What Are Double Rubs?
In a nut shell, Double Rubs are a way to measure the abrasion resistance of a fabric. The test method is known as the “Wyzenbeek Test”. This measurement can be found on most fabrics and helps to determine what type of fabric to use on a particular application.
Photo Credit: Green House Fabrics
The following is from our fabric distributor Green House Fabrics:
These are common questions when shopping for fabric! If you don't fully understand double rubs, don't worry! We will answer these questions for you with hope that we can make your fabric buying experience easier and more informed.
When shopping for the perfect fabric, “abrasion” or “double rubs” is just one of many factors that upholsterers and designers must consider. Over the past several years, there has been some discrepancy regarding these numbers and what is actually necessary for upholstery applications. Manufacturers have begun performing extreme abrasion tests (Wyzenbeek and Martindale Tests) specifying results of 100,000+ double rubs. As a result, consumers assume that anything less is no longer considered durable enough. However, abrasion ratings are only one component of fabric durability.
In actuality, fabric that meets 15,000 double rubs is more than sufficient for residential upholstery. Furniture with light use such as accent chairs and ottomans can go as low as 9,000 double rubs without any wearing issues.
According to industry standards, numbers higher than 35,000 double rubs are not meaningfully significant in guaranteeing additional value in use or life of a fabric. Most manufacturers stop abrasion tests once the fabric has surpassed 35,000 double rubs. There is no reason to continue testing beyond this point.
In regard to double rubs, consider the application and refer to the following guidelines:
Delicate Use: < 9,000
Light Use: 9,000 to 11,000
Medium Use: 12,000 - 15,000
Heavy Use: 15,000+
Our advice is to purchase fabrics that aesthetically appeal to you.
It’s more likely that the style of the fabric will wear on you before the actual fibers do.
Read the entire article: https://www.greenhousefabrics.com/blog/what-are-double-rubs
These are common questions when shopping for fabric! If you don't fully understand double rubs, don't worry! We will answer these questions for you with hope that we can make your fabric buying experience easier and more informed.
When shopping for the perfect fabric, “abrasion” or “double rubs” is just one of many factors that upholsterers and designers must consider. Over the past several years, there has been some discrepancy regarding these numbers and what is actually necessary for upholstery applications. Manufacturers have begun performing extreme abrasion tests (Wyzenbeek and Martindale Tests) specifying results of 100,000+ double rubs. As a result, consumers assume that anything less is no longer considered durable enough. However, abrasion ratings are only one component of fabric durability.
In actuality, fabric that meets 15,000 double rubs is more than sufficient for residential upholstery. Furniture with light use such as accent chairs and ottomans can go as low as 9,000 double rubs without any wearing issues.
According to industry standards, numbers higher than 35,000 double rubs are not meaningfully significant in guaranteeing additional value in use or life of a fabric. Most manufacturers stop abrasion tests once the fabric has surpassed 35,000 double rubs. There is no reason to continue testing beyond this point.
In regard to double rubs, consider the application and refer to the following guidelines:
Delicate Use: < 9,000
Light Use: 9,000 to 11,000
Medium Use: 12,000 - 15,000
Heavy Use: 15,000+
Our advice is to purchase fabrics that aesthetically appeal to you.
It’s more likely that the style of the fabric will wear on you before the actual fibers do.
Read the entire article: https://www.greenhousefabrics.com/blog/what-are-double-rubs
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