Frequently Asked Questions

• What is contract fabric?

  Contract fabrics – also known as contract textiles - are fabrics that are designed for commercial use. They differ from fabrics you might choose for your home because they can withstand more wear and tear. Contract fabrics are used for businesses and busy buildings such as offices, shops, schools and hotels where you would need fabric to be hard-wearing, easy to clean, stain resistant, and maintain its appearance despite a high footfall and heavy use.

• What is the Martindale Test when selecting fabrics?

  The Martindale abrasion rub test is used to show how much wear and tear a fabric will take before there is a noticeable change in appearance. It’s an internationally recognized standard with a numerical score showing whether a fabric is better suited for domestic or commercial use. The test determines the durability of fabric according to the number of times discs can oscillate sandpaper or wool across the fabric before it starts to show distress.
  
  All Upholstery fabrics on our website have the Martindale rub test figures. A fabric with a score of 25,000 – 30,000 is suitable for heavy domestic use or light commercial use, whilst a score of 30,000 or more is officially commercial grade.

• What can contract quality vinyl fabric be used for?

  ontract-quality vinyl fabric is highly versatile and a popular choice when choosing materials for a commercial property. It can be used to upholster sofas, walls, seats and booths, bar stools, cushions and pillows.

• What is Performance Standard and Regulatory Standard when it comes to selecting contract fabrics?

  When fabrics are designed to be used extensively in a commercial space it’s important for you to have peace of mind that it also adheres to certain quality and safety standards and has the relevant certifications that suits your needs.
  
    -   Performance standard is the minimum standard of testing for fabric to pass for use at commercial level. The fabric is tested for colour fading when exposed to light (light fastness), colour fading when washed (wash fastness), dye running or transferring (wet and dry rub fastening) and durability (Martindale rub test).
  
    -   Regulatory standard are certifications required by law and refer to the fire retardancy of the fabric.

• What do you need to think about when selecting contract fabrics?

  There is a lot to consider when buying fabrics for large spaces, such as offices, schools, hotels and restaurants. You can always reach out to our expert team on 01242 388390 to discuss your requirements and ensure you have considered all the different variables when it comes to selecting the perfect contract fabric for your project, such as considering how much privacy you want a fabric to provide, whether a fabric colour compliments the space you are decorating, and whether fabric can be machine washed or dry cleaned.
   

  Here at Just Fabrics, our extensive collection of Contract fabrics has something to meet each of these needs and we are confident you will find the perfect fabric. Why not order a sample of the fabrics that meet your requirements? This allows you to not only see the fabric in the space but to ensure you are happy with the look, feel and weight. Click the link to request your free fabric samples today.

   

• How do you clean stain resistant fabrics?

  Cleaning stain resistant fabrics is typically easier than cleaning untreated textiles. Most spills can be blotted away with a clean cloth or wiped using a damp sponge. For tougher marks, mild soap and water may be used, but always check the care instructions for your chosen fabric. The protective finish helps prevent stains from penetrating deeply, so regular maintenance is usually minimal. By choosing stain resistant upholstery fabric or curtain fabric, you’ll spend less time worrying about cleaning and more time enjoying your home.