Buying Guide for Fabrics content.

Buying Guide for Fabric:

The proper use of fabric will bring your home design to life - inside and out. As with any major home purchase, there are many things to consider prior to commitment of purchase. There is an unlimited amount of variations of fabrics to choose from but not all are designed to suit all applications. In order to appreciate what you are purchasing you need to see, touch, and feel in order to experience first hand the characteristics and functionality of the fabric. Before discussing fabric qualities, keep the following in mind when making your chose: Function, Mood, & Harmony.

Function:
In what application are you designing, indoor or outdoor? How durable does the fabric need to be? How tolerant and fade resistant to the sun is it? How dirt resistant does the fabric need to be? Is the fabric you just fell in love with too expensive for your budget?
Mood:
Does the overall fabric fit the mood of your design in your home? Remember, the outdoor space is the first impression or your home and should be a reflection of your inside in style and color. A variety of complimentary colors, textures, and patterns add depth, distinction, and warmth to your home atmosphere.
Harmony:
Are fabric designs and colors harmonious with each other and your surroundings? Patterns in fabrics must be proportional, i.e.: big motifs with big furniture and big patterns with large rooms, however limit design to only 1 bold pattern per room or area. Qualities of fabrics must also be similar to emulate consistent quality, durability, and longevity. Example: you don't want to have one fabric that resists fading while complimentary fabrics are showing signs of wear and fading after the same length of use.

Following is a list of commonly used fabric types, most of which you will find in one form or another in our showroom. Use this information to help you make an informed decision about your purchase.

SUNBRELLA
The buyer's dream, "Sunbrella" first made history with their fabric for awnings, and then it was boating, next outdoor fabric, and now residential interiors. Sunbrella brand fabrics continue to rise to the occasion, providing high quality performance that not only endures the harshest of environments but also adds beauty and comfort to living spaces indoor and outdoors.
You will not only find Sunbrella fabrics in the outdoor world but they are a leading choice for convertible car tops and recreational vehicles. International design authorities such as Joe Ruggiero have pushed the envelope on the performance of fabrics that you will find throughout millions of homes today. In addition Sunbrella is also a favourite with business and industry decorating; leading retail, commercial and resort locations around the world in designer fabric choices.
What is Sunbrella?
Sunbrella is an acrylic fabric that is engineered for a serviceable lifespan of 2 - 10 times longer than conventional fabrics. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends Sunbrella as an aid in the prevention of sun induced damage to the skin. Sunbrella furniture fabrics are also a "Green guard" certified product as they have very low emissions for indoor applications. Sunbrella fabrics have a unique coloring process that avoids harmful effluents associated with conventional dyeing processes dramatically reducing water and energy consumption. Sunbrella fabric has a 5 year limited warranty for installation after Nov. 1/08 and a limited 3 year warranty for installations prior to that. Sunbrella is easy to clean by either spot washing or machine washing. Allow to dry naturally for best results. For further cleaning instructions see the web page listed below.
For more information check out www.sunbrella.com

Olefin:
Olefin was first manufactured in Italy in 1957 having been successfully formulated by chemist Giulio Natta. Production of olefin fibres began in the U.S. in 1960 and accounts for 16% of all manufactured fibres.
Olefin fibres have great bulk and cover while having low specific gravity which simply means "warmth without the weight." Olefin has low moisture absorption, but can wick moisture and dry quickly. Olefin is abrasion, stain, sunlight, and chemical resistant. It does not dye well, however has the advantage of being colourfast once dyed. One of the most important features of olefin is its strength, strength which will keep in both wet and dry conditions. The fibre can be produced for strength of different properties.
What is Olefin?
Olefin is described as a manufactured fibre in which the fibre forming substance is any long-chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of ethylene, propylene, or other olefin units. Polymerization of propylene and ethylene gases, controlled with special catalysts, creates olefin fibres. Dye is added directly to the polymer before melt spinning is applied. Additives, polymer variations and different process conditions can create a range of characteristics.
Dry cleaning solvents can swell olefin fibres, therefore dry cleaning is not recommended. Olefin will dry quickly, line drying and low tumble drying with little or no heat is the recommended method of drying. Since olefin is not absorbent, waterborne stains do not present a problem, however oily stains are difficult to remove. Use a mixture of lukewarm water and detergent to spot wash oily stains, outdoor fabrics can be hosed off. Bleach can also be used for stubborn stains, however test small areas prior to complete soaking.
Most olefin fabrics come with a 1 year sun fading warranty.
For more information Google "define olefin fabric"
Solefin:
Solefin is an exclusive trademarked product of Treasure Garden and is a 100% solution dyed soft olefin. This fabric is created from a special configuration of carbon atoms generating a much softer fabric for use in apparel, furnishing and industrial products. To keep Solefin fabric looking fresh and new it should be washed periodically with detergent and water. Most spills can and should be mopped up immediately after they occur. If, however, a spot or stain remains, clean with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent then rinse thoroughly. If necessary, apply laundry pre-wash, leave in for 10 minutes, and then reapply warm water and detergent. For stubborn stains and mildew, chlorine bleach can be used without affecting fabric color. After cleaning, always rinse thoroughly with water and allow to air-dry. The fabric will dry quickly because it is a naturally water repellent material.
Limited warranty of 2 ½ years against fading (manufactures warranty)

Polyester:
Polyester is a quick drying, resilient, synthetic fibre consisting primarily of polyester and is usually formed by extrusion. This fabric was first prized by the disco communities during the 70's and is used still today in the manufacturing of seat covers mostly because of its moisture resisting features. Polyester is also flame resistant, strong, and dirt resistant in its natural state, mildew resistant, and moth resistant. It is washable and goes back to its original shape after washing without ironing. It can be used in yarn of diverse thickness. Polyester, however does not handle sunlight well at all! It does not take dyes well which limits your color choices and conducts a static charge which attracts dirt. There are two types of polyester:
Solution dyed polyester - O'bravia:
Exclusive to Treasure Garden O'bravia is 100% solution dyed polyester. Most stains can be cleaned up with a mild soap and water solution. O'bravia should be cleaned as needed before substances such as dirt, stains, etc. are allowed to accumulate on and become embedded in the fabric. The fabric can be cleaned without being removed from the piece. Simply brush off any loose dirt, clean with warm water (no more than 100degrees F) and a mild natural soap. Rinse thoroughly to remove soap. When using liquid detergent, it may be necessary to re-apply a water repellent treatment, such as 303 Hi Tech Fabric Guard or a similar product. When washing or cleaning, DO NOT SUBJECT TO EXCESSIVE HEAT as the fabric will shrink. DO NOT STEAM PRESS OR DRY IN ELECTRIC OR GAS DRYERS. Allow fabric to air dry. If storing for the winter, o'bravia (solution dyed polyester) should be cleaned, allowed to air dry and stored in a dry well ventilated area.
Limited manufactures warranty of 4 years against fading.

Spun Polyester:
Common dirt can be removed with a solution of mild liquid detergent and water. Be liberal with solution and scrub briskly with a soft brush. Rinse with clean water and allow to air dry.
Limited warranties from 0-3 months depending on manufacturer.

Cotton:
Cotton is a soft, staple natural fibre that grows in a form known as a boll around the seeds of the cotton plant, a shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including the Americans, India and Africa. The fibre most often is spun into yarn or thread and used to make a soft, breathable textile, which is the most widely, used natural-fibre cloth in clothing today. According to the Foods and Nutrition Encyclopaedia, the earliest cultivation of cotton discovered thus far in the Americas occurred in Mexico, some 8,000 years ago. Cotton cultivation faces some economic hardships as the cultivation of this crop requires a long frost-free period, plenty of sunshine and a good water source. Because of the water requirements some parts of the world that rely on cotton exports face difficulties and conflict as well as potential environmental problems.
Uses:
Cotton has many uses such as terrycloth, used to make highly absorbent towels and robes and many clothing items. The first Chinese paper was made of cotton fibre and fire hoses were once made from cotton. The introduction of synthetic fibres, particularly polyester has caused economic hardships in countries that rely on cotton exports over the years, the market seeing highs and lows. Today, cotton continues to be a best-selling commodity through the continued efforts of organizations promoting and growing this fibre.

Cotton as a fabric dries out, becomes hard and brittle and loses all elasticity at temperatures above 25 degrees. Extended exposure to light causes similar problems. This same temperature is optimal for mold development and rotting of wet material. Cotton has good moisture absorbency and breaks down in acidic conditions, prolonged exposure to sunlight will also start deteriation, mold and mildew will produce rot and silverfish insects damage the fibres.
Warranties for outdoor use is generally nil.
For more information on cotton Google "define cotton fabric".