HDPE shade fabric
Fabric & colors.
We build most sails and structures from Commercial 95 by GALE Pacific — a knitted HDPE shade cloth that blocks about 91–95% of UV (depending on color), stays breathable in the heat, and carries a 10-year manufacturer UV degradation warranty.
Shade sails in many colors
Commercial 95 color line
22 colors.
Screen colors are approximate. Request physical samples before you choose.
Specifications
Commercial 95 at a glance.
| Material | HDPE monofilament and tape yarns, knitted lock-stitch |
|---|---|
| Nominal weight | About 340 g/m² (~10 oz/yd²) |
| UV block | 91–95.5%, varies by color (AS 4174 testing; table below) |
| Breathability | Open knit vents heat and lets wind pass through, reducing load on posts |
| Warranty | 10-year UV degradation warranty from the manufacturer |
| Water | Not waterproof — light rain passes through |
| Flammability | ASTM E84 Class A (manufacturer data); FR versions available for projects that require them |
| Engineering data | Tensile, tear and burst strength: see notes for engineers |
Specifications from manufacturer published data; confirm current values for engineered or specified projects. We also stock Polyfab shade fabrics and can source other architectural fabrics on request.
UV protection & cooling
Shade you can feel.
A shade sail does two jobs: it blocks the UV that burns skin and fades furniture, and it keeps people and surfaces cooler. Under a sail, the air can feel up to about 20°F cooler than in direct Arizona sun, and surfaces like decking, turf, play equipment and car seats stay far cooler than they would in full sun. Because the knit is breathable, heat that builds in the fabric vents up and away instead of radiating down the way a solid roof can.
How much UV each color blocks is tested by the manufacturer to the Australian shade-cloth standard AS 4174. Shade factor is how much of the sun’s visible light and heat the fabric stops; UV block is how much ultraviolet it stops. Darker colors cast deeper shade; every Commercial 95 color blocks over 91% of UV.
| Color | UV block | Shade factor | Cover factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow | 95.5% | 77.6% | 95% |
| Bluebird | 95.3% | 91.2% | 95% |
| Aquamarine | 95.1% | 89.5% | 95% |
| Driftwood | 94.9% | 90.0% | 95% |
| Black | 94.8% | 94.6% | 94% |
| Brunswick Green | 94.7% | 93.8% | 94% |
| Deep Ochre | 94.6% | 92.8% | 94% |
| Navy Blue | 94.4% | 93.6% | 94% |
| Steel Grey | 94.3% | 90.9% | 94% |
| Stone | 94.3% | 89.3% | 94% |
| Orange | 94.0% | 80.6% | 93% |
| Desert Sand | 93.8% | 86.1% | 94% |
| Charcoal | 93.4% | 93.1% | 93% |
| Gun Metal | 93.2% | 91.4% | 93% |
| Natural | 93.1% | 76.2% | 93% |
| Rivergum | 92.9% | 88.7% | 93% |
| White | 92.9% | 73.9% | 93% |
| Bright Green | 92.5% | 88.6% | 92% |
| Sky Blue | 92.2% | 89.0% | 92% |
| Turquoise | 91.5% | 86.0% | 92% |
| Cherry Red | 91.2% | 78.4% | 91% |
| Aquatic Blue | 91.1% | 85.6% | 92% |
Source: GALE Pacific Commercial 95 product profile, Rev. 18 (08/2023). Typical values, not minimums. Cooling varies with sun angle, sail height and color.
Common questions
Fabric FAQ.
What is HDPE shade cloth?
Which color blocks the most UV?
Does a darker sail feel hotter underneath?
How much cooler is it under a shade sail?
Can I see real samples?
Start a shade project
Tell us about your shade project.
Send the size of the area, a few photos, and where the corners could anchor. We’ll come back with options and a price — usually within one business day.