[*paul_moss]

Going to look at  a brocade suite on Monday .The customer tells me it is Brocade but is not to sure and there are no labels on it,it is gold  colour with pattern/stripes in it,very dirty and 3 years old.

Any body got info on brocade if it is and which would be the best way to test.

Paul

[Dynafoam]

Paul,

Originally brocades were satins that had raised features embroidered on, but they are now produced on Jacquard looms.

Most that I encounter are polyester/cotton but they can contain several fibres, including viscous rayon,which requires particular care as trace fibres may have a tendency to burst, have a reduced wet strength and  are more prone to shrinkage than cotton, which can produce either a 'crinkled' effect or  tension burst.

I have also encountered brocades wih a high proportion of rayon in the smoothe areas, that have been given a moire effect, which dictated dry cleaning.

Chances are, though that the bigest problem will be vagrant indego dye from denim clothing.

[*paul_moss]

John thanks for the response what would be the best way to test the fabric.

Kind Regards
Paul

[Dynafoam]

Paul,

Obtaining a fibre sample from upholstery can be a problem - which is why it should be compulsory for proper labelling to be affixed. Some manufactures will sew on a swatch and sometimes fibres can be found inside a cushion for burn and wet tension tests.

Often, however the testing must be limited to those that can be performed on the cloth rather than the individual fibre. Select an inconspicuous site for the tests, if nowhere better, the zip-edge of a cushion. In addition to the usual crock, shrinkage/distortion tests, a wet abrasive test will often reveal  rayon fibres, which may burst or even disappear  with a firm rub.

I have wet-cleaned hundreds of brocades, some quite aggressively, without problem, but the odd one can still catch the unwary. I'm sure Derek has at least one sample in his collection which would fall into this category.

[*paul_moss]

John
Thanks for the answer
Glad your around to help with problems like this.
Dont know whether thats because they are shy ,or because you are more wise 

Thank you

Grasshopper Paul

[Dynafoam]

Paul,

The Old English translation of WISE is OLD 

[*paul_moss]

Yes
But my translation means
More Knowledge 
Paul 

[Derek]

Brother John

You are correct (as usual) these fabrics do wet clean very well..

the risk of damage I find is the weakening or breakdown of the satin weave (Usually the Viscose element)...
 
Mind you don't catch these with the upholstery tool or subject them to abrasion...if in doubt use a net fabric to clean through   ( Polyester caravan fly screen material is ideal)

Derek