Finishes Guide
Even those who have a good handle on fabric specifications can be stymied when it comes to fabric finishes! Which finish has what properties? Can a finish be fire retardant and stain resistant at the same time? What is a “Green” finish? The answers to these questions and many more await you in this newsletter, as we attempt to demystify fabric finishes.
PFAS-Free
PFAS are a group of human-made, synthetic compound chemicals that have been widely used since the 1940s in various industrial and consumer applications. Due to their stable molecular structure, PFAS have earned the nickname "forever chemicals" as they do not readily break down in the environment. While PFAS have traditionally been instrumental in providing textiles with exceptional stain resistance, their hazardous makeup raises concerns for many human health and environmental issues. As a result, finishing formulators have been challenged by companies like Absecon Mills and the EPA to evaluate new materials that can eliminate these chemicals while maintaining high performance.
Our PFAS-free finishes are made with alternative chemicals that offer a sustainable solution that is non-toxic and eco-friendly.
Acrylic Backing
Applied to the back of the fabric to help ease the handling of the fabric by increasing the dimensional stability and preventing seam slippage and fraying. Also provides a barrier to help prevent bleed through of adhesives. This type of backing changes the hand/drape/flexibility of the fabric very minimally and is a bit softer than our SBR coating option.
SBR Coating
Also known as “Latex” backing, SBR is a synthetic latex coating applied to the back of the fabric. SBR is not associated with the allergic reactions that natural latex can cause. This type of backing increases the dimensional stability and prevents seam slippage and fraying. Also providing a barrier to help prevent bleed through of adhesives. This type of backing changes the hand/drape/flexibility of the fabric very minimally and is a bit more stable than our Acrylic backing option.
Moisture Barrier
Nonporous layer of non-woven material that is laminated to the back of a textile during finishing. This barrier is used to prevent fluids from passing through the fabric and is especially beneficial for protecting the cushion underneath of the fabric to aid in prolonging the life of your furniture.
Anti-Microbial (Anti-Bacterial) Treatment
A chemical treatment that can be applied at the fiber level or after weaving to the finished fabric. This treatment gives the product the property of being resistant to or inhibiting the growth of microbes and bacterial organisms, odor and stain-causing mold, mildew, algae and/or dust mites.
Flame Resistant Treatment
A finishing treatment applied after weaving, intended to make the fabric flame resistant. This treatment uses flame retardant chemicals that then produce a non-combustible gas that prohibits the ignition and spread of fire, while reducing toxic smoke and fumes. Fabrics with this treatment will burn more slowly which helps reduce heat buildup to prevent rapid fire development and will also self-extinguish.
Stain Repellant
Applied to the face of the fabric for added protection against soil and stains without impacting the aesthetic of the fabric which helps the fabric to look new longer. This finish is applied as a topical spray or as part of an immersion process.
Performance Finishes
Absecon Mills is your single source solution, shipping fabrics already finished, allowing you to get product to your customer quicker!
