What is a flock? Description of the fabric and area of application

When choosing a soft furniture, a reasonable question arises: what is a flock and what are its advantages? The material is obtained by applying a pile to a different substrate. And the best combination on quality and price category is polyester 65%, cotton 35% and napon nap.

Such a different flock

More than two thousand years ago in China, the material resembled a modern flock. For this, the fabric was glued, forming a certain pattern, cut strings. If you have a question about what a flock is, you should refer to the English language, in translation from which it means "shreds."

It was from the appearance of the fabric and its name went, because the foundation was used for the creation and flakes (scraps) of other material. Flock velor reminds due to external features and tactile sensations. The modern flock has a different substrate and a top layer. Their properties depend on the properties of the tissue and the scope of its application.

The basis is often taken:

• Polyester and polyamide;
• cotton;
• wool;
• Viscose.

The most widespread was a flock of mixed materials, in which a larger percentage is occupied by synthetic fabric. Natural cotton or viscose is not strong, so they are used only for decoration.

Characteristic properties of the material

Often in furniture stores, buyers are interested in what a flock is, and what are its advantages as an upholstery fabric. The external characteristics of the material is similar to velor, is also soft, but strength is much higher.

Flock furniture has the following consumer properties:

1. Not prone to the formation of hooks, so furniture from it is recommended in houses where animals live.
2. Durable and durable, not subject to stretching.
3. Resistant to water. Upholstery from flock is universal for families where there are small children. Any spilled liquid is easily removed from the surface.
4. Has a wide variety of color shades and textural solutions.
5. The color of the upholstery does not burn out if there is no direct sunlight.
6. Care is not burdensome, and the price of furniture is available to the average consumer.

When making flock entirely of synthetic materials, it is allowed to manufacture floor covering. This fact indicates its sufficient wear resistance and durability.

Scope of the material

Flock is of several types: decorative, used for sewing soft toys, packages, and upholstery. The fabric from which the base is made and the kind of pile used indicate the scope of the material.

For upholstery upholstery use polyamide flock . It is easy to color, has an attractive appearance and is pleasant enough to touch.

When you click on the villi, they take the form of the human body, but then restore their structure. Its main drawback is that such a flock is prone to burn out in direct sunlight.

Therefore, the material of polyamide is used mainly as an upholstery. The fabric is wear-resistant and withstands the stresses imposed on strong, quality furniture.

Varieties of flock

In addition to the upholstery, the flock is used for other purposes. The scope of its application depends on the composition of the base and the quality of the villi:

1. Viscose . It is very easy to color, the fabric acquires bright, juicy nuances. But the main drawback in his excessive softness. When pressing such a flock long straightened, so it is used mainly for sewing soft toys. Also it is used when applying seals on wallpaper or clothing. Viscose flock is indispensable in the decoration and manufacture of original packaging products.
2. Polypropylene . This material, due to its weak base, is not distinguished by its strength. Therefore, he occupied a niche in the production of budgetary rugs.
3. 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.
4. Acetate . Based on the material from acetate, which is easily creased and does not have a strength. The fabric is velvety to the touch, it has a pleasant appearance. Its silkiness and the ability to acquire fancy colors can be used for decorative dressing and the production of artificial fur.
5. Polyester . Flok for furniture should have moisture-resistant characteristics and be wear-resistant. The polyester variant is endowed with all these properties, but can not be colored. It always remains 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 the production of a more embossed surface, the technology of applying flock to floc is applied. In this case, there are two layers of upper threads, which gives the material a special tenderness and texture. The fabric is easy to color, resulting in a variety of color options.

The scope of use of this fabric is rapidly expanding, and has found its application in the manufacture of automobile covers, decorating works, framing armchairs in beauty salons and the production of beautiful toys.

Positive characteristics of flock

Flock is obtained by applying a variety of nap on non-woven textiles. It differs from the traditional canvas by the lack of weaving. Its properties depend on the characteristics of the base, but only artificial materials are used for the production of furniture. Their main characteristics:

1. The substrate does not creep, so it is possible to use any decorative elements in furniture production.
2. The furniture flock is soft, silky, feels like a velvet covering. But, unlike a colleague, it is practical, durable and has a lower price.
3. Thanks to the texture and the possibility of coloring, you can choose any coloring option and relief pattern.
4. Simplicity in care and resistance to spilled liquids makes the flock the optimal fabric for upholstery.
5. Air permeability allows you to comfortably sit on furniture from flock upholstery at any time of the year.
6. Long service life, coupled with its affordable cost, made the material popular among a variety of upholstery fabrics.

A few negative points

To understand what a flock is, you need to know its basics of production. The glue base is used in the manufacture, so removing stains with alcohol-containing agents is undesirable. This can disrupt the structure of the material and cause a loss of its quality characteristics.

For the same reason, the use of thermal cleaners and hot media is contra-indicated. The flock has properties to be electrified, therefore it is a source of dust attraction. But regular vacuuming removes the problem.

It is not recommended to use sofas with flock upholstery as a berth. The fabric absorbs odors and can deteriorate over time.

Moments of care

To maintain consumer properties and attractive appearance, the furniture from the flock must be competently wooed. The main point is regular vacuuming. When spots are detected, it is recommended to wipe them with a brush dipped in cold water with a mild cleanser for the upholstery. And friction is carried out to the middle, movements from the edges.

It is strictly forbidden to use hairdryers and irons to avoid loosening of the villi and damage to the overall structure of the material. With a stable adhesive layer, as evidenced by the marking, it is possible to use chemical cleaning agents. Particularly expensive and durable fabric is obtained as a result of coating with Teflon. This upholstery is not subject to dirt and does not need cleaning.

Price of issue

Choosing as a upholstery for furniture flock, the price will hang from its foundation and characteristics of the villi. Strength of the material is combined with the secular chic and a rich palette of colors.

There is a variety of flock for furniture upholstery. The price starts from 800 rubles per running meter.

Comparing its characteristics and external features, we can conclude that the flock - a sufficiently high quality material for upholstery and has a demand among consumers.