1680 Denier PVC Backed Ballistic Nylon Fabric - Durable Waterproof

In this review of the 1680 denier PVC backed ballistic nylon, the bottom line is simple: this is a heavy-duty fabric for projects that need abrasion resistance and dependable waterproofing. The reviewer found it best suited to protective applications such as backstops, tarps, covers and gear that must resist oils, acids and UV exposure. Cut to 5 linear yards from a 60' roll, the cloth balances stiffness and flexibility so it is straightforward to measure, cut and sew while standing up to rough handling.

Key Features

• 1680 denier ballistic base: a 2x2 basket weave provides a dense, impact-resistant foundation that resists tearing and heavy abrasion for extended service life.
• PVC backing: a polyvinyl chloride layer makes the fabric impermeable to most liquids and offers resistance to UV, oils, acids and many corrosive inorganic chemicals.
• Flame behavior: the PVC backing is lightly flame retardant and self-extinguishing, adding a measure of safety for workshop and outdoor use.
• Workability: despite its heavyweight construction the material remains flexible enough to cut and sew with standard industrial or heavy domestic machines.
• Precut convenience: supplied as a 5 linear yard (180 in) cut from a 60 in roll, making it simple to plan projects without buying an entire bolt.

Who It's For

The fabric is ideal for hobbyists and professionals who need a tough, waterproof material for protective covers, tarps, machine guarding, or shooting backstops; customers who valued durability and waterproof performance in other reviews found it especially useful. It suits sewers equipped to handle tough textiles and those making gear that will see scraping, wet conditions, or chemical exposure.

Those who should look elsewhere include crafters needing lightweight or highly breathable textiles and buyers wanting patterned or decorative materials, since this is a heavy, plain black industrial fabric focused on performance rather than aesthetics.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent abrasion and impact resistance from the 1680 denier ballistic weave for long-lasting protection.
• Waterproof PVC backing blocks liquids and adds resistance to UV, oils and many corrosives.
• Flexible enough to cut and sew, making it practical for custom covers and sewn projects.
• Sold in a convenient 5 yd cut from a 60 in roll, providing usable length without excess waste.

Cons

• Heavyweight construction can be stiff for some hand-sewing tasks and may require industrial needles or equipment.
• Plain black industrial finish is functional but not decorative for visible consumer goods.

Specifications

Material	Nylon with PVC backing
Denier	1680 denier ballistic
Weave	2x2 basket weave
Width	60 in (roll width)
Cut length	5 linear yards (180 in)
Color	Black
Origin	Made in the USA

Our Verdict

This 1680 denier PVC backed ballistic nylon is a solid value for anyone needing a robust, waterproof fabric that resists abrasion and chemical exposure. It is particularly well suited to protective covers, tarps and utility projects where durability matters more than appearance, and the precut 5 yd length makes it an economical choice for both one-off repairs and small production runs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this fabric truly waterproof?
Yes. The PVC backing makes the material impermeable to most liquids, and customers report no water passing through the lining.

Can it be sewn on a home sewing machine?
It can be sewn, but users should employ heavy-duty needles and strong thread; industrial or heavy domestic machines handle it most reliably.

Does the PVC resist chemicals and UV?
The backing offers resistance to UV, oils, acids and many corrosive inorganic chemicals, making it suitable for outdoor and industrial use.