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Updated regularly, the Trivantage Market Corner Blog spotlights new products, industry updates, and growth opportunities for you and your business.
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Did you know Trivantage has expanded its workroom product offerings? From high-quality fabrics and thread to notions, tools, and much more, you can shop the essentials all in one place and count on Trivantage to help you get the job done right. We think you will agree that our Designer & Workroom experience shortens the search for the perfect upholstery fabric. Whatever your vision, Trivantage makes finding the right fabrics a simple search, followed by responsive service and speedy shipping – ensuring you receive what you need when you need it.
For a firsthand look at our broad assortment of products from trusted brands, join us at the Custom Workroom Conference on September 23-25 in Warwick, Rhode Island. CWC is the only annual educational event and trade show specifically for custom drapery, soft-furnishing, and upholstery businesses, and Trivantage is a proud sponsor of this year’s show. The event features 21 expert instructors, a panel discussion, the Exhibitor Marketplace with vendors, including Trivantage, and the popular Education Station.
For richer insights into the conference and its role in educating the workroom industry, we asked Susan Woodcock, co-owner and producer of CWC, to share details on how workroom owners who design and create will share a common purpose over three days filled with education, partnership, and business-setting goals. We can’t wait to see you at CWC to discuss how Trivantage can turn your vision into reality.
The Custom Workroom Conference is the only annual educational event and trade show specifically for custom drapery and upholstery workrooms. It is an opportunity for small business owners to network and learn, and to welcome new people to the industry. We started the conference in 2016 to bring people together in-person, understanding that many workroom owners are sole proprietors. We continue to focus on two goals: providing quality education and building relationships with other workroom professionals and suppliers.
CWC is a unique experience. Everyone is welcomed and included as an equal. New business owners and first-time attendees are celebrated. Many workroom owners attend every year to be with others who understand the day-to-day challenges of owning a custom business. Attendees are energized and inspired. It is remarkable to see how easily people make friends, share, and support each other. It is one of the friendliest groups of people and we often hear how remarkable that is compared to other events and trade shows.
Our focus is education. During the three-day event, there are five class sessions with four offerings in each session, for a total of 20 classes to choose from. Topics include window coverings, upholstery, business, and general interest. Instructors are small business owners sharing methods, ideas, and inspiration from their own businesses. The popular Education Station which runs during the Exhibitor Marketplace features live sewing and upholstery demonstrations.
The workroom industry is influenced by design and decorating trends and product innovations. Workroom businesses need to stay updated and informed about the latest hardware and shade systems, fabrics, upholstery materials, tools, and techniques. For example, this year’s CWC silver sponsor, Trivantage, will demonstrate its new Seamstick Taper, a convenient tool that makes it easy to apply seam tape to zippers, webbing, and trim. I look forward to seeing this and many other tools in action at the show.
The CWC Exhibitor Marketplace is a one-day event without competing classes or events. Attendees can focus on purchasing from suppliers like Trivantage specifically for upcoming projects and meet new companies with products and services that will help their businesses succeed. The marketplace also is a trade show where small companies can afford to exhibit and participate. This gives attendees a greater selection of products and companies to connect with, from major suppliers to small companies and even start-ups.
We are excited to be presenting CWC in the Northeast. We have had a fantastic response to the Rhode Island location and know it will be the best event yet. A lot goes into selecting a venue and we start planning about 18 months in advance. That means we have already selected and signed a contract for 2025! But it’s a secret for now; we will announce that news at CWC in September.
Time is a thief, and case in point: Advanced Textiles Expo 2024 is just over three weeks away. So, are you registered? If not, there’s still time, and Trivantage® has you covered with VIP discounts.
Click here to register for the flagship show for the industrial textiles industry, then enter code EX24VIPTRI at checkout for a free registration complements of Trivantage. If you are planning to attend the Emerging Technologies Conference you can save 10% off the registration by entering code EX24TENTR.
We look forward to seeing you at Booth #1426 on September 24-26 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Count on Trivantage as your primary provider for new and exclusive products and services, and at the Expo, our marine, shade, and upholstery offerings include:
We also stand ready to assist you in signing up for Trivantage Plus™, a one-of-a-kind customer membership program custom built for you. Now in its second year, Trivantage Plus is loaded with exclusive benefits such as flat-rate parcel shipping and product discounts not available anywhere else. And new to the program this year is members can now order complimentary memo samples with free shipping and gain access to exclusive discounts from new industry partners, Fabric Tattoo and TagTime USA. today!
These new program benefits are designed to enhance the toolkit we’ve built since Trivantage Plus was launched to help customers grow their businesses. But don’t take our word for it. We recently heard from Ricky Collins, owner of Collins Custom Interiors in Weatherford, Texas, and he was quite bullish on his renewal.
“This is our second year of being a member of the Trivantage Plus program, and what a great program it is,” Collins said. “With rising costs across the board, it has really made bidding jobs simple. It also helps us to be more competitive through lower fixed rates on shipping.”
There’s lots in store for the Expo, so register today, visit us at Booth #1426, and let’s discuss how Trivantage can help you get the job done!
Thank you for taking our recent Market Corner survey and having your voice heard on the type of content you find most useful. At Trivantage®, the goal of our monthly e-newsletter and blog is to deliver compelling, relevant content to strengthen your business and better serve your customers.
An overwhelming majority of respondents listed “New Product Introductions” and “Product and Educational Videos” as the topics they were most interested in reading. This issue of Market Corner includes a range of product information available at two key industry trade shows in September – the flagship show for the industrial textiles industry, Advanced Textiles Expo 2024, and the Custom Workroom Conference for custom drapery, soft-furnishing, and upholstery businesses. Trivantage is attending both shows to showcase our newest innovations, latest technology, and new products developed for customers like you.
As a reminder, if you haven’t already, please consider following our social channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn. We leverage our content across all Trivantage platforms and channels in order to maximize its reach, and our Customer Spotlights are quite engaging. Be sure to tag us in your posts and we’ll do the same whenever we feature your products, and we may also highlight your creations in Market Corner.
Thank you again for sharing your voice. Please contact your sales representative at any time with your questions or comments, as your input only makes Market Corner stronger.
When it comes to the world of professional upholstery, the use of high-quality tools is what sets quality work apart from subpar work. One such tool that seasoned upholsterers rely on to take their craft to the next level is the pneumatic upholstery stapler gun.
The quality and placement of staples play a crucial role in many upholstery projects. As such, the type of stapler used can have a significant impact on the quality, efficiency, and durability of the finished product. That’s true whether you’re doing a DIY reupholster on your favorite sofa or you’re tackling a professional job.
Pneumatic staplers (i.e., air-powered staple guns) use compressed air to drive staples into various types of materials. Both manual staple guns and electric staple guns can be excellent tools, but pneumatic staplers offer unparalleled power and consistency.
The air compressor used to operate the device provides the force that’s necessary to drive staples quickly and efficiently. Compared to other types of upholstery staple guns, pneumatic staplers offer several unique qualities that make them a top choice for many professional upholsterers.
If you want consistent power with each shot, there’s nothing better than using an air-powered staple gun for upholstery as it ensures each staple is fully driven and secured. This power is excellent for a wide range of applications, from delicate silks to heavy-duty leathers and more.
Pneumatic staplers provide an unparalleled level of uniform force in every shot, which results in consistent depth and staple placement. This precision and consistency is absolutely necessary if you want to achieve a professional and aesthetically pleasing finish.
Another reason why pneumatic staplers are considered the best staple gun for upholsterers is that its rapid-fire capability allows for much faster work than its manual or electronic counterparts. As such, this translates into higher productivity and quicker turnaround times.
Hand strain and fatigue are common among professional and DIY upholsterers. Air-powered staplers alleviate many of those problems during long upholstery sessions, allowing you to work longer and more comfortably.
One of the best parts about using pneumatic staplers is they can handle many staple sizes and types (i.e., point type, wire gauges, leg length, crown width). From fine wire staples for delicate fabrics to heavy-duty staples for marine fabrics, a pneumatic stapler is easily adaptable to many types of upholstery projects.
While air-powered staple guns are excellent tools, it’s important to note that not all pneumatic staplers are made the same. Depending on your needs, it’s essential to seek tools that have the following features:
Pneumatic staplers are excellent for a wide range of upholstery projects, including but not limited to:
When it comes to air-powered pneumatic staplers, there’s no lack of choice and options to fit any industry or application. For example, the FASCO Long Nose Pneumatic Staple Gun features a longer nose for reaching tight spaces in medium-duty tasks like baseboards, marine interiors, and other indoor/outdoor upholstery projects. For heavy-duty projects, the BEA pneumatic staple gun is an excellent choice with a nose-actuated safety feature and compatibility with all kinds of divergent & chisel point staples.
At Trivantage, we’re passionate about providing top-of-the-line upholstery products, including cutting-edge pneumatic staplers and durable staples. We're your one-stop shop for all of your upholstery needs including fabrics, tools, hardware, various types of staples, and accessories.
Trivantage has the supplies and tools you need to achieve outstanding results. Find what you need by browsing our wide selection of upholstery products today.
From professional upholsterers to DIYers, fabric durability is of utmost importance. That’s because both the longevity and performance of your upholstery fabric is essential for ensuring your furniture stays attractive and functional over time.
Two of the best methods for assessing the durability of your fabrics are the Wyzenbeek and Martindale rub tests. Both of these tests measure the fabric’s ability to withstand abrasion and the rigors of everyday use.
The better you understand these tests, including how to use and interpret them, the easier it’ll be to select the best fabric for upholstery used in heavy-duty to light domestic use, and everything in between.
You can have the most beautiful fabric, but if it’s not durable, it won’t be of much use for most projects. For example, fabrics used in high-traffic areas, commercial settings, and furniture pieces (recliners, ottomans, etc.) that need to maintain their aesthetic appeal and functionality over time typically require high-durability fabrics.
Here’s where durability checks, like rub tests, play a crucial role in evaluating whether you’re using the best fabric for your specific use case. Not only do these tests ensure your upholstery fabrics can endure abrasions, but can also hold certain signs of wear at bay much longer than less durable solutions.
The most common way to test a fabric’s durability and abrasion resistance is via a rub test. Generally, these methods involve rubbing the surface of a fabric to simulate the wear and tear that upholstery fabrics experience as a result of everyday use, helping manufacturers to gauge and rate overall durability.
The two main types of rub tests include the Wyzenbeek and Martindale tests. Each has its own unique procedures and applications.
Learn more about lesser known upholstery fabric and industry terms.
Andrew Wyzenbeek developed this technique in the early 1900s to test fabric strength. The device he created tests how many times a fabric can endure a double rub with a piece of cotton duck fabric or sandpaper before tearing, and then gives it a rating.
Nowadays, this is the standard test used in North America. In most cases, you can find a fabric rating on the label.
The Wyzenbeek method uses a machine that rubs a piece of cotton duck fabric or sandpaper back and forth over a selected fabric sample. Each of these motions is counted as a double rub because each cycle requires the fabric to be passed over twice.
This test continues until the sample is noticeably worn (i.e., yarn breaks or significant abrasions). The Wyzenbeek test is particularly helpful for fabrics that are intended for heavy-duty use in a commercial setting to ensure it can withstand everyday wear and tear in high-traffic areas.
The higher number of “double rubs” a fabric can endure indicates its durability. For example, fabrics that can withstand roughly 15,000 double rubs are considered suitable for general domestic use, while those that can handle a double rub count of 30,000+ are better for heavy use in commercial settings.
From upholstery used in family rooms to commercial environments, the results of this test help both manufacturers and consumers choose fabrics that meet specific durability requirements for various use cases.
The most commonly used method to assess the durability of fabric in Europe is the Martindale test. Developed in the late 19th century, Dr. Martindale’s test involves subjecting sample fabric to a multi-directional abrasion process to assess durability.
Much like the Wyzenbeek method, the Martindale test results are assessed based on how many “cycles” it can endure. The higher the number, the more durable the fabric. For instance, fabrics that can endure at least 20,000 cycles are ideal for light domestic use. On the other hand, fabrics with more 40,000+ cycles are better suited for commercial-grade applications and heavier use.
Both Wyzenbeek and Martindale tests are essential for assessing the overall durability of a chosen fabric, but they are fundamentally different. Here’s a brief comparison of the two methods:
| Wyzenbeek Test | Martindale Test | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | North America | Europe |
| Equipment Used | Cotton duck fabric, sandpaper | Martindale machine |
| Abrasion Type | Back-and-forth motion | Multi-directional (figure-eight pattern) |
| Measurement Unit | Double rubs | Cycles |
| Common Applications | Heavy-duty, commercial use, high-traffic areas | General domestic use, commercial settings |
| Typical Benchmarks |
|
|
When using rub test results to determine the best fabric option for upholstery projects, consider the following factors:
To maximize the durability of your upholstery fabric, consider these maintenance and care tips:
Have more questions about choosing the right fabric? View our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more.
By understanding the Wyzenbeek and Martindale rub tests, you can make informed decisions about the durability and suitability of upholstery fabrics, ensuring your work remains beautiful and functional for years to come.
At Trivantage, we offer an industry-leading selection of durable upholstery fabrics to meet all of your needs.
Browse our top-quality upholstery fabrics today to find the perfect upholstery for your next project.
As your business partner, our goal at Trivantage® is to be a resource you can count on, provide you with timely, relevant information to strengthen your business, and supply you with new products and solutions to ensure your customers are prepared for their next project. Our Market Corner e-newsletter and blog is one tool we use to communicate our knowledge and services with our partners. Our monthly newsletter is designed to streamline access to timely, fresh content on new products, design and industry expertise, expert tips, tutorials, videos, and much more.
To ensure we’re delivering quality content with useful and interesting information for your business needs, please take 1-2 minutes to tell us about your content preferences by taking a brief survey. Market Corner is part of our commitment to provide you with even greater access to content developed with your business in mind, and your feedback is invaluable in shaping how we deliver for you.
Click this survey link to let us know how we can enhance Market Corner to better serve you. If the survey is completed by Wednesday, July 31 at 4:59 PM ET, you will have the choice to enter a drawing to win a Trivantage Plus™ premium membership*.
We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for choosing Trivantage!
*No purchase or registration necessary. Open to Trivantage customers located in the 50 U.S. States & DC, 18 or older. Ends 4:59 PM Eastern Time (ET)/July 31, 2024. Void where prohibited. See Official Rules for complete details and our Trivantage Privacy Policy on how we use information you have provided to us.
Advanced Textiles Expo 2024 is just over two months aways, so be sure to reserve your spot now. The flagship show for the industrial textiles industry will be held Sept. 24-26 at the Anaheim Convention Center in the heart of southern California to showcase the newest innovations and the latest technology and textiles in the marketplace. Make your plans to attend and connect with like-minded peers who will help move your business forward.
At Trivantage®, our team invites you to visit us at Booth #1426 and see for yourself how we stand ready as your primary provider for new and exclusive products and services. To recap our marine, shade, and upholstery offerings you will see firsthand at the expo:
We will also demonstrate our Awning Composer® software and tell you about Engineering Services available through Trivantage. We have much more planned, so be sure to register today and plan to visit us at Booth #1426. When you register, you can apply VIP discounts from Trivantage to access the show floor. Go to AdvancedTextilesExpo.com/Register and click the Individual Attendee button. Once you have logged into your Advanced Textiles Association account, click on the Registration Details page and select Show Floor Registration. Then on the Shopping Cart page, enter code EX24VIPTRI and your free registration will be applied at check-out. You can also take 10% off the Emerging Technologies Conference registration by entering code EX24TENTR.
Additionally, you won’t want to miss Trivantage Plus™, a one-of-a-kind customer membership program custom built for you. It’s loaded with exclusive benefits you can’t afford to miss, including flat-rate parcel shipping, select company offerings, and product discounts not available anywhere else. In the meantime, join or renew Trivantage Plus today!
If you are planning on visiting the area either the weekend before or after the Expo, or if you find yourself with some downtime during the week, check out the 10 Best Things to Do in Anaheim. It’s chock full of tips and recommendations on how to get the most out of your visit, including foodie experiences, breweries, theme parks, live music, beach excursions and Major League Baseball.
Don’t wait, register today and we’ll see you at Booth #1426 in Anaheim!
There’s still time to enter the Serge Ferrari 25th Anniversary Color Contest, launched in partnership with Trivantage® to celebrate a new custom anniversary color for Serge Ferrari’s best-selling exterior solar protection fabric, Soltis Proof 502.
To celebrate 25 years of Soltis Proof 502, Serge Ferrari created a Revival Blue colorway, which was announced at Advanced Textiles Expo 2023. Trivantage is the exclusive provider of the new color for this industry-leading waterproof membrane fabric, and the project submissions to-date are as remarkable as they are inspiring.
It’s easy to enter: click here to submit your project featuring the new color and you could win a week-long trip for two to Lyon, France. Visitors to Lyon marvel at its rich 2,000-year-old history, not to mention its standing as the culinary capital of France. Our partners at Serge Ferrari are developing an itinerary that’s sure to please, so if you haven’t yet entered your project showcasing Revival Blue do so today!
The color contest is open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Entrants must be at least 21 years old and the owner or employee of a U.S.-based company whose primary business is solar protection or awning fabrication. To enter, complete an entry form, upload up five photographs of the completed fabric structure or awning project, and describe, in up to 500 words, how Revival Blue brought the project to life. The grand-prize winner will receive a trip for two to France including round-trip, coach-class airfare from a major airport within the 48 contiguous states; seven nights hotel accommodations at a hotel of the contest sponsor’s choice; round trip transfers to/from destination airport and hotel; and a tour of Serge Ferrari’s high-tech global textile manufacturing facility.
For context, Soltis Proof 502 is a waterproof, durable, lightweight, and easy-to-clean fabric that delivers superior flexibility and strength to allow creative freedom of shape and size for various outdoor applications. This cutting-edge fabric is ideal for awnings, pergolas, shade sails, light structures, and fixed shading systems. Soltis Proof 502, available in 40 total colors, is backed by a 10-year warranty from Serge Ferrari.
You can enter your project using Revival Blue through September 1. For more information on contest entry and official rules, visit www.soltis502contest.com. You also can contact your Trivantage sales representative for details or call us at 800-786-1876.
When it comes to marine upholstery fabric, quilted marine panels are highly sought after for a reason — they are durable, beautiful, and versatile, making them an ideal fit for boat interiors.
If you want to increase the value, look, and comfort of your marine vessel, quilted marine upholstery panels are an excellent place to start. They’re great for boat seating, headliners, side panels, and more. With pre-stitched panels, there’s no need for in-house stitching or special machinery, saving time, money, and muscle across the board.
They are specialized upholstery products that are specifically designed to be used in marine environments. Quilted marine panels available through Trivantage are made exclusively with Sunbrella® Horizon® Marine Vinyl, engineered synthetic leather proven to withstand marine conditions and resist microbial pinking.
The stitching process to create a quilted look makes the panel both visually appealing and strong, reducing the likelihood of the material being stretched or torn. This results in a very durable, comfortable, and long-lasting upholstery product.
For the most part, quilted marine panels are used in boat interiors (i.e., boat seating, cushioned walls). In addition to design enhancement, Sunbrella Horizon Marine Vinyl is favored among boat enthusiasts for resisting moisture and mold, which are common in marine environments. Many boat interior designers use these panels for other areas of the vessel, including:
Not only do they provide a uniform look and feel, but they’re also stylish and highly functional.
One of the best aspects of our Quilted Marine Upholstery Panels is that you don’t have to worry about manual stitching. Trivantage takes care of the design, material, and stitching, to ensure the final product is beautiful, strong, and durable:
Once the fabric is cut to specifications, it is taken to the quilting machines. During this process, the panels are layered with foam and other backing materials. Then, they are sewn with the appropriate stitching patterns, which can range from simple lines to much more intricate patterns.
This stitching process not only ensures the layers are secured, but it also creates that unforgettable textured look that has become a staple of quilted panels.
During the final step, the edges of the panels are finished. Depending on the manufacturer and specifications, this can involve adding a welt cord or trimming any excess material. Further, fasteners and adhesives may be applied when they are being installed on a boat.
Marine environments can be tough and unforgiving, especially on your boat upholstery. As such, your materials quality and the craftsmanship that went into manufacturing them are critical for long-term use and visual appeal. In addition to the hazards the water presents to your boat’s fabrics, the sun causes a lot of damage as well.
At Trivantage, our pre-stitched marine upholstery panels are made with Sunbrella Horizon Marine Vinyl – a highly trusted marine upholstery fabric with performance features customers appreciate, including resistance to:
This durability ensures that your panels hold up over time without fading, cracking, or degrading. Not only does this make for a more comfortable journey on the water, but they also help to safeguard the investment you’ve made in your marine vessel.
At Trivantage, we understand the need for top-tier marine upholstery materials for your boat. Whether you’re sprucing up a classic yacht or outfitting an entire fleet of charter boats, shop our selection of pre-stitched Quilted Marine Upholstery Panels in a variety of colors and stitch patterns, including but not limited to:
Explore our quilted marine panel options and start your project with the best materials available.
We’re all pressed for time, and that is certainly the case when it comes to running a business. The days are often as long as the deadlines are short. Time is money, which is why at Trivantage®, we’re committed to providing our customers with the tools they need to succeed and build their business.
Case in point: Fast Fabric Adhesives, a collection of new products that allow for onsite rafter band and reinforcement installation.
Fast Fabric Adhesives are premium-quality adhesives, specifically engineered for awning fabrics, with bond strengths that are comparable to sewing or welding. Available only from Trivantage, these products offer unparalleled ease of application. With a quick cure time, they’re great for use at installation sites and perfect for field repairs — a real time-saver compared to other attachment methods.
Available in two formulas, Fast Fabric Adhesives can be used on common awning materials, such as laminated vinyl and canvas, enabling precise installation of rafter bands and reinforcements. These products have applicators that are specially designed for easy use and are available in reusable cartridges that help minimize waste. Compared to traditional methods, they significantly reduce the time, money, and muscle required to complete the job.
To get the job done right with Fast Fabric Adhesives, shop online, contact your sales representative, or call us at 800-786-1876.
