Flock: features, properties and types

Upholstery is probably the main criterion that buyers pay attention to when choosing upholstered furniture. For several decades, the upholstery flock has been in demand. Its long lasting popularity is due to its functionality, quality, aesthetic appearance and ease of care.

Do not think that the flock is already outdated material, from which, for the most part, sofas were made during the Soviet era. Yes, it is the flock sofas left over from grandparents that are now kept at many dachas, but since then the fabrication techniques of this fabric have changed significantly. The modern flock has a higher quality, and its appearance and color variety allow you to choose the most stylish and modern option.

Flock can be a natural or artificial material. Its indicators are determined by the pile that is glued to the base. Often used in the production of polyester or fabric of 65% nylon and 35% cotton. Due to this composition, the output is a very strong, durable and durable canvas. More common artificial flock. Its tactile characteristics can be compared with velor. The external description is also quite similar. Flock of natural fibers - a rarity, but also found in stores.

Material production begins with a pile cut. It can be pre-painted or it can be painted with different technologies after cutting. The fibers are treated with special reagents, due to which the pile becomes electrically conductive, which, in turn, ensures its correct position on a grounded substrate.

When spraying the villi, an adhesive is applied to the textile base, after which the web moves along the machine, and the villi lie flat on it. Electrical conductivity allows electrified fibers to fall on the fabric tightly and in a strictly upright position. At the end of this stage, the product is treated with a special compound to make it shine. Flock ready.

If you have doubts when deciding to buy a sofa with upholstery from flock, then learn the advantages of this material.

• This is a very practical and durable fabric. It endures the influence of ultraviolet rays and sudden changes in temperature. Even after a long service life, the product is not deformed, and the color is not wiped. Some varieties are not inferior in strength even to natural leather.
• Flock is a great option for pet holders. This is an anti-vandal fabric that will protect the sofa from the claws of cats and other mechanical damage.
• Another positive quality flock - moisture. Accidentally, water drops on the sofa are not absorbed, but are kept on the surface, and they can be wiped away with a rag.
• This is a breathable material. It has a very pleasant to the touch texture and always remains soft and warm, even if the room is cool.
• Sofas with flock upholstery have a fairly affordable price and are at about the average price level among sofas of other material.

Choosing products from the flock, it is worth remembering about some of the shortcomings of this fabric.

• Due to the fact that the villi during the production process electrify, this material has the peculiarity of accumulating static electricity, therefore it often attracts dust and debris.
• During cleaning, you should be very careful and do not use alcohol-containing compounds when cleaning: flock is afraid of this substance.
• Some species of flock quickly crush.
• The material does not tolerate too high temperatures, so do not install the sofa near the battery.

As already mentioned above, increased wear resistance is characteristic of flock material. According to the Russian GOST, high-quality fabric must withstand 6000 cycles, while the flock carries several tens of thousands of cycles.

However, all these properties are characteristic of high-quality expensive flock. Sofas bought at a low price are often made of poor quality material, they can wrinkle quickly, not hold shape under load, absorb moisture and do not respond well to cleaning. Pile on it quickly comes into disrepair.

Depending on the material of the fibers from which the flock is made, There are several varieties of this fabric.

• Polyamide It is characterized by softness and long service life. When pressed, it is somewhat crushed, but then quickly regains its shape. It has a very aesthetic appearance. Among the shortcomings can be noted fast burnout. Mainly used for furniture upholstery.
• Polyester. It differs from the above variant by the property of repelling water, as well as by resistance to light. However, it has its drawbacks: this variety is difficult to paint, and therefore furniture departments offer mostly black copies.
• Viscose It is characterized by good dyeability, it is more often used in printing, the production of decorative items, packaging, toys. The disadvantage of the material is its tendency to wrinkle at the slightest load.

• Polypropylene. This flocked variety can not boast of high wear resistance, and therefore is more often used when finishing outerwear or in the manufacture of carpets.
• Cotton This fabric also does not differ in resistance to attrition, besides, it absorbs water. Of the benefits can be noted, perhaps, only economical price. Most often used in the manufacture of work gloves or packaging.
• Acetate. Mainly used in the manufacture of fur products. It is characterized by poor wear resistance, quickly crushed.

As it became clear from the above data, the scope of flocked fabrics is very wide. It is mainly used in the upholstery of upholstered home and office furniture, and is also used in the manufacture of raincoats, jackets, and down jackets. Often it is used in the manufacture of soft toys and carpets. Water-repellent properties allow you to use the flock and in the manufacture of car seats and covers.

Caring for upholstery fabric is simple, but there are still a few rules that will extend the life of the flock, as well as maintain its hygienic component.

• In no case should you use alcohol-containing agents, as well as aggressive chemistry, during cleaning.
• Do not iron the material, as it is afraid of high temperatures. For the same reason, it is better not to put the sofa next to the battery.It is allowed to iron flock clothing on the inside in the “Synthetic” program.
• The formed spots must be cleaned immediately, and not wait until they dry. If the stain is still dried, then it should be wiped with a damp sponge, and then cleaned. If you rub it dry, you can damage the pile.
• You can remove the stain with soapy water. To do this, the contaminated area is treated with the prepared composition, leave for some time, and then wipe with a towel. After that, when the area is dry, iron the surface with a soft dry brush in the direction of the pile.

• Allowed to get rid of stains with a solution of lemon juice in a liter of water. To do this, the resulting composition and a cotton swab wipe the contaminated place, leave for 15 minutes and wash off with a normal wet sponge. However, this method is recommended only for a sofa of light color - there can be stains on a dark surface.
• Given the dust-receptive properties of the flock, a sofa with such upholstery should be vacuumed once a week.
• Try to avoid glue dissolving agents. Remember that the fibers are applied to the adhesive base, and therefore such funds can adversely affect the state of the product. It should beware of gasoline and solvent.

In general, reviews of upholstery fabric flock positive. Buyers note a very beautiful appearance and give the advantages of such a sofa compared to a leather one. Unlike leather furniture, flock endures the damage that remains from cat's claws, it is more comfortable to touch, in winter it gives the skin a warm feeling. Buyers like the fact that most varieties do not absorb moisture, and therefore the care of furniture is quite simple.

The advantage is called the wide availability of this product in any furniture store, as well as a variety of colors. Flock as a fabric is understandable even to those who do not understand textiles at all. Everyone knows about its positive properties, and that is why this material is very popular.

Among the shortcomings is the need to regularly vacuum the sofa, as it accumulates dust and animal hair on the surface. To avoid frequent cleaning, many people prefer to cover the sofa with a cape or cover and open it only during the visit of guests. Thus, the flock sofa can be saved for an even longer period. Some complain that the sofa is brand and quickly absorbs liquids, but in this case, consumers specify that they purchased the sofa at a very low price.

For more information about flock, see the following video.