Helpful Tips
Chenille Yarn Fabrics
Fabrics using chenille yarn constructions from viscose rayon, acrylic, polyester or cotton fibres will behave like most pile or napped fabrics during service, i.e. orientation of pile fibres will be disrupted when sat upon, resulting in an apparently different shade on contact areas. This disruption of the pile fibres and consequent apparent colour change are inherent characteristics and should not be considered as defects.
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'.
Dye Transfer
Certain clothing and accessory dyes (such as those used on denim jeans) may migrate to lighter colours. This phenomenon is increased by humidity and temperature and is irreversible.
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 extra caution in selecting 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
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.
Natural Fibres
We suggest that fabrics of predominantly cotton or linen construction are not used for roman blinds as this may result in faded striping. Please ensure the correct product is specified in order to enhance performance and longevity of the roman blind. Warwick will not entertain claims relating to roman blinds when the product specified consist predominantly of natural fibres.
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.
Pink Stain Protection
In Marine and Outdoor vinyl applications mildew and fungal organisms may enter the foam upholstery through the seam areas. These organisms may produce coloured by-products causing ‘pink stain’. If bacterial growth proliferates on wet and untreated substructure components, the pink stain by-product will gradually work its way to the surface and stain the vinyl coated fabric, even if the vinyl is well-protected against bacteria and mildew. Unlike standard vinyls, our marine and outdoor vinyls have been engineered to include mildew retardant additives, to dramatically reduce, and in most cases eliminate, the potential for pink stain situations in almost all conditions. Biocide treatment of foam cushion components of the seat is also critical to fully protect the upholstery. We recommend the use of reticulated foam cushions for outdoor applications.
All Warwick marine vinyl coated fabrics contain proven antifungal/antibacterial agents in sufficient amounts to provide years of mildew-free use. However, the best protection against pink stain is to construct marine and outdoor seating and trim pieces in such a way as to reduce moisture and dirt retention from within the foam, this can be achieved by heat sealing your seams., Also incorporate components that have been properly formulated and/or treated with an efficient anti-microbial agent.
Boat Owner Recommendations
It is recommended that boat owners cover their boats when not in use to assist in reducing the adverse effect continuous sunlight can cause, also to allow adequate ventilation to avoid trapping moisture. Sunlight and moisture can degrade upholstery components over time and shorten the service life of exterior upholstery. Boat owners should refrain from stowing wet towels, all-weather gear, swimsuits, etc. inside their boats. Moisture absorbing desiccants will aid in controlling interior moisture.
Pilling
Pilling can 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.
Reversible Fabrics
It is the responsibility of our customers to ensure that fabrics labelled as ’reversible’ are made up in accordance with the end user’s preference. Warwick will not entertain claims relating to this issue.
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. Remembering that stitch lengths should always be reviewed when changing material/leather/vinyl types.
- Seam allowance and type.
- Over locking and bound edging. Over locking should be used for loose woven fabrics and for seat cushion seams. Making note that narrow over lock bites are generally not suitable for upholstery fabrics. Bound edges are sometimes needed to be used in lieu of over locking to prevent fraying.
- 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.
- Pressure and load balances in individual furniture designs. Each design should be considered carefully as to the appropriate sewing and seam method.
If you need further advice it is best to direct your question to a technician from your sewing machine brand or thread supplier. As experts they will guide you to the most appropriate machinery and tools for your project.
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.
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.
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