FAQ | Colorado Canopies

FAQ's

What is the difference between Colorado Canopies and other similar canopies?

KD Kanopies are stronger, lighter and more durable than most of our competitors. Plus, we are the first manufacturer of aluminum, scissor-action frame unit. Colorado Canopy graphic tents are all manufactured, digitally printed or silk screened in house. This give us the advantage of better quality control, which leads to higher customer satisfaction.

What type of fabric is used on Colorado Canopy products?

All Colorado Canopy fabric items are made of durable, 500 denier, high tenacity polyester Oxford fabric which is fire-retardant, UV protected and water resistant.

How do you wash a canopy top?

Place top on the frame at lowest setting and rinse down with garden hose. Take a mild detergent and use a soft brush for soiled spots. Do not brush graphics. Allow the top to dry completely before storing.

Why is there such a price difference between Colorado Canopies and other portable canopies?

Most canopy manufacturers have multiple lines of canopies that they sell. These canopies range from disposable units that can be purchased at Sam’s Club for as low as $120.00 to the commercial lines of canopies similar to the ones Colorado Canopies sells. There are major differences between these canopy lines. Please take a look at our product comparision sheet to see how the commercial lines of Colorado Canopies compare to our competitors commercial canopy lines.

Are your Canopies Water Proof?

No, not water proof, but yes our fabrics are water resistant. Water-resistant fabric is coated with a finish that is resistant but not impervious to penetration by water. Water-resistant fabrics will often bead up rainwater, forming drops on the surface. Water-resistant fabrics will provide protection from limited precipitation, but may not stand up to heavy rains or sudden downpours. For this reason we suggest you take your canopy down if it looks like its going to storm.. If you choose not to take your canopy down, please do not leave it unattended, nor let any water collect on the top. If allowed to pool up, the weight of the water, could cause further damage to your fabric as well as the frame.

Do StarShades have side panels?

Side panels are now available for certain sizes in the StarShade line.

What is the your Warranty?

Check out the Warranty Info section of our site.

How do I send my product in for repair?

If you are having problems with your product, we highly recommend you contact our repair department, and speak to a customer service rep prior to sending anything back. Most repairs of the frame can be completed by you. Before sending your frame back for repair, please ask about parts first. All parts are replaceable, and very simple to do. Small tears or rips in your fabric, can be patched with a self adhesive clear patch, available through our parts department.

We do require a return authorization number for items being returned for evaluation and/or repair. Please call for an RMA number before returning your product.

You will be emailed an authorization number, write this number in bold black print on the outside of the box and ship it to us at the following address.

Colorado Canopies.
Attn Repairs
3755 W. 69th Place
Westminster, CO 80030

My canopy was caught in a rainstorm and some of the bars have broken. Is this covered under warranty?

No. We cannot guarantee against any type of weather related incidents. We recommend that each leg of the canopy be secured down using the canopy stakes provided, but in the event of unstable weather, we recommend taking the canopy down to prevent any damage. You will save time and money by ordering the parts and repairing it yourself.

An unexpected wind gust came up, causing my canopy to rip. There is a tear in the fabric, can this be repaired?

Depending on the size and shape of the tear, there are a couple of options of repairing. We offer a self-adhesive patch that you can apply yourself. This works well on many small tears and you avoid the expense of shipping and labor charges. If you feel the damage is too extreme, to repair yourself, you may want to contact a local canvas repair shop or a possibly a seamstress. If none of the options work for you for you, please feel free to call us for an RMA Authorization You would be responsible for all shipping costs.

Is normal wear and tear covered by warranty?

We manufacture all of our products to meet our high standards. However, regardless of how carefully you use it, or how well you care for your product, it will eventually begin to show age and wear. The Colorado Canopy warranty covers defects in workmanship and materials, but it does not cover normal wear and tear.

Will my KD Kanopy product be repaired or replaced?

If your product fails due to a manufacturing or workmanship defect, our first option will be to repair the item, free of charge. If the product is not repairable, or if the cost of repairing the item exceeds the cost of a new one, we will replace it.

Do I need to clean my canopy before sending it in for repair?

When returning canopy, please brush off any dirt, and sponge clean, making sure that the fabric is completely dry before sending it in. Most repairs require some sort of sewing, if your product is dirty or wet, this will cause problems with our machines. This is why we won’t work on dirty or wet canopies. Canopies, not clean enough to work on will be returned to you.

How long will my repair take?

Our typical turn around time is three to four weeks from the time we receive your product until it is returned to you. In some cases we can get it back to you sooner. In rare cases, it may take longer. During peak season (May, June, July & August) our turnaround time can stretch to six weeks.

What do repairs cost, who pays for shipping?

The cost of non-warranty repairs varies from one repair to another, depending on the cost of the materials and length of time it takes for us to do the repair. After your product is received and evaluated, we will contact you with the cost of repair. We will never start a repair without the customers consent.

As stated in our warranty policy, the customer pays the shipping charges to send products to the Return & Warranty Department. If it is determined to be a warranty we will ship it back to you at our cost. If you request that we return your product by Fed Ex Overnight or 2nd Day Air, the additional shipping charges will be billed to you. Shipping charges for all non-warranty repairs are at the owner’s expense.

How can I find out the status of my repair order?

You can track your package with your shipper to determine if and when it has been delivered. Once we have received your product in the Returns & Warranty Department, we will let you know the status of your repair. If you have further questions, please call the Warranty Department, at 1(303) 669-1915.

How do I wash my canopy? Can I put my canopy in a washing machine?

Proper cleaning and storage of your tent will help prolong its life. Before storing your tent, set it up and inspect it. Look for any damage, pulled seams, holes or mildew.

Once you have inspected your canopy, clean all dust and dirt marks with a sponge, mild soap, and warm water. Rinse with a clean wet sponge. Allow the tent to dry thoroughly before folding and putting away.

We do not recommend putting your Colorado Canopy in the washing machine or having it power washed or dry cleaned.

My tent has mildew on it, what can I do?

Once mildew appears on your canopy, there is not much that can be done to get rid of it. But you can prevent it from getting worse. Make sure to clean your tent well and it is completely dry before storing away. Most mildew begins when the fabric is stored away wet. Any damage caused by mildew is not covered under warranty.

Can I leave my KD Kanopy up for extended periods of time?

Our canopies were designed as temporary structures, meant to be taken down in unstable weather conditions. Although our fabric is water resistant, it is not waterproof. When it starts to rain or snow, you must take care to prevent rain from pooling on the top.. If the winds increase to the point where your canopy may blow away, we recommend you take your canopy down. Please never leave your canopy unattended.

My Canopy is leaking at the seams, what can I do?

Our canopies are a sewn product. In the seams where fabric has been stitched together, the sewing process has created tiny needle holes along the seam. Our canopies are treated for water resistance, but this does not make them waterproof. If you should experience leaking at the seams, you can go to your local hardware store and pick up a bottle of seam sealer and apply it to the areas that are leaking. This essentially plugs up the small holes.

What is the difference between digital print vs screen print?

Screen Print Process
A method in which ink is applied directly to the surface to be printed. The logo, text or image to be printed is photographically transferred to a very fine fabric (the screen) such that the non-printed areas are blocked off and the fabric serves as a stencil. The ink is wiped across the screen to pass through the unblocked pores and reach the substrate. For each color to be printed a separate screen is prepared and the process is repeated.

Screen Print – The Upside
Less Is Sometimes More…
When a project calls for basic imaging – two color logos on generic backgrounds like red, black, blue, green, etc. -- screen-print is often the smarter, more cost-effective choice.

And More Is Sometimes Less
The major expense in screen printing is the up-front cost of producing the screen themselves. Each additional unit after the first one lowers the per/unit price. Economies of scale with screen print are far more dramatic than with digital.

Screen print pricing is more flexible than digital. For clients working with tight budgets, we’ll offer advice on how to be as efficient as possible: reducing colors, for example, or cross-purposing screens for different project elements.

Screen Print – The Downside
Screen-print severely limits the complexity of the printed image. You are also limited to specific areas to which ink can be applied. Generally speaking, designs cannot flow from one surface to another.

Large Format Digital Print Process
Large format digital printing is a process by which very large “inkjet type” printers use special solvent inks to print on hundreds of different specially coated media to produce clean, crisp, full color graphics of virtually any size direct from digital files without the need for complex and costly color separations.

Digital Print – The Upside
Maximum Imaging Capacity

•Digital print allows us to handle complex designs, gradients, logos, photography and line illustrations. For all practical purposes, there are no imaging restrictions. You pay the same for one color as you do for a million colors.
•Since we start with white fabric and print over the entire surface, the base color of the printed goods can match corporate Pantone colors.
•When it comes to canopies, digital allows for designs to flow from one canopy peak to the other, or from the peak to the canopy valance. Or from the top of the table cover to the front or the sides.

Digital Print – The Downside
Digital is generally more expensive than screen-print but that depends on quantity of colors being printe, and economies of scale for larger orders are minimal.

Which is Best?

Neither. They’re both great. Depends upon the situation.

Where can I find templates for design layout?

Contact your sales representative.

Do you offer design services?

We do offer in-house design services. The first two hours are free. If more time is needed, additional charges may apply.

If my artwork is not correct will you print it anyway?

No. If your submitted artwork files do not conform to our file requirements, we will notify you of any issues and ask that new files be submitted. If you are unable to make the corrections yourself, we will be happy to assist you with any changes.

Will I receive a proof before print production begins?

Yes. You must approve a PDF digital proof for all custom printed products prior to print production. These proofs will be emailed to you. Under no circumstances will we launch production without a signed proof in hand. Please leave time in the production schedule for your own internal review.

Can my graphic designer upload files?

Yes. Contact your sales representative for more details.

I’ve placed my order. How will I know you received it and everything is ok?

Once we receive a signed layout and a form of payment, your order goes into production immediately. If you require further information on the status of your order, contact your sales representative.

How can I cancel my order?

If you need to cancel your order, contact your sales representative immediately. The stage your order is at in the production process will determine if any charges will be incurred. No refunds will be given for custom orders in print production.

Payment options?

We accept Visa and MasterCard. We do accept payment by check, however this process takes much longer than a credit card transaction. Once we receive the order it will be submitted but remain “On Hold” until the check clears with the bank. After the check has cleared, the standard turnaround time will apply.

When does my production turnaround time begin?

Turnaround times for custom printed products begin once the PDF proof has been approved by you. All proofs will be emailed directly to you. If you approve your job by 12 P.M. Mountain Standard Time, production turnaround time begins that business day.

Does my turnaround include shipping?

What shipping options do you offer?

Our primary method of shipping is FedEx Ground. We can expedite, if necessary, for an additional charge.

Do you offer rush services?

If you have a rush need, we’ll do all we can to meet your project timeline. We understand that tight deadlines are a reality of our clients and our client’s customers. If you need your order completed in 6-11 business days, there is a 20% rush charge on the total order amount (minimum $200). If you need your order completed in 5-7 business days, there is a 25% rush charge on the total order amount (minimum $250).

Large quantity orders should be carefully researched ahead of time. That means giving us a call a month or so in advance and letting us know what’s coming. We’ll work with you to establish a detailed timeline that includes art delivery, proofing, production, pack-out and preparation for shipping.

What is your return policy for non-printed products?

We want you to be completely satisfied when you purchase. All non-printed products can be returned for a refund less a 20% restocking fee within 10 days from the day you receive the item. The item must be returned in new and unused condition, in the original boxes, with all paperwork, parts and accessories. “New and unused” means that there are no scratches, blemishes, or marks on the item; there are no signs of wear on the product. A Return Authorization Number must be arranged by contacting Customer Service (303-669-1915) prior to shipping. All packages must be returned prepaid by customer. A refund will be applied to your credit card (or a check will be issued if you paid by check) upon receipt and inspection of the returned products.

What is your return policy for custom printed products?

There are no returns on custom printed products. Any obvious defect or printing error will be corrected.

What is your return policy for damaged items?

Any items that are found to contain damage upon opening your shipment, must be reported to our customer service with one business day from receipt of shipment. If your shipment contains extensive damage to the packaging upon delivery, refuse the shipment and contact us immediately (303-669-1915).

Can my canopy peak and valance be different colors?

Yes. Your peaks and valances do not have to be the same color. Be creative and design your own unique top, additional charges may apply.