We often get asked what is the difference between our wipe clean fabrics, so we put together a quick comparison chart for you to easily see the features of each one.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Acrylic | Oilcloth | Vinyl PVC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wipe Clean? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Coatings | Acrylic & Teflon | Clear PVC | None |
| Wipe Clean Effectiveness | Excellent | Very good | Good |
| Base Fabric | Poly-cotton blend | 100% cotton | None |
| Design Types | Printed, Yarn-dyed & Jacquard woven | Printed only | Printed only |
| Feel | Natural | Thick | Thin |
| Max Widths | 180cm | 132cm | 140cm |
| Finish | Matt | Gloss + Matt | Matt |
| Machine Washable? | Yes | No | No |
| Edge Finishes | Finished as standard Hem or edge binding | Optional edge binding | Optional edge binding |
| Price | £££ | ££ | £ |
| Shop | View designs | View designs | View designs |
Acrylic Coated Tablecloths
Acrylic Coated Tablecloths, also known as Teflon tablecloths, are the most natural feeling wipe clean tablecloths on the market.
It has a poly-cotton base, and is coated with two layers of acrylic to give it excellent wipe clean and better stain resisting properties. This is does not mean it is stain-proof.
Additionally, the fabric goes through a coating process using a fluorocarbon to give the fabric excellent water repellant properties. A commonly known fluorocarbon is Teflon, which some of our Acrylic coated tablecloths contain. Others have non-branded alternatives.
The designs are created using two main techniques: printing and weaving.
- Printed designs are applied to the surface of the base fabric, offering vibrant and versatile patterns.
- Woven designs, on the other hand, are crafted with single-coloured yarns, which can also incorporate the intricate Jacquard weaving technique. This method produces elegant and sophisticated patterns, adding a touch of class to any table setting.
Note: Not all acrylic-coated tablecloths are made the same and meet the same stringent standards. At Simply Tablecloths, all our tablecloths are OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified, ensuring they are free from harmful substances and safe for your family.
You can learn more about Acrylic tablecloths in our in-depth guide.
Additional read: How Teflon protects your tablecloth
Oilcloth Tablecloths
Oilcloth is a tightly woven fabric, usually 100% cotton, where the design is printed on to the surface and is then treated to give it a waterproof finish. The coating traditionally was linseed oil, but is now more commercially sold with a clear PVC coating.
Oilcloth is often confused with PVC tablecloths. So if you are unsure of the differences between these terms, then take a read on our Oilcloth vs PVC guide here.
Alternatively, read a more in-depth description on Oilcloth Tablecloths here.
Vinyl Tablecloths
Vinyl tablecloths are the cheapest of wipe clean fabrics and is a great option if you are looking to cover your table occasionally.
It is made from a vinyl sheet of PVC which then has the design printed on top. There is no coating on top which makes it less durable than acrylic and oilcloth.
Read More
For a more information, visit the types of wipe clean tablecloths guide here.
