Acrylic and Teflon both repel liquids from soaking into fabric. Acrylic forms a physical layer imbedded in the fabric so you can wipe it down with a sponge. It has the function of the old-fashioned oilcloth but without the appearance! The coating is literally invisible. The only way to tell it is coated is to the touch. The acrylic coating makes it possible to wipe off the tablecloth or placemats directly on the table while protecting the table. Acrylic coated tablecloths are not just for using outside, they are perfect for a worry free experience inside too! If you have kids, you will love an acrylic-coated tablecloth. It is incredibly easy to maintain--just wipe any spill with a sponge, even if it had time to dry (if you spill oil or red wine or anything that stains, you should wipe it off immediately or it might leave a slight mark). Everyday care should be done with a damp non-abrasive sponge, but is is still possible to machine wash the tablecloth. Washing the tablecloth repeatedly will reduce the effectiveness of the coating. Coated tablecloth should be washed on cold or cool and should be hung to dry. They can be ironed on medium or steamed on the reverse side.
Teflon is another fabric treatment that makes liquids bead up before they soak into the cloth. It is similar to Scotchgard™ that typically comes in a spray can. It does not form a layer on the fabric--in fact, you cannot see it or feel it at all. The only way to tell if fabric was treated with Teflon is to drop water on it and watch it bead! (Teflon is a registered trademark of Dupont.) No worries if someone spills a drink. Just blot it with a napkin. Just like the acrylic coated, the Teflon treated tablecloths are machine washable on cold or cool, should be hung to dry and can be ironed on medium or steamed on the reverse side.
Our acrylic coated table linens: https://www.idreamoffrance.com/collections/coated-cotton
Our Teflon treated jacquard table linens: https://www.idreamoffrance.com/collections/jacquard