil and tough dirt from every fabric surface with Iosso’s Mold & Mildew Stain Remover. Apply the solution to soiled areas to quickly remove stains from tents, awnings, signs, yurts, boat covers, boat seats, carpets and more. Safe on solution-dyed acrylics, such as Sunbrella®, vinyl [...]

Eric Walton, MFC (left), and Devlin McKee, CC, the co-owners of Custom Canvas Alaska, are based in Fairbanks, Ala,, but they often work with customers in remote locations. Photo by Greg Martin. Alaska's extreme climate demands attention to detail and creative problem solving. "The remote area where we work can be a challenge [...]

Sciessent, a provider of antimicrobial and odor absorption solutions for the textile and apparel industries, now offers Curb™, a fluorocarbon-free durable water repellent (DWR) fabric finish. Able to provide enhanced, breathable protection from rain and moisture, Curb delivers the same water repellent performance as existing technologies without the use of harmful fluorocarbons. The fabric finish [...]

Aquatime Camoflage fabric is water repellent, color fast and on trend. Intended for boat covers and other maritime applications, the fabric features durability, UV protection and pattern clarity.

“We are getting more people who are willing to branch out from the taupes and very safe colors, especially in their cushions,” says Sandy Sturner of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands-based Marine Tech. From cushions to interior flooring, a broad trend toward more color in marine textiles is underway. Bold colors and new flooring [...]