In today’s ever-evolving business landscape, businesses and consumers alike want to set themselves apart through unique personalized displays. This comes in the form of different expressions, and one trend that helps differentiate the look of businesses is digital printing solutions. Digital printing offers both personal and commercial customization, and requests for custom awning products is estimated to be as high as 40%.

We invite you to join Trivantage at Advanced Textiles Expo 2023 and learn how digital printing is ideal for commercial applications looking to brand themselves and draw consumers’ eyes to their business. Our very own Andrew Medley will present a Campfire education session on the show floor titled “Digital Printing: Unique Solution Offering That Differentiates.” His presentation will outline what to consider when reviewing an opportunity, including:

• How to work with the client (pattern resolution, color matching, sampling costs)
• How to fabricate the project (pattern matching, width for length)
• Choosing the right product (FR codes, printing process, warranty)

We hope you can join us at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 1 as Andrew demonstrates how, if you can imagine it, it can be printed.

If you haven’t already registered for the Expo, it’s time to reserve your spot. The flagship show for the industrial textiles industry will be held Nov. 1-3 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The Trivantage team looks forward to seeing you at Booth #1327 and sharing the latest on our game-changing marine, shade, and upholstery offerings, including Quilted Marine Upholstery Panels featuring Sunbrella^® Horizon^®.

When registering, be sure to use VIP discounts available from Trivantage. You can apply code EX23VIPTRI for a free Show Floor Registration or code EX22TENTRI for 10% off the All Access or Expo Plus registration packages. To begin, click the Attendee button at AdvancedTextilesExpo.com/Register. Once on the Registration Details page, click either All Access, Expo Plus, or Show Floor Registration. Then on the Shopping Cart page, enter your choice of discount codes and apply the discount.

While in Orlando, check out the website Visit Orlando for suggestions on outdoor attractions to experience, the Orlando Museum of Art and other museums to wander, and, of course, and more than a dozen theme parks to visit, including one led by a certain mouse. Your schedule is certain to be jammed during the Expo, but if you have an opportunity to explore Orlando, we think you’ll find plenty to see and do in the fourth-most visited city in the U.S.

Click here for the complete Expo schedule and visit Advanced Textiles Expo for everything you need to ensure a successful show.

See you at Booth #1327!

In the latest episode of “Talking Textiles,” a live podcast produced by Advanced Textiles Association, our very own Keith Purves joined a panel discussion on the state of the marine industry and tips for teaching and learning the craft. Purves, business development and training manager for Trivantage^®, is a marine industry veteran, having operated a custom marine canvas shop for 20 years prior to joining Trivantage.

The podcast, hosted by Marine Fabricators Association member Kyle Van Damme, seeks to inspire the next generation of textile professionals. Purves and the panel delved into trade careers, including hiring for character, teaching skills necessary to succeed, learning a craft, and managing a multi-generational staff. They also discussed building an “environment of belonging” and ended their conversation with succession planning and how to prepare for selling your business, topics Purves knows well.

“I grew up in this business, and my experiences as a fabricator have helped to shape my career,” Purves said. “There’s nothing that gives me a greater sense of value than when I can share my experiences and help make someone’s job easier, better, faster, or more profitable.”

Purves is immediate past chair of MFA, longtime member of ATA, and was honored with the 2022 Outstanding Volunteer Award from the industry organizations.

Click here to listen to the podcast.

In the last issue of Market Corner, which coincided with Earth Week, we shared how Trivantage is committed to sustainability best practices through Recycle My Sunbrella, a program designed to prevent Sunbrella^®, FIRESIST^®, Dickson^® Collection, Exceed^™, and select Hydrofend^® fabrics from entering landfills. This month, we take a broader look at the sustainability goals of our parent company, Glen Raven.

Each year, Glen Raven updates its Sustainability Report, and the 2023 report details our progress and outlines a path forward over the long term. Glen Raven has always believed that respectful stewardship of the environment isn’t just a choice; it’s a responsibility. With a global footprint, our parent company understands the impact its operations can have on the planet. That’s why the company and its subsidiaries, including Trivantage, is increasing the use of renewable energy in order to reduce its carbon footprint. By purchasing renewable electricity certificates from sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, we’re collectively reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and avoiding the related environmental impacts.

Overall, Glen Raven is using renewable electricity for over 50% of its global needs, and its manufacturing facilities in France and China have gone even further by using 100% renewable electricity. At Trivantage, 100% of the electricity for our facilities is renewable electricity, and the same is true at Glen Raven Logistics.

We encourage you to read the report and learn how Trivantage and Glen Raven are proud to lead on this issue in the communities we call home.

At Trivantage®, we’re always looking for new ways to serve you better. That’s why we’re offering you the Solair® Awning Visualizer free for your website. It’s as easy as 1-2-3 to see how a Solair awning will look on your customer’s home, which helps you make a seamless sale:

Take a picture with a smart phone, Upload the picture, See a new Solair awning on any home

Solair awnings are proudly assembled in the U.S. and use Sunbrella® and Dickson® fabrics for the covers. Customers can choose from hundreds of beautiful designs, bold patterns, and on-trend colors for the perfect awning fabric. Fabric selections include new offerings as part of the Sunbrella Shade Collection, including Sunbrella Drops and other performance fabrics from Dickson.

Call us today and we’ll provide you with a link to your very own customized Awning Visualizer.

To add this new tool to your digital toolbox, please contact your sales representative or call the Solair help line at 1-877-889-1680

We're excited to announce our new Instagram account - @trivantage! Launched earlier this month, this new platform for Trivantage^® is another way to connect with you, our customers, to showcase your projects from land and sea.

As a photo-sharing platform with over 700 million users, Instagram is a great way to highlight marine, shade, and furniture applications, as well as designer workroom projects. We look forward to engaging with you on the channel and spotlighting your work and content.

Follow us @trivantage on your Instagram app and like what you see along the way! Our hope is that you will be as inspired by the innovative product applications that you will see on our channel as we are. We’ll keep an eye out on your accounts too, and you can always send us a direct message on the app for a real-time connection.

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.

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.

The Importance of Fabric Durability in Upholstery

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.

An Overview of Rub Tests

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.

The Wyzenbeek Rub Test

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.

How the Wyzenbeek Test Works

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.

Understanding Wyzenbeek Test Results

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 Martindale Rub Test

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.

Understanding Martindale Test Results

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.

Comparing Wyzenbeek and Martindale Tests

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:

Considering the Right Test for Your Needs

When using rub test results to determine the best fabric option for upholstery projects, consider the following factors:

• Intended Use: How and where will the fabric be used (light domestic, general domestic, or heavy-duty commercial use).
• Expected Traffic: Fabric used in high-traffic areas like living rooms and hotel lobbies requires a higher rub count or cycle number, where light use requires less durability.
• Fabric Type: Fabrics react differently to abrasion, depending on many factors. Further, test results can vary based on the material composition and weave.
• Regulatory Requirements: Depending on the industry and location, there may be specific standards that dictate the required test type.

Tips for Extending the Life of Your Fabric

To maximize the durability of your upholstery fabric, consider these maintenance and care tips:

• Regular Cleaning: Keep the fabric clean by vacuuming regularly and addressing spills immediately.
• Use Protective Covers: For areas with heavy use, such as recliners and family room furniture, consider using protective covers.
• Rotate Cushions: Rotate and flip cushions regularly to distribute wear evenly.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can weaken fibers and fade colors.
• Professional Cleaning: Periodically have your upholstery professionally cleaned to remove deep-seated dirt and stains.
• Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Adhere to upholstery care instructions provided by the fabric manufacturer to ensure optimal maintenance.

Have more questions about choosing the right fabric? View our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more.

Find Durable Upholstery Fabric at Trivantage

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.