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 material has been in demand. Its popularity for such a long time is due to its functionality, quality, aesthetic appearance and ease of maintenance.

Do not think that flock is already an outdated material from which sofas were mostly made in Soviet times. Yes, it is the flock sofas left over from grandmothers and grandfathers that are now kept by many in their dachas, but since then the technologies for making this fabric have changed significantly. 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 either natural or artificial. Its performance is determined by the pile, which is glued to the base. Polyester or 65% nylon and 35% cotton are often used in production. Due to this composition, a very strong, strong and durable canvas is obtained at the exit. Artificial flock is more common. Its tactile characteristics can be compared to velor. The external description is also quite similar. Flock made from natural fibers is rare, but also found in stores.

Material production begins with cutting the pile. 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 villi, an adhesive is applied to the textile base, after which the canvas moves along the machine, and the villi lie flat on it. Electrical conductivity allows electrified fibers to hit the canvas tightly and in a strictly vertical position. At the end of this stage, the product is treated with a special compound so that it shines. The flock is ready.

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

• It is a very practical and durable fabric. It resists 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 off. Some varieties are not inferior in strength even to natural leather.
• Flock is a great option for pet owners. This is an anti-vandal fabric that will protect the sofa from cat claws and other mechanical damage.
• Another positive quality of flock is moisture resistance. Water drops that accidentally fall on the sofa are not absorbed, but are kept on the surface, and you can have time to wipe them off with a rag.
• It is a breathable material. It has a very pleasant texture and stays soft and warm at all times, even when the room is cool.
• Sofas with flock upholstery have a fairly affordable price and are approximately at the average price level among sofas from other materials.

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

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

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

However, all these properties are characteristic of a high-quality expensive flock. Low-priced sofas are often made of poor quality material and can wrinkle quickly, become unstable under load, absorb moisture and be difficult to clean. The pile on it quickly deteriorates.

Depending on the material of the fibers from which the flock is made, several varieties of this fabric can be distinguished.

• Polyamide. It is characterized by softness and long service life. When pressed, it crumples a little, but then quickly regains its shape. It has a very aesthetic appearance. Of the shortcomings, it can be noted that it burns out quickly. Mainly used for furniture upholstery.
• Polyester. It differs from the above option in the property of repelling water, as well as resistance to light. However, it also has its drawbacks: this variety is difficult to paint, and therefore the furniture departments offer mainly black specimens.
• Viscose. It is characterized by good coloration, it is more often used in printing, production of decorative items, packaging, toys. The disadvantage of the material is its tendency to crumple at the slightest load.

• Polypropylene. This flocked variety cannot boast of high wear resistance, and therefore is more often used for finishing 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 the economical price can be noted. Most often used in the production of work gloves or packaging.
• Acetate. It is mainly used in the manufacture of fur products. It is characterized by weak wear resistance, quickly wrinkles.

As already became clear from the above data, the scope of application of flocked fabrics is very wide. It is mainly used in the upholstery of upholstered home and office furniture, and is also used in the manufacture of raincoats, jackets, down jackets. It is often used in the production of soft toys and carpets. Water-repellent properties allow flock to be used in the manufacture of car seats and covers.

Caring for the upholstery fabric is simple, but there are still several rules that will extend the life of the flock, and also maintain its hygienic component.

• In no case should you use alcohol-containing products when 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 place the sofa next to the radiator. It is allowed to iron flock clothes on the inside in the "Synthetics" program.
• The resulting stains must be cleaned immediately, rather than waiting for them to dry. If the stain is still dry, then it should be wiped with a damp sponge and then cleaned. Rubbing it dry can damage the pile.
• Stains can be removed with soapy water. To do this, the contaminated area is treated with the prepared composition, left for a while, and then wiped off with a towel. After that, when the area is dry, the surface is ironed 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 area with the resulting composition and a cotton swab, leave it for 15 minutes and rinse it off with an ordinary damp sponge. However, this method is only recommended for light colored sofas - streaks may remain on dark surfaces.
• Given the dust-absorbing properties of the flock, a sofa with this upholstery should be vacuumed once a week.
• Try to avoid products that dissolve the glue. Remember that the fibers are applied to the adhesive base, and therefore such products can negatively affect the condition of the product. You should beware of gasoline and thinner.

Basically, reviews about flock upholstery fabric are positive. Buyers note a very beautiful appearance and cite the advantages of such a sofa in comparison with a leather one. Unlike furniture made of leather, flock endures damage that remains from cat's claws, it is more pleasant to the touch, in winter it gives the skin a warm feeling. Customers love the fact that most varieties do not absorb moisture, making it easy to maintain.

The advantage is also called the wide availability of this product in any furniture store, as well as the variety of colors. Flock as a fabric is understandable even for those who do not understand textiles at all.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 people prefer to cover the sofa with a cape or slipcover and open it only when guests are visiting. Thus, the flock sofa can be preserved for an even longer period. Some people complain that the sofa is easily soiled and quickly absorbs liquids, but in this case, consumers specify that they purchased the sofa at a very low price.

For more information on flock, see the next video.