Questions & Answers

swela sunsilk SNC (Schmitz Nano Clean) is a high-tech polyester fabric. This material offers optimal properties, which Schmitz Werke have combined with highly innovative products.

The nano molecules provide the smooth surface of the swela sunsilk SNS fabric the surface structure of a lotus leaf. This prevents the adhesion of dirt, grease and oil. Dirt is simply washed away through rain.

Extremely heavy soiling – including bird droppings – can easily be washed off with a jet of water. This can be done by lightly scrubbing both sides of the fabric and allowing the awning to dry in an extended condition.

What makes the self-cleaning nano effect of swela sunsilk SNC so special: It works permanently! The awning looks beautiful and stays clean longer.



Acrylic fabrics are manufactured from fibre yarns The napped fabric surface is less suitable for a nano finish.

A satisfactory nano finish on acrylic fabrics is not (yet) possible.


The earth's natural sun protection shield, the ozone layer, has depleted in the past by 15 per cent in Europe. The consequence: More ultraviolet light (UV radiation) penetrates through to the earth's surface.

UVA and UVB rays are invisible to the naked eye, but are responsible for causing sunburn, premature skin ageing and cancer. The sun can also harm the eyes. That is why reliable sun protection is vital.

But that's not all: The new UV blockers in swela sunsilk SNC prevent UV rays from penetrating into the cover fibres. The fabric properties are retained and the colours are protected against fading.

Less expensive awning covers normally do not have high-quality UV blockers. The consequences: Health risks, rapid fading and lower tensile strength after brief weathering.


UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. Measurement is carried out according to the European standard EN 13758-1. It defines the amount of UVA and UVB rays that pass through new textiles.

The UPF indicates how long a person can be exposed to the sun with sun-protection textiles. It is comparable with the protection factor of sun cream.

Basis for calculation of the sun protection factor is the self-protection time of the skin, which varies considerably depending on the skin type and intensity of the sun's rays, the UV index (UVI).


The incorporated UV blockers protect the colours from fading and the yarn against damage. swela sunsilk SNC awning fabrics attained the rating 7-8 (light fastness rating: 1 to 8; 8 = very good, 1 = unsatisfactory) according to ISO 105 B02 in the Xenon weathering test.

The special nano finish protects against dirt and soiling.

swela sunsilk SNC fabric are extremely lightfast and weather-resistant. Colour and intensity are retained for years to come.


The new swela sunsilk SNC polyester fabrics have greater transparency then conventional acrylic fabrics. They create under the awning cover a sunny atmosphere also on cloudy days.

"Coloured shade" is the most appropriate description.

Lighter designs should be selected for brilliant colours. This is also advantageous for adjoining rooms which are filled with a pleasant light. A more subdued light effect is achieved with darker designs.

Each design produces different shade effects under a swela sunsilk SNC awning cover.


swela sunsilk SNC can be bonded or sewn. The advantage with bonding is the tight seam in which no dirt can settle.

We recommend bonding using a suitable high quality hydrolysis and UV-resistant adhesive, preferably in the form of a tape.