A - The patented EPIC by Nextec®
world-wide patented 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.) the process
uses heat and pressure to place high-performance polymer 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
HP 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®HP protect my
vehicle against?
A - It’s a classic battle - you against the elements! WeatherShield HP
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®HP 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 HP takes just a
quick shake before storage to remove any surface moisture.
Q - Is WeatherShield®HP 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®HP fabric UV resistant?
A - The base fabric is solution-dyed meaning the color is mixed into the
polyamide BEFORE it's extruded into fibers and spun into yarn to weave into
fabric - the color goes all the way through the material, it's NOT a
surface-dye! This helps the cover retain it's originally color through
years of service. 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®HP 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®HP
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 70,000
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!
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