Colour Fastness
All fabrics are tested to industry standards. It is important to note that no fabric is 100% colour fast and that it is impossible to prevent colours fading if adequate precautions are not taken in the home. Winter sun, sitting lower in the sky, can cause the most damage, particularly when protective curtains have been pulled back to ‘warm the room’.
Fading
Colours with which the fabrics are dyed, particularly bright colours, will be susceptible to light fading depending on the degree of exposure. Some fabric damage will be evident where fading is most pronounced. In situations where rooms are northerly facing or exposed to constant daylight we recommend Jacquard woven or Vat Dye printed furnishings. Sun damage: constant exposure to the direct rays of the sun will break down fabric fibres, causing them to become brittle and resulting in the affected area breaking when cleaned.
Chewing Gum
Rub an ice cube over the gum to harden it, then scrape off the excess with a dull knife. To remove what’s left, use dry cleaning fluid.
General Care
When arranging your furniture, care should be taken to avoid touching external walls or radiators to prevent problems of moisture build up and/or scorching damage. Take care to prevent sharp objects such as rings, buckles and pets’ claws from coming into contact with your furniture, as this may cause snagging or tearing of the fabric.
Vacuum regularly (weekly) using low suction. Rotate reversible cushions regularly. Protect from direct sunlight.
Oxidation
Fumes from chimneys, auto exhausts, open fires, gas fires, stoves, or wherever combustion is present, produce a sulphur compound which when combined with humidity and oxygen in the air produce a mild sulphuric acid. This matter is absorbed by or clings to the furnishing fabric and contributes to discolouration and deterioration of the fabric.
Pilling
an occur occasionally as a result of normal daily wear and should not be considered as a fault. There are many variables which can trigger pilling, including climatic conditions, atmospheric purity and user environment. Even specific clothing types (fleecy tracksuits etc) can transfer pills from the clothing to the furniture fabric. As the fabric surface is rubbed, a single or small group of loose fibres on the surface begins to twist upon itself, forming tiny balls or ‘pills’. Often the catalyst that starts this process is a foreign fibre or speck of dirt. Pilling can be successfully removed with battery operated pilling tools available from most haberdashery stores. ‘De-pilling’ only removes unsightly loose surface fibres and does not affect fabric performance.
Shrinkage
All fabrics are prone to shrinkage and it is important that sufficient allowances be made. An allowance of 3% is considered an acceptable industry standard.
Seam Slippage
It is possible for fabrics which are tested for seam slippage and approved for upholstery use to display fraying problems. This may occur if the following recommendations are overlooked:
– Stitch lengths. A minimum of 10-12 seam stitches per inch (25mm).
– Seams. A minimum half inch (13mm) seam should be taken.
– Over locking. Should be used for loose woven fabrics and for seat cushion seams.
– Taping. In some cases an additional safeguard of stitching through a quarter inch tape along the seam may be necessary to prevent fraying in high-load areas (such as corner back cushions). This may be done at the manufacturer’s discretion after testing on individual designs.
Velvets
To protect against pile loss incurred when velvets are upholstered onto foam we recommend high wear areas be completely covered by Dacron or Calico. In particular, side and end panels of foam seat cushions should not be overlooked. We recommend curtains to be made with pile up.
When velvet curtains are hung for the first time it is recommended that they be drawn across and finely sprayed with water. The spray should dampen but not soak the velvet. The curtains should then be left to dry and under no circumstances to be touched during this period. When the curtains are dry most creases and marks will have come out and the pile should have lifted to reveal the richness and lustre of the velvet. If initially cared for, the pile should continue to improve as the atmosphere lifts it. This process can continue for several months.
Orders of velvet are protected by corrugated board. Despite this precaution, bruising can occur if the parcel is dropped or heavily crushed. If this occurs it is recommended that the fabric be unrolled and laid on the table either flat or in gentle folds and left for several days. This procedure will allow the pile to ‘breathe’ and recover naturally. Any severe bruising can be removed by gentle steaming.
Viscose Rayon Fabrics
Viscose Rayon is a fibre which was originally developed as “man-made silk” and produced from natural plant origins. Its unique soft hand and lustre combine with a surface character that may appear shaded in some areas. This is a normal characteristic of Viscose Rayon and should be purchased with this consideration in mind.
Yellowing
Fumes and atmosphere in any room where tobacco is smoked will cause a yellow/brown stain on most fabrics. This is a particular problem in modern fabrics with a white or light background.