How to Choose the Right Siltech Coated Upholstery Fabric

Designer: Hendy | Photography: RMA Photography, Inc.

If you’re looking for a life-proof material that was made to endure the wear and tear of high-traffic spaces as well as superior resistance to hydrolysis, prioritize the double rubs and number of weeks for hydrolysis. Double rubs are the measurement of a fabric’s resistance to abrasion. A prime example of a coated upholstery fabric with extreme durability would be one that goes beyond 100,000 double rubs. Hydrolysis is the breakdown or delamination of the polyurethane (PU) film layer from the backing substrate in the form of cracking and peeling due to extreme heat and humidity—most often due to PUs that are formulated with inexpensive inferior resins. It also refers to the test that measures the ability of a fabric to withstand exposure to heat and humidity. This is extremely important if long-term maintenance is a priority as you wouldn’t want the upholstery fabric to break down after a few years of use. Finding a coated upholstery fabric that has a 10-15 week hydrolysis is a guaranteed way to avoid this. Here are four Carnegie Siltech Plus fabrics we’d recommend that have over 200,000 double rubs and 15 week hydrolysis:

Botanic Print

Meeting the requirements of hospital-grade cleaning protocols while upholding performance and design needs can lead to a challenging specification journey. Every market vertical now has requirements around cleanability and controlling bacterial growth. Specifying a fabric that is not only inherently antimicrobial but is also bleach cleanable and approved for hospital grade disinfectants can help limit the amount of microbes on the fabric surface while withstanding the effects of harsh cleaners such as bleach. Here are four Carnegie Siltech and Carnegie Siltech Plus patterns we’d recommend:

Depending on what type of space you are designing for, there may be a higher likelihood of exposure to ink stains including those troublesome ballpoint pens. While all of our coated fabrics are stain resistant, if pen ink is the number one concern, specifying a fabric that has graffiti-free technology preventing ink, indigo denim dye, and other stains from setting into the material will be the best choice for you. These stains will easily wipe away with a simple dry cloth. Scholar, Siltech Press, and Siltech Grain are patterns from the Carnegie Siltech Plus brand that are all ink resistant and perfect for addressing this concern:

Embellish Print

We all wish for generous budgets, but in many cases, we may have to contend with budget restraints. Instead of resorting to a cheaper alternative made with harmful additives and toxic plasticizers, opt for a budget-friendly, high quality coated fabric free of PVC and other harmful chemicals that meets your performance and environmental standards without breaking the bank. A low price tag doesn’t always mean low cost—consider the lifespan and how often you may have to reupholster if the fabric doesn’t endure the wear and tear of long-term use. The Carnegie Siltech brand offers coated upholstery fabrics with 10 week hydrolysis and 100,000 double rub abrasion, all priced below $50 per yard:

Designer: BSA LifeStructures | Photography: Caleb Tkach, AIAP

If time is of the essence, look for fabrics that can be delivered quickly. Nothing is worse than finding the perfect fabric, spending hours designing a schematic around it, and then receiving a lead time that is unworkable. Work backwards by filtering out products based on the delivery date, and look for a Quick Ship program. Carnegie’s Quick Ship program features both upholstery fabrics and wallcoverings that can be easily ordered and swiftly shipped to meet tight delivery timelines. For upholstery for up to 60 yards, we guarantee shipment from New York in only 2 business days.

You can also save your billable hours by tapping into a free design services team that will do all this for you. Carnegie's Design Services can search for in-stock items and include a virtual palette via email same day, and an overnight sample package based on your criteria.

Here are four Carnegie Siltech Plus fabrics available for Quick Ship:

Incorporating transitional spaces that go from indoors to out has become a major initiative in many markets including healthcare, hospitality, and workplace. However outdoor environments require a different set of criteria including lightfastness, fast drying time, and weather resistance. An indoor/outdoor coated fabric is a great choice for these types of transitional spaces as the nature of the fabric offers long-lasting durability, stain and water resistance, and ease of cleanability. From the Carnegie Siltech Plus brand, Siltech Press and Siltech Grain are both suitable for indoor/outdoor use:

Designing for marine applications is an exciting challenge, but comes with extensive safety requirements. Look for materials that meet the rigorous testing for fire safety and other performance standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Coated fabrics that are IMO-approved make a great solution for upholstery in cruise ships, boats, and marinas, as you can easily wipe away any stains with no wear from constant use, without degrading design and quality. Here are four Carnegie Siltech Plus fabrics that are IMO-approved:

Download the Coated Fabrics Product Guide

Since 1999, Mary has enjoyed collaborating on designing sustainable futures with creative professionals worldwide, working on hospitality, healthcare, and corporate interiors. In 2013, she helped Carnegie pursue and achieve B-Corp certification - a first in the commercial textile industry. In her approach to product design, she pursues aggressive sustainability standards through rigorous testing and third party certifications, and pushes the boundaries of alternative source materials like post-consumer recycled plastic. She’s received several recognitions, including Best of NeoCon, MetropolisLikes, and Interior Design's HiP awards, and is a sought after contributor at conferences, panels, and podcasts that cover sustainability-related topics.