The truth about the "best before" date of 100% light-blocking products.
Have you ever heard the theory that the UV protection effect of a parasol lasts for only one to two years? Anyone would be worried if they were told that their favorite parasol, which they've worked so hard to acquire, has an expiration date, just like food.
However, as an umbrella expert, I have a slightly different conclusion to share with you. Not all parasols lose their effectiveness in a short period of time. The lifespan of a parasol is determined by its "shading mechanism."
Is it the "surface" or the "structure" that determines the lifespan?
There are two main trends in how parasols block light.
One type is the "post-coating" type, which applies a chemical to the surface of the fabric. This method is common in cheap, lightweight products, but the chemicals tend to peel off easily due to friction, rain, and wear when folding, and the functionality does tend to deteriorate after 2 to 3 years.
The other type is the "physical blocking" type we use, which incorporates light-blocking ingredients into the fabric and applies a multi-layer polyurethane (PU) coating to the back of the fabric.
In this case, the 100% light-blocking performance will last almost permanently unless the fabric is physically torn or peeled off due to excessive damage.
In other words, when it comes to parasols, which are considered "high-performance gear" as we propose, the idea that they have a lifespan of one or two years is a kind of urban legend.
Maintenance etiquette for "nurturing" your tools
Just because a tool maintains its performance does not mean that it does not require maintenance. In fact, the better the tool, the more it will continue to demonstrate its true value with proper maintenance.
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Thoroughly dry in the shade: Moisture and sweat are the natural enemies of mold and deterioration. After use, be sure to spread it out indoors to completely remove any moisture.
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Wash with warm water: If you are concerned about dirt, gently rinse with warm water (about 40°C). There is no need to scrub.
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Restoring water repellency: Even if the light-blocking performance remains the same, the water repellency of the surface may weaken due to friction. In this case, you can restore the all-weather reliability of the product by using a commercially available water repellent spray.
We believe the true time to replace a parasol is not when its effectiveness has diminished, but when it reaches its physical limits. When the safety of the parasol as a tool is compromised, such as when the ribs become distorted or the fabric is damaged, it is time to get a new one.
Knowing not just the specs but also how the tool is made to achieve its performance is the first step to using a tool for a long time with affection.
