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All our recommended fabrics are fire-safe (SL1) and meet the quality requirements for public space furniture. Fabrics have an abrasion resistance of at least 100,000 Martindale and can withstand a 60-degree water wash. Artificial leathers also have an abrasion resistance of at least 100,000 Martindale, but they must be cleaned by wiping. All our recommended upholstery materials have a lightfastness and pilling tendency of at least 4–5.
According to the European standard, fabric abrasion resistance is measured using the Martindale method (the Wyzenbeek test is often used in the USA). The tests simulate the natural wear of the seat cover; a higher value indicates better resistance to abrasion.
Wear resistance can be broadly divided into three classes:
- Basic Requirement: Minimum 15,000 Martindale – for light use
- High Requirement: Minimum 25,000 Martindale – for heavy use
- Very High Requirement (Public Space): Minimum 50,000 Martindale – for public area furniture
SL 1 The product must not ignite from a smoldering cigarette (1021-1) or a small flame equivalent to a match (1021-2).
SL 2 The product must not ignite from a smoldering cigarette (1021-1).
SL 3The product ignites from a smoldering cigarette (1021-1).
According to the Finnish Ministry of Interior guidelines, upholstered seating furniture in public spaces should be flame-retardant (SL 1).
The pilling value describes the fabric's tendency to pill (form small balls). Pilling tendency is rated on a scale of 1–5.
1–2 = Significant pilling
3 = Minor pilling
4–5 = No pilling
Color lightfastness is generally rated on the blue scale (1–8). The rating compares the fading of the exposed sample's color to the fading of the blue scale colors simultaneously exposed to light.
4 = Basic requirement, good color fastness
5-6 = Very good lightfastness
6-8 = Excellent lightfastness – suitable for public spaces and outdoor use
