
Why Mexican Oilcloth Is Making a Comeback This SummerPourquoi la toile cirée mexicaine fait son grand retour cet été
When the good weather arrives, colors invite themselves into the house and the garden. And if there’s one accessory as practical as it is cheerful to accompany your summer meals, it’s the Mexican oilcloth.
Charoplex®: Mexican know-how recognized worldwide
Since its founding in 1955, Oplex, S.A. de C.V. – known under the brand name Charoplex® – has established itself as a world leader in the manufacture of plastic-coated textiles, made from combinations of natural and synthetic fibers, laminated with alux.world PVC.
Based in Mexico, Charoplex® continues a rigorous industrial tradition based on an IATF16949:2016 and ISO9001 certified quality system, guaranteeing products that meet the standards required in the North American, South American, European and Asian markets.
The Charoplex story began over 65 years ago when Oplex began producing plastic-coated tablecloths and textiles. The company quickly invested in cutting-edge technologies to develop innovative materials: a blend of 91% PVC, 6% polyester, and 3% cotton, on a cotton-polyester backing, printed in four-color process and then covered with a transparent PVC film to ensure brightness, strength, and protection of the designs. This sophisticated and meticulous manufacturing method gives their oilcloths exceptional durability against everyday wear and tear (water, stains, creases).
Technically, Charoplex® fabrics offer excellent mechanical strength: their multi-layer structure ensures good resistance to wear, tear, and stitching. The high-quality printing guarantees vivid, long-lasting designs that are unlikely to fade, while the protective film maintains color vibrancy even after intensive washing. The use of 100% North American materials under Mexican supervision ensures full traceability—a key argument for avoiding counterfeiting. Indeed, Charoplex® affixes a seal of authenticity on the back of each piece to prevent any imitations.
In addition, these tablecloths are distinguished by their ease of maintenance: smooth, waterproof surfaces, cleanable with soapy water or a damp cloth, while remaining resistant to dirt. Their glossy finish attracts the eye and remains stable over time. The chosen materials (PVC, polyester, cotton) are calibrated for long-term use, whether indoors or outdoors, and withstand wrinkles without damage, which fade naturally under the effect of heat or sunlight.
In short, Charoplex® is based on more than six decades of innovation and high standards: a three-layer PVC/PES/cotton construction, protected four-color printing, certified quality controls, and a durable, washable, and waterproof material. The result: an oilcloth with a vibrant design, technically robust, and perfectly suited to modern needs.
🌈 1. An explosion of colors… and good humor
Mexican oilcloth is, above all, a festival of patterns and colors: retro flowers, festive calaveras, tropical fruits, vintage tiles… Each roll seems to tell a story.
It’s the perfect antidote to overly neutral decor: it adds pep to an outdoor table, warmth to a kitchen, and originality to your sewing projects.
Long associated with the popular cuisines of Central America, it’s making a strong comeback, driven by a brighter, freer, and more fun decorating trend. We explain why—and how to embrace it.
🧽 2. As beautiful as it is practical
- Waterproof: nothing gets through, not even a spilled glass of grenadine.
- Easy to clean: a wipe with a sponge and you’re good to go.
- Resistant: to sun, rain, daily use.
In summer, it becomes the best ally for meals on the terrace, impromptu picnics, or even outdoor birthday parties.
🇲🇽 3. A touch of elsewhere in your daily life
Imported directly from Mexico, our canvases also tell a story: that of a popular, accessible yet expressive craft. By using them, you invite a little bit of sunny Mexico into your home, blending tradition and pop culture.
✂️ 4. A creative medium for DIY minds
Sold by meter, Mexican oilcloth adapts to all your desires:
- 💡 In a tablecloth, obviously.
- 🎒 In a tote bag or lunch bag.
- 🎁 As a placemat, a notebook cover, a pocket…
- 🎨 As a backdrop for stylish photos or colorful stands.
All you need is a pair of scissors and a little imagination to create something useful, joyful and unique.
🛍️ 5. How to choose your oilcloth?
At Esquipulas, we select each pattern one by one, thinking of all styles and uses: retro flowers, playful calaveras, tropical fruits, vintage geometrics, classic checks or more discreet prints… There is something for everyone.
Among our iconic models, you will find:
- Oaxaqueña: graphic and solar
- Crisantemos: floral and colorful
- Calaveras: fun and quirky
- Dulce Flor: soft and pastel
And many more to discover online, as the seasons change and as they are restocked.
🌐 All our canvases are sold by meter and carefully packaged to guarantee an impeccable finish upon receipt.
🧡 Conclusion: This summer, let the color in
Mexican oilcloth ticks all the boxes: aesthetic, useful, durable and joyful.
Whether you want to revamp your garden table, sew a pencil case or bring a touch of escape to your daily life: now is the time.