When choosing upholstered furniture, a reasonable question arises: what is flock and what are its advantages? The material is obtained by applying pile on a different basis. Moreover, the best combination in quality and price category is considered to be 65% polyester, 35% cotton and nylon pile.
Such a different flock
More than two thousand years ago in China, a material resembling a modern flock was made. To do this, glued onto the fabric, forming a specific pattern, cut threads. If a question arises, what is flock, you should turn to the English language, in translation from which it means "shreds".
It was from the appearance of the fabric that its name went, since the basis and flakes (shreds) of another material were used to create it. Flock velor reminds due to external features and tactile sensations. Modern flock has a different substrate and top layer. The properties of the fabric and the scope of its application depend on their composition.
The basis is most often taken:
- polyester and polyamide;
- cotton;
- wool;
- viscose.
The most widespread is the flock of mixed materials, of which synthetic fabric occupies a larger percentage . Natural cotton or viscose does not have strength, therefore, they are used only for decoration.
Characteristic properties of the material
Often in furniture stores, buyers are interested in what is flock, and what are its advantages as upholstery fabric. In terms of external characteristics, the material is similar to velor, just as soft, but much stronger in strength.
Furniture flock has the following consumer properties:
- Not prone to the formation of clues, therefore, the furniture from it is recommended in houses where animals live.
- Strong and durable, not subject to stretching.
- Resistant to water. Flock upholstery is universal for families with small children. Any spilled liquid is easily removed from the surface.
- It has a wide variety of color shades and textured solutions.
- Upholstery color does not fade if there is no direct sunlight.
- Care is not burdensome, and the price of furniture is affordable for the average consumer.
In the manufacture of flock completely from synthetic materials, it is allowed to manufacture flooring. This fact indicates its sufficient wear resistance and durability.
Material scope
Flock can be of several types: decorative, used for sewing soft toys, packaging, and upholstery. The fabric of which the base is made and the type of pile used indicate the scope of application of the material.
For upholstery of upholstered furniture, a polyamide flock is used . It is easy to stain, has an attractive appearance and is quite pleasant to the touch.
When you click on the villi, they take the form of a human body, but then restore their structure. Its main drawback is that such a flock is prone to fade in direct sunlight.
Therefore, polyamide material is mainly used as upholstery. The fabric is durable and can withstand the loads placed on durable, high-quality furniture.
Varieties of flock
In addition to upholstery, flock is used for other purposes. The scope of its application depends on the composition of the base and the quality of the villi:
- Viscose . It is very easy to stain, the fabric takes on bright, rich shades. But the main drawback is its excessive softness. When pressed, such a flock straightens for a long time, therefore it is mainly used for sewing soft toys. It is also used when printing seals on wallpapers or clothes. Viscose flock is indispensable for decorating and manufacturing original packaging products.
- Polypropylene This material, due to its weak base, is not durable. Therefore, he occupied a niche in the production of budget rugs.
- Cotton The fabric has weak characteristics, wears out quickly and perfectly absorbs any liquid. But its external properties allow the use of fabric for decorative purposes and the manufacture of original packaging.
- Acetate . The material is taken from acetate, which is easily creased and does not have a strength. The fabric is velvety to the touch, has a pleasant appearance. Its silkiness and the ability to acquire fancy colors can be used for decorative decoration of clothes and the production of faux fur.
- Polyester . Flock for furniture should have moisture resistant characteristics and be wear-resistant. The polyester version is endowed with all these properties, but cannot be stained. It always remains in dark tones, so it is used in the manufacture of certain types of furniture where deep, noble shades are required.
To achieve the effect of color transfusion and to obtain a more embossed surface, the technology of applying the flock to the flock is used. In this case, two layers of the upper threads come out, which gives the material a special tenderness and texture. The fabric is easy to dye, resulting in a variety of color options.
The scope of use of such a fabric is expanding rapidly, and has found its application in the manufacture of car covers, decoration, framing chairs in beauty salons and the manufacture of beautiful toys.
Positive flock characteristics
Flock is obtained by applying a diverse pile on non-woven textiles. It differs from the traditional canvas in the absence of weaving. Its properties depend on the characteristics of the base, but only artificial materials are taken for furniture production. Their main characteristics:
- The substrate does not spread, so it is possible to use any decorative elements in the manufacture of furniture.
- The furniture flock is delicate, silky and feels like a velvet coating. But, unlike a fellow, it is practical, durable and has a lower price.
- Thanks to the texture and the possibility of staining, you can choose any color option and embossed pattern.
- Ease of maintenance and resistance to spilled liquids makes flock an optimal fabric for upholstery.
- Breathability allows you to comfortably sit on furniture made of flock upholstery at any time of the year.
- The long service life coupled with its affordable cost have made the material popular among many upholstery fabrics.
A few negative points
To understand what a flock is, you need to know its basics of production. An adhesive base is used in the manufacture, therefore, stain removal with alcohol-containing agents is undesirable. This can disrupt the structure of the material and cause a loss in its quality characteristics.
For the same reason, the use of heat cleaners and hot products is contraindicated. Flock has the ability to electrify, therefore, is a source of dust attraction. But regular vacuuming eliminates the problem.
It is not recommended to use sofas with flock upholstery as a berth. The fabric absorbs odors and can wear out over time.
Care Points
To preserve consumer properties and attractive appearance, it is necessary to competently take care of furniture from the flock. The main point is regular vacuuming. If stains are found, it is recommended to wipe them with a brush dipped in cold water with a mild upholstery cleaner. Moreover, friction is carried out to the middle, movements from the edges.
It is strictly forbidden to use hair dryers and iron in order to avoid peeling off the fibers and damage to the general structure of the material. With a stable adhesive layer, as evidenced by marking, it is possible to use chemical cleaning agents. A particularly expensive and durable fabric is obtained as a result of Teflon coating. Such upholstery is not subject to pollution and does not need cleaning.
Issue price
Choosing flock as furniture upholstery, the price will depend on its basis and the characteristics of the villi. The strength of the material is combined with secular chic and a rich palette of colors.
On sale there is a diverse flock for furniture upholstery. The price starts from 800 rubles per linear meter.
Comparing its characteristics and external features, we can conclude that flock is a sufficiently high-quality material for upholstery and is in demand among consumers.