A - The patented immersion encapsulation
finish process produces a fabric that is highly water resistant, dust-proof
and still breathable. Originally developed for outdoor performance wear
(parkas, pants, etc.) and sheets and gowns for hospital-institutional
use the process uses heat and pressure to place high-performance formulas
inside the fabric. They wrap themselves around each individual thread
and fill the voids between the weave to form an impenetrable barrier
against the elements. Take a sample piece of WeatherShield and place
it under a faucet. The fabric sheds water immediately, making it look
like beads of mercury flowing off a surface!
Q - What other elements will WeatherShield protect
my vehicle against?
A - It’s a classic battle - you against the elements! WeatherShield
puts you on the winning side by protected both the interior and exterior
of a vehicle against damage from sun (UV), pollutants, bird droppings,
tree sap, salt air, acid rain and dust/dirt. Normal rain isn’t the enemy
of a vehicles finish, the bulk of the damage occurs from things settling
on the vehicles surface and then being baked into the paint finish by
hot sun. Additionally, UV rays damage the pigments in paint and the
dash and seats of the vehicles interior.
Q - How is WeatherShield different from other car
cover fabrics?
A - Because it’s a single layer weave, the fabric is compact for
easier storage, and the fabric finish assures the material will only
retain a fraction of its weight (up to 2%) in moisture, compared to
popular multi-layer nonwoven materials which can absorb up to 40% of
their weight during a rain storm. Either fabric type can be stored wet,
but WeatherShield takes just a quick shake before storage to remove
any surface moisture.
Q - Is WeatherShield fabric strong?
A - Covercraft selected polyester as the base fabric because it's
very strong and naturally resistant to moisture and UV. The tight weave
of the fabric results in a material that has high tensile strength in
both the warp and weave (width and length) of the material.
Q - Is WeatherShield fabric UV resistant?
A - In addition to polyester’s natural UV resistance, UV inhibitors
are added to the immersion finish process. WeatherShield covers carry
a 4-year limited warranty against the cover becoming unserviceable during
normal use. Covercraft will repair or replace the cover after factory
inspection.
Q - How protective is WeatherShield for today’s water-based
paints and clear-coat finishes?
A - Because patented encapsulation process uses formulas that make
the fabric is slick and smooth on the underside to glide over any paint
finish. We always recommend using a cover on a clean car for best
results. Use of a "duster" prior to covering a car will add to the length
of time between washing.
Q - How easy is care and maintenance of a WeatherShield
cover?
A - Because the fabric is so compact, most car-sized covers can
be cleaned in a HOME washer and dryer. Using just a 1/4 cup of Simple
Green concentrated biodegradable cleaner the cover can be washed in
cold or warm water. Covers should always be run through at least
two rinse cycles to remove all the cleaner residue. The cover can then
be dried in most dryers using the "Permanent Press" settings. The warmth
of the dryer actually rejuvenates finish and we recommend covers be
dried an extra 30 minutes, with mild heat, after the regular dry time
(see instruction sheet). Most times, when a cover is "wets-out",
it is because of contamination and dirt on the surface of the fabric
that allows moisture to migrate through the material. When
washing, it is critically important to rinse the cover thoroughly -
any cleaner residue will also allow moisture to pass through the cover.
Q - Is it true that Covercraft makes covers for almost
anything with wheels?
A - Since 1965, Covercraft has amassed a pattern library of over
50,000 custom patterns for car, vans, trucks, RV’s, trailers, street
rods, modified performance imports, ATV’s and motorcycles (including
compact touring covers). If a pattern isn’t available Covercraft will
make one, using dimensions supplied on one of their specialty pattern
sheets!
- Great Protection Indoors
& Out!
NOTICE REGARDING
DARK & BRIGHT COLORS OF WEATHERSHIELD FABRIC -
We do not recommend the
use of bright color WeatherShield fabric on light color surfaces.
"Crocking" is a fabric
industry term for color transfer of dyes from a fabric to another surface.
Each dye-lot of WeatherShield fabric is tested for both wet and dry crocking and
certified to AATCC Test Standard ratings of 4 or higher (out of 5) for resistance
to crocking. But even with continuous testing there is still a possibility
that bright colors (red, green, blue, black & yellow) can transfer color dye when
rubbed against light color surfaces.
