Knowledge & guides

Advisor for
GERMES products

Technical terms explained, fabrics compared, guides for measuring and installing - all visible on this page, no clicking required. Jump straight to a topic using the bar below, or scroll through.

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Technical terms

What the data sheets say - explained briefly

The values used to describe outdoor fabrics are standardised, but rarely explained. Each term below comes with the short version; one click leads to the full page with our own range figures.

All terms in the glossary The complete index of every term around fabrics, shading and made-to-measure work.
Lightfastness Scale 1-8 to ISO 105-B02. Each step roughly doubles the time the colour holds under sun.
Solution-dyed Colour is added to the liquid polymer before the fibre exists - it sits in the core and cannot bleach out.
Martindale Rubs until two threads break. ISO 12947 has four parts - a figure without the part is not comparable.
UPF UV protection factor of the fabric. UPF 50+ means over 98 percent of UV radiation stays in the cloth.
Water column Pressure in millimetres a fabric withstands, measured to ISO 811. From 1,300 mm a fabric counts as waterproof.
Water-repellent or waterproof Two different tests: the spray test shows whether water beads off, the water column whether it penetrates.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Harmful substance testing in four product classes. Our fabrics carry class 4 for furnishing material.
Care symbols Tub, triangle, square, circle, iron - what the five basic symbols on the label mean.
Polyester The most widely used man-made fibre. Takes up only 0.1 to 0.4 percent moisture and dries very fast.
Cushion filling Foam core or flake - what determines support, and which densities we work with.
Seam types Welted, plain, piped: which seam holds on which cushion and how it looks.
Embroidery and printing Custom embroidery and flex printing on outdoor fabric - what lasts and where the limits are.
Teak wood Durability class 1 to EN 350 - but heartwood only. Sapwood is not durable under the standard.
Wood species for garden furniture Teak, eucalyptus, acacia, robinia, larch, douglas fir - durability and upkeep at a glance.
Mould on outdoor textiles Removing and preventing mildew stains - what is allowed on which fabric.
Comparisons

Two options side by side

Where more than one solution fits, we place them next to each other - with every test value from the data sheets instead of marketing words.

All comparisons The complete index of every comparison - fabrics as well as systems.
Agora or Sunbrella Two solution-dyed premium acrylics with all test values from the data sheets side by side.
Sunbrella or Dralon Premium against the budget entry. The dyeing method explains almost the whole price gap.
Dralon or Olefin Acrylic against polypropylene: lightfastness, abrasion and behaviour in chlorinated water.
Water-repellent or waterproof The most common misunderstanding when buying fabric. Two tests, two statements.
Shading under a patio roof Four under-roof systems compared: panel width, projection, installation effort.
Choosing

Help before you configure

Which product, which fabric, which thickness - these pages walk you through the decision before you order.

Buying guide The entry point: which product and which material suit what you have in mind.
All fabrics at a glance Outdoor and indoor fabrics sorted by application, with a data sheet for each one.
Order fabric samples Shade and texture look different in your own light than on a screen. Samples settle it.
Measurement instructions

How to measure correctly

A made-to-measure product is only as good as the measurement. One guide per product, step by step.

All measurement instructions
Cushions
Wall cushions
Chair cushions
Bench cushions
Chaise lounge cushions
Deckchair cushions
Cable tension awnings
Cable tension sun sails
Folding shade sails
Installation guides

Step by step installation

One guide per installable product - with the tool list and the points where mistakes usually happen.

All installation guides
Wall cushions
Balcony privacy screen
Rope tension sun sail
Folding awning
Sun shade sail
Folding sun sail
Outdoor curtain
Retractable pergola canopy
Care & cleaning

Keeping fabrics and products looking right

What a product tolerates depends on how it is built, and what a fabric tolerates depends on its fibre. Both sorted below.

All care guides
Care by product
Care by fabric
Balcony screen
Cable tension awnings
Cable tension sun shade sail
Folding awning
Sun shade sail
Table linens
Mould and mildew stains
Frequent questions

Frequently Asked Questions

The installation section lists a step-by-step guide for every installable GERMES product. All of them are visible at once - one click is enough.

The measurement instructions show, per product, where to take the measurement and which allowances we build in. On cushions and seat pads the order width, depth, height decides the result - swapping two figures produces a cushion that does not fit.

The glossary section explains each value in one sentence and links to the full page. There you also find the test standard, the scale and our own range figures.

It depends on how long the fabric stays outside. If it lies out over summer and comes in for winter, a water-repellent acrylic is enough. If it stays out all year, a solution-dyed premium fabric with 7-8/8 lightfastness pays off. The comparison pages place the qualities side by side with every test value.

Yes. Through the fabric sample page we send you samples of the qualities you are considering. Shade and texture look different in your own light than on a screen.

Our team helps by phone, WhatsApp or email - including on the question of which guide belongs to your product.

Sources

Last reviewed: 25.08.2026 · Reviewer: Germes-Team

Still have a question?

Our team is glad to advise - by phone, WhatsApp or email. Or order fabric samples first and decide with the material in your hand.

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