Acrylic and Teflon both repel liquids from soaking into fabric. Acrylic forms a thicker layer on the fabric surface so you can wipe it down with a sponge–kind of similar to old-fashioned oilcloth, but with much better drape and appearance (the fabric is less thick and less shiny than oilcloth). An acrylic coating makes fabric suitable for using outside. If you have kids, you will love an acrylic-coated tablecloth. Teflon is another fabric treatment that makes liquids bead up before they soak into the cloth. It does not form a thick layer on the fabric–in fact, you cannot feel it at all. (Teflon is a registered trademark of Dupont.) No worries if someone spills a drink. Just blot it with a napkin.