Fabric Tips #4

If you are specifying upholstery fabric (especially) in a contract environment then look closely at the Martindale or rub test rating of your fabric. This measures abrasion and simulates ‘wear and tear’.

The following is taken from BS 2543 and shows the ‘intended duty’ of the fabric:

OD = Occasional domestic – 6,000 rubs

LD = Light domestic – 15,000 rubs

GD = General domestic – 20,000  rubs

HD = Heavy domestic – 25,000 rubs

SD = Severe domestic/general contract – 30,000  rubs

SC = Severe contract Abrasion performance – 40,000 rubs