Selecting the right fabric for a project requires an understanding of its performance indicators.
These factors, such as abrasion resistance (Martindale test), pilling resistance, and lightfastness, help architects, designers assess a fabric's suitability for various applications based on durability and other functional needs.
Abrasion resistance measures how well a fabric withstands friction and wear over time. High-abrasion fabrics are ideal for seating in public spaces, high-traffic areas, and furniture in homes with pets or children.
The Martindale test is the European industry standard for assessing this. During Martindale testing, the fabric is rubbed against a standard wool textile with a given weight-load applied. The Martindale machine runs at intervals of 5,000 circular rubbing motions. The test continues until the two threads are worn. Higher rub counts indicate greater durability. In Kvadrat, we usually stop testing when a fabric reaches 100,000 rubs. However, many of our textiles can withstand more than that.
In the US, as recognised by the ACT (Association for Contract Textiles), the standard test for assessing abrasion resistance is the Wyzenbeek test. The Wyzenbeek machine rubs along the warp and weft, whereas the Martindale machine rubs in a figure-of-eight shape.
|
Martindale |
Wyzenbeek |
Durability Level |
Recommended Use |
|
10,000 – 15,000 |
15,000 – 20,000 |
Light duty |
Decorative cushions, , occasional-use furniture |
|
15,000 – 30,000 |
20,000 – 30,000 |
Medium duty |
Residential upholstery, sofas, chairs |
|
30,000 – 50,000+ |
30,000 – 40,000 |
Heavy duty |
Commercial seating, hospitality, public spaces |
Pilling happens when loose fibres form small fuzz balls (pills) on the fabric’s surface due to friction. The test for pilling is carried out by a Martindale machine. The fabric is rubbed against the same standard fabric that is used in the abrasion test. However, in this case, there is no weight applied.
The textiles are rated on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is severe pilling and 5 means no pilling. At Kvadrat, we only offer textiles having a rating of 3 to 5.
|
Pilling Rating |
Performance Level |
Recommended Use |
|
1 – 2 |
Poor |
Not suitable for high-traffic upholstery |
|
3 – 4 |
Moderate |
Suitable for general upholstery or areas with less friction but may show pilling over time |
|
4 – 5 |
Excellent |
Ideal for sofas, office chairs, and frequently used furniture |
ACT guidelines recommend a minimum rating of 3 (ASTM D3511) for contract textiles, though a rating of 4–5 is preferred in high-traffic applications for long-term appearance retention.
Choose pilling-resistant fabrics like polyester blends, wool, or high-quality synthetic fibres for upholstery that stays smooth longer. A rating of 4 or 5 is recommended for high-traffic areas to ensure a clean look over time.
Lightfastness measures a fabric’s ability to resist colour fading when exposed to sunlight and UV rays. This is crucial for curtains, furniture near windows, outdoor textiles, and textiles used near large windows or bright environments.
Fabrics are exposed to simulated sunlight and rated on a scale of 1 to 8. A rating of 1 means poor resistance, while 8 means excellent ability for the textile to retain its colour. At Kvadrat, our minimum requirement is 5.
ACT recommends a minimum grade of 4 after 40 hours of light exposure (tested via AATCC 16 Option 3) for commercial-grade textiles.
|
Lightfastness Rating |
Durability |
Recommended Use |
|
1 – 3 |
Low |
Not recommended |
|
4 – 5 |
Moderate |
Areas with less or moderate exposure to sunlight |
|
6 – 8 |
High |
Outdoor use or a highly exposed environment |
Download our Kvadrat upholstery manual to access additional information on materials, maintenance, certificates and more.
Define the environment where the fabric will be used: residential, commercial, or outdoor.
Choose fabrics with higher abrasion and pilling resistance for high-traffic areas.
Prioritise high lightfastness ratings for areas exposed to direct sunlight, both in terms of geography and window orientations.
Consider both functional durability and how the fabric maintains its visual appeal over time.
By understanding these key indicators, architects, designers, decorators and private consumers can make informed decisions, ensuring that the chosen fabric meets both performance and aesthetic expectations for any space. Contact your local sales representative to get guidance and recommendations for your project.