FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

What Backing and Treatments do you Offer

This guide provides an overview of our fabric performance treatments and finishing services. It is designed to help designers, specifiers, workrooms, and commercial clients quickly determine the right solution based on application, performance requirements, and compliance needs.

Knit & Scrim Backing (Fabric Stabilization)

•Improves stability, durability, and ease of cutting and sewing
•Reduces seam slippage, fraying, and fabric distortion
•Preserves hand, drape, and appearance
•Recommended for upholstery, drapery, wall upholstery, and loosely woven fabrics

FabWall® Non-Woven & Paper Backing (Wall Coverings & Book Covers)

•Adds stiffness and moisture resistance for wall applications
•Prevents adhesive bleed-through and grain distortion
•Required for fabric wall coverings and panel installations
•Paper backing recommended for book covers and album applications

Moisture & Stain Protection

•GreenShield®: eco-friendly stain and water repellency for most fabrics
•FabGard®: solvent-based stain protection for silks and water-sensitive fabrics
•FabArmor®: heavy-duty moisture barrier for healthcare, hospitality, and high-use seating
•FabArmor® PLUS FabBack® isolates moisture barrier from skin contact

Flame Retardancy & Fire Code Support

•FlameGard® water-based flame retardant treatment
•FlameBlock® fire barrier liner for stringent code requirements
•Commonly supports NFPA 701, NFPA 260, ASTM E84, CAL TB 117, UFAC, and CAN/ULC-S109
•Certificates of application provided; lab testing available when required

Ultra-Violet (UV) Protection – SunGard®

•Reduces fading caused by sunlight exposure
•Can extend fabric lifespan by over 300% depending on fabric type
•Achieves UPF ratings of 25-50+ using AATCC 183 testing
•Can be combined with stain and moisture protection

Additional Finishing Services

•FabBond® Layer Bonding: permanently bonds multiple layers into a reinforced composite

Knitbacking for Upholstery

What treatment do you recommend for draperies and pillows?

We recommend knit backing to improve stability, appearance, durability, and drape. UV and stain protection may also be added to reduce sun damage and spills.

Can you knit back delicate fabrics like silk, embroidered fabrics, or velvet?

Yes. We have successfully knit backed silks, embroidered fabrics, and velvets using a proprietary process that minimizes puckering, distortion, pile crushing, and bonding issues.

Will knit backing change the hand or color of my fabric?

No. We use a soft, pliable knit backing designed to preserve the fabric's feel. Neutral or black backing is selected as appropriate to prevent show-through. Sampling is recommended when needed.

Can natural materials like bamboo, grass cloth, or raffia be knit backed?

Yes. These materials can often be knit backed. Please send a sample for evaluation.

Will knit backing prevent fraying and fiber migration?

Yes. Knit backing strengthens the fabric, reduces fraying, prevents fiber migration, and improves seam stability.

Can fabricated or already sewn items be knit backed?

Our standard process handles rolled flat goods. However, our custom department may be able to process fabricated items. Please contact us for evaluation.

Can antique or fragile fabrics be stabilized?

In many cases, yes. Knit backing can help stabilize antique fabrics, though each project must be evaluated individually.

Is knit backing suitable for handbag linings and accessories?

Yes. Knit backing improves body, sag resistance, and wear performance for linings and accessories.

Can animal skins be knit backed?

Yes. We have successfully knit backed leather, snakeskin, and fur. Samples are required for evaluation.

What is the maximum fabric width you can knit back?

We can process fabrics up to 120 inches wide.

Moisture and Stain Protection

What is stain protection, and will it affect the look or feel of my fabric?

Our stain protection treatments help fabrics resist soil, stains, and spills while preserving their original weight, color, appearance, and hand. All treatments are designed to maintain the integrity of fine fabrics.

Are your stain protection treatments environmentally safe?

Yes. We offer environmentally responsible options, including GreenShield®, which is formaldehyde-free, low in chemicals, and produces no VOCs.

What stain protection options do you offer?

We offer two primary stain protection treatments: GreenShield® and FabGard®, each designed for specific fabric types and performance requirements.

What is GreenShield® Stain Protection?

GreenShield® is a water-based, fluorocarbon stain-resistant and permanent water-repellent treatment. Using nano-technology inspired by nature, it creates a surface that allows water and oil to bead and roll off the fabric. It uses significantly fewer chemicals than traditional finishes and is chemically bonded to the fibers.

What is FabGard® Stain Protection?

FabGard® is a solvent-based PTFE stain protection used primarily for silks and delicate fabrics where water-based treatments may cause staining or color change.

How long does GreenShield® protection last?

GreenShield® is chemically bonded to the fabric fibers and is designed to last for the life of the fabric.

Can GreenShield®-treated fabrics be cleaned?

Yes. Most stains can be removed with light brushing, water, or non-solvent-based cleaners. Treated fabrics carry a W/S cleaning code, allowing the use of both water and dry-cleaning solvents.

How does GreenShield® compare to Nanotex®?

Both provide water and stain resistance. GreenShield® achieves equivalent performance while using 7–10 times fewer fluorochemicals than traditional fluoropolymer-based finishes such as Nanotex®.

Can stain protection be combined with moisture proofing?

Yes. We offer FabArmor®, which combines GreenShield® stain protection with a moisture barrier film laminated to the back of the fabric for maximum protection.

Flame Retardancy

What is FlameGard® flame retardancy?

FlameGard® is a water-based flame retardant treatment applied to fabric to reduce flammability and slow ignition and flame spread. While all fabrics can burn, FlameGard®-treated fabrics are significantly more flame resistant. The treatment is non-toxic, complies with most fire codes, and typically does not affect the fabric's hand, texture, or color. FlameGard® is custom formulated based on fiber composition, intended use, and applicable fire code requirements. A certificate of application is provided with every treatment.

What is FlameBlock® fire barrier?

FlameBlock® is a non-flammable barrier film laminated to the back of fabric to block fire penetration. It is often used to meet the most stringent fire code requirements, including high-performance upholstery and aviation-related applications. Fabrics are first treated with FlameGard® and then laminated with the FlameBlock® barrier.

Which fire and flammability codes can your treatments support?

Depending on the fabric type and application, our flame retardant treatments are commonly used to support compliance with industry-referenced standards, including: • NFPA 701 (drapery and decorative textiles) • CAN/ULC-S109-03 (small and large scale) • NFPA 260 / CAL TB 117 (upholstered furniture) • ASTM E84 / NFPA 255 / UL 723 (wall coverings and interior finishes) • UFAC (upholstered furniture action council guidelines) • Boston Fire Department BFD 1X-1. For wood substrates and panels, treatments may support Class A / Class 1 performance under ASTM E84 and related standards. Final code compliance is determined by the authority having jurisdiction. Independent laboratory testing can be arranged when required.

Do I need to have my fabric flame treated?

Fabrics used in public or commercial spaces—such as schools, hotels, theaters, healthcare facilities, and convention centers—are often required to meet local flammability regulations. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, so confirmation with the local fire marshal or code official is recommended. We are happy to assist with application-specific guidance.

What types of fabrics can be flame treated?

Most natural fiber fabrics—including cotton, linen, silk, and wool—can be effectively flame treated. Certain synthetic fibers such as nylon, acrylic, polypropylene, and acetate are difficult to treat due to low absorbency, while rayon and polyester can often be treated.

UV Protection

Transforming Fabrics to Wallpaper

Can fabric be used as wallpaper for wall pasting applications?

Yes. Fabric can be processed for wall applications using paper or non-woven backing. Paper backing adds stiffness and moisture protection, making fabric suitable for wall pasting.

How do you prevent adhesive from seeping through the fabric?

Our proprietary FabWall® process incorporates a moisture-barrier film between the backing and the fabric, preventing glue seepage and face staining. The fabric face is also treated for moisture and stain resistance.

Why can't fabric be applied directly to walls?

Unbacked fabric can react to heat and humidity, causing sagging, bubbling, or distortion. Adhesives may seep through and stain the face, and grain alignment can be difficult. Paper backing minimizes these issues and ensures a clean installation.

Do you provide installation guidance for fabric wall coverings?

Yes. We provide detailed wall preparation and installation guidelines intended for use by experienced installers. See our technical specifications for details.

What backing do you recommend for book covers and photo albums?

We recommend paper backing. This non-breathable backing provides stiffness and allows clean cutting and easy pasting onto boards, making it ideal for bookbinding and album covers.

Why use non-woven backing instead of paper for wall applications?

Non-woven backing is more flexible than paper, making it easier to install on walls. Our process minimizes grain distortion, prevents glue bleed-through, and allows precise double-cut seams without fraying.

What is the maximum fabric width you can back for wall applications?

Our standard width is up to 60 inches. Depending on fabric type, we may be able to process widths up to 118 inches. Please inquire.

Is stain protection required with non-woven backing?

Stain protection is strongly recommended. Our FabWall® process treats the fabric face to resist moisture and stains and allows gentle cleaning with a damp cloth. Stain protection may be omitted upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions