When stains occur, Sunbrella suggests spot cleaning. Mix up the same solution you’d use for general cleaning in a spray bottle. Spray it directly on the stain and let it soak for at least 15 minutes. If you’ve spilled something oily, like sunscreen, it may stain the fabric. Sprinkle corn starch over the affected area. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then proceed with the cleaning process.  Corn starch acts as an absorbent and helps to soak up the oily residue. Use a straight-edge or ruler to scrape away the dried corn starch after 10 minutes have passed. Scrub gently at and around the stain until it disappears. If the stain isn’t coming clean, reapply the cleaning solution and let it soak a little longer before scrubbing it again. Rinse the area with clean, fresh water to remove all soap residue. Dab a fresh towel or sponge at the spot, soaking up as much excess moisture as you can. If you have a wet-vac, that also works well. Allow the fabric to air dry the rest of the way. Sunbrella cushions are formulated to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, but it can still occur. Combine 1 cup (120 ml) bleach, ¼ cup (30 ml) mild soap and a gallon of lukewarm water in a bucket. Pour it into a spray bottle. Be sure to mist the affected area thoroughly, but also apply it to the entire surface of the cushion. If you only concentrate on the affected spot, a water ring or light stain may form. Let the solution sit on the fabric for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, wipe the surface of the cushions with a sponge or scrub with a soft bristle brush. To avoid rings and stains, be sure to clean the entire cushion from seam to seam. This should take care of even tough mold and mildew stains. Thoroughly rinse your cushions to remove all traces of the bleach solution. Let them air dry. Setting them out in direct sunlight can help speed up the drying process.
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One-sentence summary -- Spray the mild soap and water solution onto stains. Sprinkle corn starch on oily stains first. Scrub the stain with a sponge or soft bristled brush. Blot at the area to soak up excess moisture. Create a bleach, soap and water solution for mildew. Spray the fabric with the bleach solution. Wipe down with a sponge or brush. Rinse with fresh water and air dry the cushions.


Make a list of meaningful images, symbols, and words that could serve as potential components of your sleeve. Think of interests, values, and signs that you won’t regret having on your body in the future.   You can look for inspiration in tattoo magazines, like Inked (http://www.inkedmag.com/), or shops’ online portfolios. Keep in mind your sleeve will be a major investment of time and money, and it’ll have more meaning for you if you come up with your own imagery. Sleeve tattoos typically cost hundreds or thousands of dollars and have such a level of detail that getting it done in one sitting is usually impossible. Ask your artist if you can do an entire sleeve at once or if you'll need to break it up into several sessions. Aim to use a single artist to complete the entire sleeve so there is continuity in the images and style. Framing larger images with smaller patterns will lend a sense of composition to your sleeve. Work with your tattoo artist to incorporate the framing motif into your first sleeve tattoo and include it in later additions. Examples could be your birth month’s flower or your favorite flower, vines and leaves, cloud patterns, stars, or waves. These elements can reappear throughout your sleeve and unify its other elements. Choose simple, basic colors that will resist fading and give your sleeve continuity. As you add to your sleeve over time, a unified color scheme will help it become a more intentional, cohesive work of art. Ask your tattoo artist, “Can you suggest colors that are easy to replicate in tattoos I'll add to the sleeve in the future? I want to avoid having multiple shades that might clash or seem mismatched. Which color scheme would work best for my skin tone and fade the least?” A good tattoo artist will help you design your entire sleeve, even if you don't want to get it all done at once. Bring your list of tattoo ideas, which is called a brief, to the artist, and try to be as descriptive as possible in conveying your ideas. Ask the artist to sketch some designs, and consult with them about color, spacing, unifying motifs, and other compositional elements. A good tattoo artist will take pleasure in helping you create a meaningful, unique design, so finding the right artist is vital to starting a sleeve tattoo.
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One-sentence summary --
Think of images and symbols that matter most to you. Get your sleeve done in sessions. Choose patterns or motifs that will add continuity. Go with colors that are easily duplicated for consistency. Work with a tattoo artist to design your sleeve.