Flock: features, properties and types

Upholstery is perhaps the main criterion that buyers pay attention to when choosing upholstered furniture. For several decades, flock upholstery has been in demand. Its so long popularity is due to functionality, quality, aesthetic appearance and ease of care.

Do not think that flock is already an outdated material from which sofas were made for the most part in Soviet times. Yes, it is flock sofas left by grandparents that are now stored in many cottages, but since then the manufacturing technology of this fabric has changed significantly. The modern flock is of higher quality, and its appearance and color variety allow you to choose the most stylish and modern option.

Flock can be both natural and artificial material. Its indicators are determined by the pile, which is glued to the base. Often, polyester or fabric made from 65% nylon and 35% cotton is used in production. Due to this composition, the output is a very strong, strong and durable canvas. Artificial flock is more common. Its tactile characteristics can be compared with velor. The external description is also pretty similar. Flock made from natural fibers is a rarity, but also found in stores.

Material production begins with pile cutting. It can be pre-painted or painted using various technologies after cutting.The fibers are processed with special reagents, due to which the pile becomes electrically conductive, which, in turn, ensures its correct position on a grounded base.

When spraying the fibers on the textile base, an adhesive is applied, after which the fabric moves along the machine, and the fibers lie exactly on it. Electrical conductivity allows electrified fibers to get on the canvas tightly and in a strictly vertical position. At the end of this stage, the product is treated with a special composition to make it shine. Flock is ready.

If there are doubts when deciding to buy a sofa with upholstery from flock, then study the advantages of this material.

• It is a very practical and wear resistant fabric. It tolerates the influence of ultraviolet rays and sudden changes in temperature. Even after a long service life, the product does not deform, and the color does not wipe. Some varieties are not inferior in strength even to genuine leather.
• Flock is a great option for pet holders. This is an anti-vandal fabric that protects the sofa from the claws of cats and other mechanical damage.
• Another positive quality of the flock is moisture resistance. Drops of water that accidentally fall onto the sofa are not absorbed, but are kept on the surface and can be wiped off with a rag.
• It is breathable material. It has a very pleasant to the touch texture and always remains soft and warm, even if the room is cool.
• Flocked sofas have a fairly affordable price and are approximately at an average price level among sofas made of other materials.

When choosing products from the flock, it is worth remembering some of the disadvantages of this fabric.

• Due to the fact that the villi electrify during the production process, this material has the ability to accumulate static electricity, therefore it often attracts dust and debris.
• During cleaning, you should be very careful not to use alcohol-containing compounds when cleaning: the flock is afraid of this substance.
• Some varieties of flock crumple quickly.
• The material does not tolerate too high temperatures, so do not install the sofa near the battery.

As mentioned above, flock material is characterized by increased wear resistance. According to Russian GOST, high-quality fabric must withstand 6000 cycles, while flock tolerates several tens of thousands of cycles.

However, all these properties are characteristic of a high-quality expensive flock. Sofas bought at a low price are often made of poor quality material, they can wrinkle quickly, do not hold shape under load, absorb moisture and do not lend themselves well to cleaning. Pile on it quickly becomes worthless.

Depending on the material of the fibers from which the flock is made, There are several varieties of this fabric.

• Polyamide. It is characterized by softness and long service life. When pressed, it wrinkles somewhat, but then quickly restores shape. It has a very aesthetic appearance. Among the shortcomings can be noted rapid burnout. Mainly used for upholstery.
• Polyester. It differs from the above option by the ability to repel water, as well as its resistance to light. However, it has its drawbacks: this variety is difficult to paint, and therefore the furniture departments offer mostly black specimens.
• Viscose. It is characterized by good tintability, more often used in printing, decorative products, packaging, toys. The disadvantage of the material is its tendency to crumple at the slightest load.

• Polypropylene This flocked variety can not boast of high wear resistance, and therefore it is more often used in the decoration of outerwear or in the manufacture of carpets.
• Cotton This fabric is also not resistant to abrasion, in addition, it absorbs water. Of the advantages, perhaps, only an economical price can be noted. Most often used in the manufacture of work gloves or packaging.
• Acetate. It is mainly used in the manufacture of fur products. It is characterized by poor wear resistance, quickly crumpled.

As it became clear from the above data, the scope of flocked fabrics is very wide. It finds its main application in the upholstery of soft home and office furniture, and is also used in the manufacture of raincoats, jackets, and down jackets. Often it is used in the production of soft toys and carpets. Water-repellent properties allow the use of flock in the manufacture of car seats and covers.

Upholstery fabric care is simple, but still there are several rules that will extend the life of the flock, and also maintain its hygiene component.

• In no case should you use alcohol-containing products during cleaning, as well as aggressive chemicals.
• Do not iron the material, as it is afraid of high temperatures. For the same reason, it is better not to put the sofa next to the battery. It is allowed to iron clothes from the flock on the inside in the Synthetics program.
• The resulting stains must be cleaned immediately, and not wait until they dry. If the stain is still dry, then it should be wiped with a damp sponge, and then cleaned. If you rub it dry, you can damage the pile.
• You can remove stains with a soap solution. For this, the contaminated area is treated with the prepared composition, left for some time, and then wiped with a towel. After that, when the area dries, the surface is smoothed with a soft dry brush in the direction of the pile.

• It is allowed to get rid of the stain with a solution of lemon juice in a liter of water. To do this, wipe the contaminated place with the resulting composition and a cotton swab, leave it for 15 minutes and rinse off with a normal wet sponge. However, this method is recommended only for a light-colored sofa - stains may remain on a dark surface.
• Given the dust-tight properties of the flock, a sofa with such upholstery needs to be vacuumed once a week.
• Try to avoid glue dissolving agents. Remember that the fibers are applied to the adhesive base, and therefore such funds can adversely affect the condition of the product. Beware of gasoline and thinner.

Mostly reviews about upholstery fabric flock positive. Buyers note a very beautiful appearance and give the advantages of such a sofa compared to a leather one. Unlike leather furniture, flock steadily tolerates damage that remains from cat's claws, it is more pleasant to the touch, in winter it gives the skin a warm feeling. Consumers like the fact that most varieties do not absorb moisture, which is why caring for furniture is quite simple.

The advantage is called the wide availability of this product in any furniture store, as well as a variety of colors. Flock as a fabric is understandable even to those who are not at all versed in textiles.Everyone knows about its positive properties, and that is why this material is very popular.

Among the shortcomings, the need to regularly vacuum the sofa is noted, since it accumulates dust and animal hair on the surface. To avoid frequent cleaning, many prefer to cover the sofa with a cloak or a cover and open it only during the guests' visit. Thus, a flock sofa can be stored for an even longer period. Some complain that the sofa is easily soiled and quickly absorbs liquids, however, in this case, consumers specify that they purchased the sofa at a very low price.

See more information about flock in the next video.