Performance Fabrics – What are They and Why Do I Need Them?
- Interiors By Kelli
If you have been furniture shopping lately, you’ve probably been inundated with the term “Performance Fabric.” What are performance fabrics and why do you need them? Let’s start by deciphering the options.
Crypton is a manufacturing process, not a finish. The manufacturing process offers permanent stain, moisture, mildew, bacteria, and odor-resistant protection. It is the perfect product
where moisture and heavy soiling is an issue
where antimicrobial/antibacterial finish is required
where heavy staining is possible and
where strong cleaning solutions are used
Because the protectant is inherent in the fabric and not applied, it does not require re-sealing like other aftermarket products.
With its patented process, Crypton leads the performance textile industry as the only textile that is a stain, water, and bacteria-resistant.
Water resistant: Crypton Super Fabric acts as a moisture barrier, while still allowing ventilating air to pass through the fibers. The barrier is permanently integrated into each fiber strand, so you don’t need to worry about it ever separating or failing to protect because of extended or heavy use or cleaning.
Stain resistant: Crypton fabrics resist stains mainly because they’re a barrier surface. The impervious fabric keeps spills right on the surface where they usually just wipe away. In addition to this, stains (and microbes) are also fought by a special liquid formula that’s applied during the production process. For more problematic spills, you can clean them thoroughly — without worrying that soapy water residue will penetrate the fabric.
Microbe resistant: Crypton Super Fabrics can also help block the spread of harmful bacteria and molds.
As technology has evolved, the look and feel of Crypton fabrics have gotten better and better. We have beautiful linens, velvets, and cotton that feel amazing!
Revolution Performance Fabrics
By STI and Brentwood Textiles are stain resistant performance fabrics. Woven with Olefin yarn, the fabrics are easy to clean, extremely durable, beautiful and soft. Revolution Fabrics are also resistant to fading from the sun. Revolution Performance Fabrics are made with up-cycled fibers and have no chemical treatments making them easy on the environment. The main difference between Crypton and Revolution is that liquids will bead up and not penetrate Crypton. Liquid will penetrate Revolution but is easily cleaned with a solution of water, Dawn dishwashing soap, and bleach.
Sunbrella
You have undoubtedly heard of Sunbrella fabric and associate it with outdoor cushions. With good reason, because Sunbrella Fabrics are 100% solution-dyed acrylic fabrics that are water, fade, mold, mildew, and stain resistant. They are easy to clean by spraying a solution of water and mild soap and using a soft bristle brush. Mold and mildew can be removed with a solution of water, soap, and bleach.
Sunbrella has been around for 51 years and is always innovating and evolving. With hundreds of indoor and outdoor fabrics, they are becoming more popular than ever, offering fabric for furniture that is both elegant and durable; that looks stunning but is strong enough to hold up under the mess of kids and pets. Sunbrella’s upholstery line is dyed and waterproofed just like their outdoors material but is made with a soft hand to be more comfortable in the home.
Inside Out
At the end of 2017, Valdese Weavers, the largest decorative textile mill in North America, announced the launch of the first all-in-one performance fabric—Inside Out Performance Fabrics. It is engineered to be durable enough to withstand interior wear or exterior elements. Inside Out Performance Fabrics distinguishes itself from the competition by using a proprietary yarn platform that offers a range of multi-fiber constructions, which are all inherently cleanable and resistant to stains. In addition to exceeding all industry standards for durability and pilling, these proprietary fibers are enhanced with fade-resistant technology to ensure superior colorfastness despite the end use for the fabric—living room, sunroom, or outdoor. Never sacrificing performance while keeping its focus on the environment, Inside Out Performance Fabrics uses a plant-based, fluorine-free liquid repellent to resist everyday spills.
Sound too good to be true? Watch this demonstration.
With so many options in the marketplace, it is easy to get confused about which is right for your furniture. We’re here to help! We carry all of these performance fabrics and can help you select the one that is right for you.