Many novices in procurement and garment factories often confuse coating waterproofing with PU waterproofing when selecting outdoor waterproof fabrics. This often leads to issues such as choosing the wrong fabric and the finished product failing to meet the customer's waterproof requirements. This discussion will focus on the core differences between the two processes.
The process principles differ between coating waterproofing and PU waterproofing. Coating waterproofing involves applying a thin waterproof film on the surface layer of the fabric, which only adheres to the surface of the fabric. On the other hand, PU waterproofing involves attaching a polyurethane film to the reverse side of the fabric, forming a complete waterproof layer, where the film and the fabric are integrated.
Performance and Application Scenario Table: The surface coating fabric is water-repellent, lightweight, and soft to the touch, suitable for light outdoor products such as umbrellas, decorative cloths, and kites, which can only handle short-term light rain with low water pressure. The PU composite waterproof fabric has higher water pressure resistance and long-lasting water repellency, suitable for use in jackets, tents, and outdoor bags, able to withstand prolonged rainfall.
In terms of wear and tear over time, after multiple rubs and washes, the surface coating of the coated fabric is prone to peeling off, significantly reducing its water repellent performance. The PU film-laminated fabric is durable and washable, retaining its basic waterproof effect even after dozens of normal washes. However, the fabric feels slightly hard and has weaker breathability compared to the coated fabric.
The procurement cost difference lies in the lower production cost of coated water-repellent fabric, with affordable spot prices, making it suitable for low-priced bulk orders; PU waterproof fabric requires more processing steps and is priced 30%-60% higher, making it suitable for mid-to-high-end outdoor apparel and camping equipment orders.
Communication direction: Everyone can share their experiences of encountering problems with orders, such as the waste of cost caused by using PU fabric for umbrellas and the leakage and after-sales issues caused by using coated fabric for jackets. We can also discuss the criteria for selecting fabrics for different orders.
