Durafab® Upholstery Fabrics for home and office furnishings

Contents

1. About the company 1 2. Applications 1 3. Features 2 4. Swatches 3 5. Specification guidelines 4 6. Cleaning information 6 7. Environmentally friendly 8 8. Technical specifications 9

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Durafab Upholstery Fabrics

The Fabric Project manufactures contract fabrics for upholstery applications.

Durafab upholstery fabrics have introduced new standards of performance for home and office furnishings. Durafab fabrics have the look and feel of natural fiber with the stylishness and durability that only synthetic fibers can achieve. Woven with continuous filament yarns made using state of the art technologies, Durafab fabrics meet the high-performance requirements that professionals seek for contract applications. Durafab is the fabric of choice for all prestigious furnishings. The Fabric Project offers interior designers, architects, furniture manufacturers and the final consumer a highly desirable combination of properties. It offers excellent value in terms of fabric performance at a reasonable price, which the architect and interior designer can specify with confidence that he is providing the buyer with a top of the line product.

The Fabric Project is the market leader in contract fabrics in Pakistan since 1990.

Durafab applications Office chairs Sofas Wall paneling Partition boards Soft boards Office workstation paneling Lounge seats Auditorium seating and

acoustic effect paneling

Seating for public waiting areas Cafeterias and canteens Wedding halls Banquet chairs Movie theatres Hospitals Hotel lobbies Domestic furnishings

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Durafab features

Extremely durable excellent balance of strength, elasticity and abrasion resistance

Long-lasting stands up well to normal use & abuse and maintains its shape better and longer

Colorfast made from a special melt dyed yarn so the color will not crock, bleed or migrate. The colors remain fresh and vibrant longer

Soil and stain resistant the fabric resists all water borne stains for example tea, coffee, juice, ketchup, milk, etc. The fabric is also resistant to most chemicals, a great advantage when fabric is used in factory and other industrial environments

Unaffected by rot and mildew the fabric is not attacked by insects or fungus & mildew. It is mothproof and rot-proof

Dimensionally stable, wet or dry finished and preshrunk

Easy to clean or wash dirt and stains can be easily cleaned with household detergent and water or by wet vacuuming

Quick drying furnishings are ready for use even after cleaning

Anti-pilling no fuzzy balls form on the fabric - maintains its fresh look

Resistant to odors the fabric simply will not retain smells like those from cigarette smoke, body odors, perspiration etc. – a highly desirable property for all upholstery applications

With UV protection optional UV additive for resistance to the fading effect of sunlight for outdoor applications

Non-allergenic will not irritate sensitive skin

The Fabric Project can provide customized design solutions for your special projects. We can create special colors of standard line products, or create custom colors, textures and patterns to meet specified applications. Custom orders are subject to specific minimums and special terms.

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See our fabric swatch book for complete range of colors and weaves.

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Specification guidelines The following contract fabric specification guidelines will assure that the fabrics you specify perform up to contract standards and pass all applicable testing. The categories describe performance features as measured by specified methods under standard laboratory conditions. These guidelines are based on recommendations by the Association of Contract Textiles (ACT) and are for information purposes only. They are made available to assist specifiers and end-users in evaluating certain characteristics of contract textiles.

1. Abrasion The surface wear of upholstery fabric caused by rubbing and contact with another fabric. The Martindale abrasion test ASTM D4966-98 is the method commonly used to predict wearability. This is an oscillating test. Fabric samples are mounted flat and rubbed in a figure eight like motion using a piece of worsted wool cloth as the abradant. The number of cycles that the fabric endures before it shows objectionable change in appearance (yarn breaks, pilling, holes) is counted. Number of cycles (rubs) determines abrasion rating. Upholstery fabrics for heavy-duty use are rated at 30,000 rubs – these are appropriate for corporate offices, hotel rooms, conference rooms, waiting areas, lounges, dining areas, etc. There are extreme wear situations that may require higher levels of abrasion resistance, such as airport waiting areas, train & bus seating and such public places as theaters, hospitals, lecture halls and fast food restaurants. It is suggested that higher than 60,000 rubs are not meaningful in providing additional value in use. Durafab upholstery fabrics are tested to > 70,000 rubs. Actual performance is determined by many factors such as fiber content, type of weave, furniture design and upholstery workmanship, cleaning and usage. The durability of an upholstery fabric also depends on its other features like color fastness, wet & dry crocking, stain resistance, cleanability etc.

2. Colorfastness to light A fabric’s degree of resistance to the fading effect of light. Colorfastness to light is a measure of how permanent a color is on fabric after exposure to light. Both natural and synthetic fabrics are subject to discoloration under UV rays (sunlight) and fluorescent light. In the test method ISO-105-B02 the tested sample is exposed to the influence of the light of a xenon lamp under certain conditions. Lightfastness grading is determined by comparing the level of color loss of the tested sample with blue standards. For example, grade 5 means that the characteristics of color fastness of the tested sample are similar to the characteristics of the blue standard 5. Grade 5 – no fading Grade 4 – slight fading Grade 1 – high degree of fading Upholstery fabrics should have a minimum rating of 4 regardless of end use. Durafab upholstery fabrics have a rating of 4-5.

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3. Colorfastness to wet and dry crocking /rubbing Transfer of color from the surface of a colored fabric onto another surface by rubbing or repeated contact. Test method ISO-105x12:2001 uses a standard white cotton fabric in both dry and wet state that is rubbed against the surface of the test fabric. After rubbing under controlled pressure for a specific number of times the amount of color transferred to the white test squares is compared to a color chart and a rating is established. Grade 5 – no color transfer Grade 1 – high degree of color transfer For upholstery fabrics ACT guidelines recommend dry crocking Grade 4 minimum and wet crocking Grade 3 minimum. Durafab upholstery fabrics have a rating of 4-5 for both dry and wet crocking /rubbing.

4. Pilling Pilling is the formation of fuzzy balls of fiber on the surface of a fabric that remain attached to the fabric. ISO-12945-2:2000 Martindale Method with 415g loading mass, 200 cycles: Grade 5 – no change Grade 4 – slight surface fuzzing Grade 3 – moderate surface pilling. Pills of varying size

and density partially covering the surface Grade 2 – distinct surface piling. Pills of various size

and density covering a large proportion of the surface

Grade 1 – severe pilling covering whole of the fabric surface

Most upholstery fabrics pill to varying degrees. For contract applications fabric should meet grade 4 minimum. Durafab upholstery fabrics have a pilling rating of 4-5.

5. Colorfastness to perspiration Resistance to color change due to perspiration. ISO-105-E104:1994 determines resistance to color change due to acidic or alkaline perspiration. Grade 5 – no color change Grade 1 – high degree of color change Durafab upholstery fabrics have a rating of 4-5.

6. Flammability A fabric’s performance when it is exposed to specific source of ignition. ACT guidelines specify different flammability tests dictated by the intended end use of the fabric. The NFPA 701-89 measures ignition resistance of a fabric after it is exposed to a flame for 12 seconds. The flame, char length and flaming residue are recorded. The test is repeated a number of times and all test samples have to pass the test (if even one sample fails, the fabric fails). ACT guidelines recommend Class 1 for upholstery and panels. Durafab upholstery fabrics meet this recommendation. Higher fire-resistant property is required in high risk areas with little means of escape, for example in prison cells and on offshore oil installations. Durafab fabrics can be made to meet high hazard applications by incorporation of additives to inhibit or prevent the combustion process. It must be appreciated that fire hazard presented by any textile is very dependent on its construction, type of fiber and the circumstances at the time. A fabric cannot be described as non-flammable under all conceivable circumstances.

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Cleaning information

Durafab fabrics are made from Duralene Olefin synthetic fibers which do not absorb liquids and moisture. Any staining which remains on the fiber surface is easy to clean. Water-based cleaning agents and foam or mild, dry cleaning solvents may be used for cleaning this fabric. It is important to vacuum upholstery regularly to remove the surface dust that builds up and slowly contributes to a graying effect that diminishes the clarity of the original color.

In addition to regular vacuuming, a professional cleaner should come in at least once or twice a year to thoroughly clean the fabric and remove the soiling that a normal vacuum cleaner cannot reach. The expense of this service is small compared to the reward of seating that looks good as new after a lot of use.

Stain treatment There are two types of stains: water-based and oil-based. The key to removing either type is prompt action. The longer a stain is allowed to remain on a fabric, the more difficult it will be to remove. For water-based stains, a solution of warm soapy water (not overly soapy) should remove them, as detailed below. In removing oil-based stains, the same procedure can be followed, but instead of warm water, a spray dry cleaning solution is used. Either treatment should be tried in a concealed part of the fabric first, to make sure there will be no adverse reaction between the color and the cleaning solution. Step 1. Soak up excess staining material immediately with a soft absorbent material such as tissue, paper towels or colorfast cloth. Do not dry the stain completely or it may set. Scrape and vacuum away dry, solid material. Avoid working soilant deeper into the fabric. Step 2. Either by using warm soapy water or a dry cleaning solution and a clean sponge or soft bristle brush, begin brushing the stain with light, quick strokes. Start at the outside of the stain and work toward the center to avoid ringing. Be careful not to

overly saturate the stain with cleaning solution or you may get a ring. Also, overwetting may spread the stain and damage cushion material under the fabric. Do not rub too vigorously or you may damage the nap of the fabric or break fibers. Turn the damp cloth frequently to a clean surface to avoid redepositing the soilant. Step 3. Once the stain is removed, soak up all remaining cleaning solution and then use another clean cloth or sponge dipped in cool water to remove any residue that will attract further soiling. Cleaning the entire fabric panel, or at least a large area around the spot reduces the likelihood of ringing. Step 4. Allow fabric to dry thoroughly and then vacuum well before using. Step 5. Several light applications are less harmful to fabrics than one concentrated one. If you go through the above steps and there is still a stain, repeat the entire procedure. Note: never use anything hot to clean fabric, as heat will set stains. Also, avoid a scrubbing motion. If the stain is stubborn, call a professional cleaner and ask for their advice.

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Stains and Recommended Cleaners

Stains Recommended Cleaner(s)

Tea, coffee, cola, ketchup, chocolate, juice, inks, carbon, watercolors

50/50 solution of warm water and detergent or hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate based bleaches

Heavy stain, gravy, pickle juice, urine, vomit

50/50 solution of warm water and detergent or hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate based bleaches; or water and detergent solution with 3% ammonia

Furniture polish 50/50 solution of warm water and detergent or hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate based bleaches; or water and detergent solution with 3% ammonia; or undiluted white vinegar; or 10% acetic acid solution

Blood 50/50 solution of warm water and detergent or hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate based bleaches; or undiluted white vinegar; or 10% acetic acid solution

Nail polish Acetone or nail polish remover, or paint thinner

Egg 50/50 solution of warm water and detergent with 3% ammonia

Butter 50/50 solution of warm water and detergent with 3% ammonia; or solvent such as a remover for paint, oil or grease

Milk Undiluted white vinegar or 10% acetic acid solution

Rubber cement, shoe polish Solvent

Crayon, Latex paint, linseed oil, lipstick, oil, oil paints

Remover for paint, oil, grease

Rust Oxalic acid

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Additional testing details inside.

Technical Specifications Composition 100% Duralene Olefin

Weight 300 – 450 g/m2

Width 52 inches

Roll length 50 meters

Martindale wear test > 70,000 rubs

Martindale pilling test 4 – 5

Wet & dry crocking 4 – 5

Colorfastness to light 4 – 5

Colorfastness to perspiration 4 – 5

Flammability Class 1