TON furniture upholstery: fabrics and leather
Upholstery materials for commercial furniture are divided into price categories. Fabrics and artificial leathers fall under categories A to E and natural leather falls under categories 1 and 2. Natural materials make up more than 50% of many fabrics. All upholstery materials, especially those with high wear resistance, are suitable for use in public areas, for cafe & restaurant furniture. Many of them also fulfill the safety requirements for self extinguishing. In compliance with environmental protection, the upholstery materials fulfill the requirements of EU regulations or other internationally recognized organizations.
Wool upholstery
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Wool is a natural fibre of the highest quality. Thanks to the water and protein content, the wool is naturally fire resistant and its ignition point is 700 °C, for which reason it fulfils the high requirements of flammability tests. The wool also has antibacterial properties. The rugged surface of the wollen upholstery in combination with their extraordinary ability to absorb moisture prevents growth of bacteria which prefer the smooth walls of artificial fibres. Woollen textiles are good absorbers of noise and increase the sense of peace and quiet around us. Production of wool is based on the principle of renewable energy sources and is environmentally friendly.
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Recycled wool
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Recycled wool is a natural fibre made from leftover industrial fabrics.
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Recycled polyester
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Recycled polyester is obtained by cleaning and melting used plastic and re-spinning it into textile fibres. It offers the same technical and aesthetic properties as the original polyester, but has a lower environmental impact. The use of recycled polyester gives a second life to a material that is not biodegradable.
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Artificial leather
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The basis of artificial leather is textile to which PVC layers (or other PVC mixtures) are applied. A texture characteristic of natural leather (hide) may be printed onto this layer. Latest developments in the processing of artificial materials have resulted in synthetic leather not being discernible from natural one at first glance and thus enabling customers to enjoy the appearance and comfort of leather at bargain prices. Further advantages of artificial leather include high abrasion resistance, water resistance and easy maintenance. These properties together with the fire retardant finish provide a wide range of applications of artificial leather in public areas, healthcare industry and in households.
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Leather
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Leather is pliable and warm to the touch, permeable, elastic, has a characteristic scent and is resistant to wear. Its quality depends on the animal’s lifestyle but also on how the leather was processed. Minor defects occurring during the animal’s life, such as wrinkles, veins, small scars or scratches are regarded as permissible and are even required as an evidence of the‚ genuine and unique‘ quality of the leather. Unacceptable defects are deep scratches, burn marks, thin skin and also defects originating from processing the leather. The long-term natural appearance of leather can be preserved by regular care and by following the few simple principles of use found in our Furniture care & maintenance manual.
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Aniline leather
This leather is processed with vegetable oils. Only water-soluble aniline dye is used to dye the leather so the surface of the leather is not treated with a pigment layer. The leather thus retains its open pores and natural permeability, softness and smoothness. Permeability increases user comfort. The temperature of leather easily adapts to that of the human body, eliminating any sensation of cold or uncomfortable overheating. Aniline leather best manifests the natural character of leather. The non-uniform color, natural flaws and individual surface pattern accentuate the originality
of each piece. Elmotique is a thinner aniline leather with a tiedye effect which shows all the properties of original leather. A product upholstered with aniline leather becomes a new member of the household which requires regular care and careful handling. Since the leather has no surface finish, it is susceptible to scratching, absorption of fluids and dirt. Direct sunlight is also harmful to it. In time, the surface acquires a characteristic patina. |
Semi-aniline leather
Semi-aniline leather is dyed just like aniline
leather. But a thin layer of pigment is applied to the surface to protect the leather from damage. For this reason, semi-aniline leather can also be used in public environments. The pigment layer on the surface only partially reduces the permeability of the pores, it does not cover the natural marks of the leather and maintains the contrasting colors. Elmosoft is a soft and pliable semi-aniline leather which is available in a broad palette of shades. It fulfills applicability in the public sector according to the BS5852 Crib 5 Test. Thanks to the pigment layer, the surface finish of semi-aniline leather is more resistant to sunlight, scratching, stains and fluids. But this does not mean that it does not require regular care. |
Pigmented leatherPigmented leather can also be dyed with aniline dyes. The epidermis may be brushed. The surface finish is a layer of pigment dye with an imprint of the uniform raster of the leather surface. This results in loss of natural permeability, reduction in softness and the ability to remove moisture. On the other hand, the pigment layers have very good wear resistance, color-fastness, better resistance to soiling and are easier to maintain.
Prince and MDR are pigmented leathers which fulfill the requirements of intensive usage of products that are easy and quick to maintain. |
At Smart Idea you can order upholstery for your furniture. Check our online store or visit us in Toronto.