| Basecloth | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Good coating adhesion easy to flame retard Cheap and available |
Low strength Rots unless protected Poor weathering |
| Nylon | Light weight Strong Low bulk for clothing Flexible Good Resistance to alkalis |
Moderate weather resistance Moderate resistance to acids |
| Polyester | Strong and fairly flexible Relatively good weathering Good resistance to acids |
Moderate resistance to alkalis |
| Acrylic | Outstanding weatherability Lightfast Colours |
Relatively low strength High cost |
| Polyethylene | Very good chemical resistance Inexpensive Good weathering resistance (enhanced dy stabilizers) |
Tape fabrics somewhat stiff UV stabilizers attacked by acid chemicals |
| Aramid | Very tough and strong Heat resistant Low Stretch |
Relatively Stiff Very expensive |
| Glass | Strong High Modulus - Low stretch Chemical & UV resistant |
Very stiff Fairly expensive |
| Polyvinyl Alchol | Good chemical resistance Soft hand |
Shrinks in water Low tear strength |