All fabrics burn. There is no treatment that makes a fabric flame proof; however, fabric Can be treated to become flame resistant.

All fabrics can be made flame retardant. Virtually all natural and man made fibers can be treated with flame retardant chemicals. Protein fibers such as wool and silk have inherent fire retardant qualities; consequently, they are easily treated because they readily absorb moisture. Synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester do not absorb moisture but can be treated with special formulas.

Flame resistant finishes will shrink a fabric to the same degree water will shrink it. The degree depends on the fiber content and concentration. The average shrinkage is 3%. Casements shrink much more.

Non Water Durable
Non water durable fabrics such as velvet, moiré, chintz, sateen or polished cotton can be affected by a wet finish. By applying a fire resistant back coating, the damage to the surface can be limited and thus enable the fabric to meet most fire code requirements for upholstery use. This is not always the case with drapery requirements.

Reactive Dyes
If a fiber reactive dyed fabric, which has been flame treated, is exposed to a certain amount light, heat and humidity for a period of time, the color will change. Non-saline and fire resistant back coatings can eliminate the problem. It is essential that the finisher be alerted when a fiber reactive dye has been used so that the fabric can be properly treated.

Note: Fire codes vary in different locations. Please check with the fire marshal within the area or your particular job site for current regulations.

Performance Definitions

Abrasion Resistance:
The ability to resist the effects of repeated rubbing. Pilling is a by product of abrasion and depending upon the construction, pilling ca be more difficult to remove from synthetic fabrics, because of the inherent strength of the fibers which continue to hold onto the pill.

Absorbency:
Reaction to atmospheric conditions. Absorbent fibers are comfortable in humid weather. Fibers with low absorbency are clammy in humid weather and have problems with static.

Chemical Reactions:
The sensitivity of each fiber to bleaches, alkalies and acids. In a household situation, you need to be aware that chlorine bleaches and strong detergents (which are alkaline), are damaging to protein fibers, such as wool and silk. Cellulose fibers, such as linen and cotton, are damaged by relatively weak acids, like those found in fruit juices.

Cleanliness:
Whether the fiber tends to naturally shed dirt, or attract dirt, depending on the surface characteristics. Also, how easily a fiber releases dirt, as well as details that pertain to laundering.

Colorfastness:
The term applied to fabrics colored in such a way as to prevent color fading from light or cleaning.

Fibers...the building blocks of our yarns and fabrics

Elasticity:
The ability of a fiber to stretch without breaking. Also the ability to snap back to its original size after being stretched under tension. Drapes are best make with inelastic fibers in the lengthwise direction so that they will not stretch out. Most shrinkage occurs with elastic fibers, hard twist yarns, which change when laundered, and loosely woven fabrics; least shrinkage occurs with inelastic fibers, soft twist yards and tightly woven fabrics.

Resilience:
Ability of a fiber to spring back after being crushed or compressed. Wrinkle resistance depends upon a fabric's resilience.

Strength:
Resistance to breaking under tension.

Sunlight Resistance:
Ability to withstand degradation from prolonged exposure to sun. All fibers will eventually deteriorate from the effects of sunlight, but some are more resistant than others.