Treating Fabrics: Q/A with SBI Finishing
Many designers are unsure about treating fabrics... which fibers can be treated? Will the colors run? How to clean it after? We have answers!
Diane Percy, Director of Customer Relations at SBI Finishing, gives us the down-low on stain, flame and outdoor...
1. Tell us about your most popular treatment that residential designers use for indoor upholstery...
Our most popular services for indoor upholstery fabrics are Premium Stain Protection and Knit Backing. Premium Stain Protection is a water-based, environmentally-friendly finish that protects fabrics from water-based and oil-based stains. It also resists the intrusion of dust, soil and other residue, and increases the fabric's resistance to wear (double-rubs). Knit Backing helps prevent fraying and seam slippage, and adds tremendous durability and stability to upholstery fabrics. This combination greatly extends the life of fabrics.
2. Do you offer spray and immersion treatments? Can you tell us the difference and when to use which one.
Yes, we have multiple application techniques for each of our finishes. We evaluate every fabric upon receipt, and based on our experience, we decide which application technique would be best.
3. What's your experience with treating natural fabrics? How do they perform?
100% natural fiber fabrics respond best to treatments. They readily accept the protective compounds, and respond very well overall.
4. What about treating natural fabrics for outdoor treatments?
A combination of Premium Stain Protection, Antimicrobial & Acrylic Backing is normally preferred for fabrics intended for outdoor use. These treatments will highly improve the fabric's performance. However, treating an indoor fabric will not make it perform like an outdoor fabric that was made with synthetic fibers. We would recommend that the fabric (pillows, cushions, etc...) be covered or stored during inclement weather.
5. What are the cleaning instructions for treated natural fabrics?
It depends on the treatment that was applied. We ask designers contact us for those specific instructions as they differ. We recommend our instructions in conjunction with the fabric manufacturer's cleaning and care guide. It's good to note, our Premium Stain finish is durable to wet or dry cleaning methods.
6. Anything else you'd like us to know about natural fabrics and your treatments?
Our Premium Stain Protection is heat-cured into the fibers of the fabric, and through proper care, is designed to last the life of the fabric. This sets it apart from other stain guard options that must be regularly reapplied.
Additionally, our sample service is an excellent way of testing how a fabric responds to treatments before having the full yardage treated, and only costs a nominal fee.
SBI Finishing can be reached 903.675.1440 or email info@sbifinishing.com