NFPA 701: How to Read the Test Results
March 26th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
(No. 3 of 3) It is very common for people to request copies of our test results, especially fire test results, for their records. I imagine they are usually just looking for the note at the bottom that says that the fabric “complies” or “meets the requirements.” When a fabric doesn’t pass the test, that’s when we start looking at the other numbers. So what do all of those numbers mean, anyway? « Read the rest of this entry »
NFPA 701: Description of Test Methods
March 20th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
(No. 2 of 3) The flammability test we use for all of our drapery fabrics is the ACT performance guideline: NFPA 701. The standard actually includes two tests, one for draperies that weigh less than 21 oz./sq. yd (Test Method #1, the replacement for the original small scale test) and a second for draperies that weigh more than 21 oz./sq. yd or have some kind of backing (Test Method #2, the replacement for the original large scale test). « Read the rest of this entry »
NFPA 701: What is the Small Scale Test?
March 13th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
(No. 1 of 3) When referring to drapery fire tests, we often hear people talk about the “vertical fire test” or “small scale.” The actual test code is NFPA 701. (NFPA stands for National Fire Protection Agency.) Since the test is done vertically, compared with, say, ASTM E-84 which is done with the fabric lying horizontally, NFPA 701 is nicknamed the vertical test.
The latest NFPA 701 version was updated in 2010, although its two test methods have hardly changed since 1996. We use NFPA 701 Test Method #1 for lightweight, single layer draperies. In this test, a hanging fabric is exposed to a 4” flame for 45 seconds; whether it passes depend on how much weight the fabric loses when it burns and whether any pieces that break off continue to burn. This second criterion is sometimes called drip burn. « Read the rest of this entry »
Teflon vs. Other Finishes
February 24th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
Teflon is a lot more affordable, and it does a basic stain repellent job. The other “healthcare” stain resistant finishes are costly products. Their strengths are permanence and stronger performance for both soil and oil resistance. Brentano chooses Teflon for residential applications while other finishes are used for healthcare purposes. « Read the rest of this entry »
Back to Basics Inspirations
February 3rd, 2012 § Leave a Comment
The spring 2012 collection developed around a desire to create things that possess a tranquil quality. We are introducing soft textures and subtle patterns, many within our Brentano Green line. There are high performing patterns too like Plein Air and Zinnia (above), but in my mind, the idea of tranquility connects most closely with green mindfulness.
Healthcare Fabrics and Finishes ~ 2
December 28th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Are stain resistant finishes waterproof? Are they bleachable?
Because all stain resistant finishes are breathable, any liquid will go through the fabric eventually. It may bead up on the surface at first, but the finish will not make the fabric waterproof.
Similarly, one should not assume that a fabric is chlorine resistant because it has a stain resistant finish. Both GreenShield and Nano-Tex are chlorine resistant, but they will not make a fabric chlorine resistant. The fiber needs to be a chlorine resistant fiber, the way the fiber is dyed needs to be chlorine resistant, and the finish needs to be chlorine resistant. All three – fiber, dye, and finish – have to qualify in order for the fabric to be chlorine resistant. « Read the rest of this entry »
Brentano Color Forecast
December 2nd, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Brentano Designer Aaron Mensik has great color sense, so we tend to rely on him as our colorist in the design studio. Usually before he starts to color a pattern, we will talk about how and where the fabric will be used and what kind of color it should have. For instance, if the fabric is to be used in a vertical application, we tend to want colors that are clear and soft. We might not produce any dark colors at all. There are also differences for residential and hospitality, healthcare, etc., fabrics. « Read the rest of this entry »
Our Printed Polyurethane Faux Leather
November 14th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Why the pigment will not wear off
Since we introduced Filigree and D.I.Y. this fall, I have received questions from designers who are concerned about the color pigments wearing off after heavy use. Some clients had bad experiences in the past and therefore shy away from using printed surfaces. « Read the rest of this entry »
Weaver’s Knot
October 5th, 2011 § 2 Comments
When I interview a person for a textile design job, I want to see their portfolio and test their color sense with the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-hue test. I want to know how well they can draw, how fluent they are with computer drawing tools, and how sharp their color senses are. I suppose other professions test a variety of things depending on their trade. I just learned that one of the tests for weavers is how fast they can tie a weaver’s knot.
So what does a weaver’s knot do? « Read the rest of this entry »
