RAYON CHENILLE... All the Rage, But Readily Ruined Note: Though this article refers to Rayon’s resiliency is extremely new again. All of this would not be rayon chenille, the information is poor. When it crushes from its quite as problematic if it weren’t for also applicable to rayon velvet and original configuration, it tends one more unique characteristic of other rayon pile fabrics. to stay crushed. This problem is rayon: luster. even more pronounced when the Chenille fabrics are incredibly fabric is exposed to water-based Problems Accentuated popular in today’s home fashions. Luster (also called brightness) is the spills, cleaning agents or even With interesting textures and a soft ability of a fiber to reflect light. Luster dampness from perspiration. hand, they are available in a vast levels are generally described as Any form of moisture can cause array of styles and qualities. Design varying between dull (very low luster) irreversible nap distortion. possibilities are broadened by the to bright (high luster). use of different fibers, the most Fibers that are spun from a common of which are cotton, rayon, molten liquid, of which rayon is acrylic and polypropylene (olefin). one, are typically bright-luster Rayon chenilles, in particular, are unless modified (delustered) by often chosen for their clean colors the addition of a pigment before and subtle luster. These fabrics spinning. In the case of rayon used are beautiful when they are first for upholstery fabrics, much of what installed… but, what happens as we see is the bright variety. they are exposed to the rigors of All fibers tend to reflect light daily use? differently when viewed from Resiliency Issues different angles. This creates The ability of a fiber to recover variations in shade that are fairly its original shape after being subtle in low-luster pile fabric deformed is called its “resiliency.” such as mohair, but much more When a fiber is used in a typical The pile lays flat when it gets wet or pronounced in high-luster fabrics woven fabric (with no pile surface), damp and, though it can be coaxed like rayon chenille. Any deformation resiliency is rarely an issue. But, upright by gentle brushing, it is of the fabric causes significant it is a key issue in the case of pile difficult to get it to stay upright and “spots” which are nothing more fabrics, especially chenille. even more difficult to make it look than nap distortion. In fact, these

Superior Service, Smart Solutions PAGE 1 COPYRIGHT 2016 spots will look lighter than the Rayon is Eco-UNFRIENDLY Can Fabric Protection Help? surrounding fabric when viewed To make matters worse, ALL types Fiber-Seal Brand protective from one direction and darker when of rayon are manufactured using treatments are the very best in the viewed from the opposite direction. chemicals that are potentially industry. Our treatments can help damaging to the environment. We slow the penetration of liquids and Keep in mind that spots caused have written previously about how make oily soils easier to remove. by light reflectance/nap distortion even plants such as bamboo are can be caused by anything that However, our treatments do not processed with caustic chemicals in changes the orientation of the cause, nor can they ultimately transforming this eco-friendly plant pile, even routine use. The fabric prevent, the nap problems into rayon. This process is so toxic does not have to get wet to develop discussed here. that rayon is no longer produced in nap problems, though moisture is the US. certainly the quickest and most On the Bright Side severe route to damage. Don't Be Fooled As always, the experts of your local Fiber-Seal Service Center Rayon is but one name for this "That's Not Covered" are just a phone call away when fiber made from regenerated Unfortunately, upholstery fabrics are you need assistance with the care cellulose. It is also called “viscose,” not created using anti-static fibers. of fine interior textiles. As you can the term that describes the Natural fibers do not typically exhibit see from this article, we answer primary process by which rayon is the problem. However, polyester and questions that are not even related manufactured. “Cupro” is another other synthetic “microfibers” and to Fiber- Seal. If we don’t already name we have seen, again referring “microsuedes”—very popular for both have the answer, we’ll help find it to a manufacturing method home and automobile upholstery— for you! (the cuprammonium process). can contribute to static issues. “Bemberg” is a cuprammonium You can also connect with us on rayon produced in Italy. our social media networks!

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