Rayon Velvet

Some fabrics are simply more difficult on which to work than other fabrics. Jacquards are known for their bleeding while chintzes can also be difficult on which to work in many regards. Many different fabrics present a variety of unique challenges. Rayon Velvet; however, is frequently considered to be one of the most difficult fabrics on which to work.

Rayon has gained a large degree of popularity for many reasons. It is frequently used in upholstery fabrics for a number of reasons. One of the main reasons that it is used for upholstery purposes is the fact that it has a very soft hand. In addition, rayon is known for dying easily and has a luster that is similar to silk. Rayon also tends to be somewhat inexpensive.

In spite of the fact that rayon certainly has a number of positive benefits, there are also many inherent factors of rayon that makes it difficult to clean. One of these characteristics is the fact that it can lose much of its strength when it is wet. The resiliency of rayon also tends to be quite poor. Furthermore, ringing and shrinking is very common with rayon. Finally, rayon tends to be hydrophilic. This means that any stain that is water-based can be quite difficult to remove from rayon.

In many cases, rayon velvet may begin to exhibit what appear to be stains. This is commonly the result of distortion of the pile. Generally, these types of areas occur on sections of the upholstery that receive the most wear. As the nap becomes flattened, the nap becomes distorted and the result often may appear similar to a stain.

Crushing can be a Problem

The fact that rayon has such a low resiliency can also present a problem. Resiliency means that a fiber is able to recover well after it has been deformed. This is not the case with rayon velvet. It should be understood that rayon velvet fabrics can and will crush when pressure is applied. If the pressure is prolonged, the problem can be even more serious.

The Problem with Spills

While most consumers certainly try to avoid spilling anything on their upholstery products, they inevitably occur. Even a glass of water can prove to be problematic when it is spilled on rayon velvet because it can result in the distortion of the pile.

The fibers themselves are not actually damaged; however, when they become wet the shape of the fibers will change. The change may be subtle; however, even a small amount can change the way in which light is reflected. When compared to surrounding fibers that have not been affected by the spill, the area can be particularly noticeable.

What Should be Considered before Protection is Applied

Consumers who own rayon velvet products are often interested in protecting their fabrics in order to minimize these types of problems. Before any type of protection is applied; however, it is important that a few factors be taken into consideration. Certainly protection can assist in slowing the absorption rate of moisture into the fabric. That said; however, consumers should understand the importance of performing an inspection of the fabric to discover whether any problems have already occurred.

Tips for Consumer Care

The day to day maintenance of rayon velvet can be a challenge in many cases. Perhaps even more so than many fabrics, it is imperative that rayon velvets be vacuumed on a regular basis in order to remove debris and dirt. When rayon velvet is vacuumed; however, care should be exercised to ensure that vacuuming is performed in the direction in which the pile lays.

When it comes to using chemicals on rayon velvet dry cleaning solvents are the only kind that will usually be safe to use on this type of fabric. Chemicals which are water-based should always be avoided. In the event of a spill, it is critical that it be cleaned up as quickly as possible using a paper towel. No pressure should be applied. This process is known as wicking. When necessary, as is usually the case with most spills, any blotting should be handled carefully and gentle to prevent crushing the pile of the fiber.

When maintained in a proper fashion, rayon velvet can last for numerous years while retaining its beauty.