3 Factors Affecting Upholstery Protector Selection

Upholstery protectors help to increase the resistance of upholstery to dirt/soil and moisture. These protectors need to be reapplied regularly so that the upholstery fabric retains this protection throughout its service life. This article discusses some of the variables that determine which protector will be best suited for a given application.

Upholstery Differences

The key determinant of upholstery protectors is the material from which the upholstery is made. Protectors should be selected based on their suitability for a given fabric. For instance, natural fibre fabrics may shrink or stiffen in case you use a water-based protectant on them. It is therefore important for you to find out the exact material or blend of materials from which your upholstery was made. This information will make it easier for you to select the right protector for those fabrics.

Safety Risks

You should also be aware of any safety risks that may be associated with a specific protector before you use that product. For example, some solvent-based protectors pose a fire risk and should never be applied close to sources of flames. Some protectors should only be applied while wearing high-efficiency respirators to protect the person against the hazardous fumes given off. Building occupants should also stay away until such a protector has cured and is no longer giving off any fumes. Find out what the safety/health risks of a protector are before you opt to use it on your home or office upholstery.

Application Conditions

You also need to research about the application requirements that aren't related to the health or safety risks posed by that product. For example, should the product be applied when the upholstery is fully dry? Does the product require a lengthy curing time? This information is vital because it can affect how well the protector works after application. You will also know when to schedule the application after determining the conditions needed for this task. For instance, you can apply the product over the weekend in case the upholstery needs to be left for more than a day before it can be used again.

Some people try to avoid the risks associated with upholstery protectors, such as cellulose browning, by applying less than the required quantity of protectors. Such a practice is self-defeating because your upholstery will not get the protection needed. Work with experienced upholstery cleaners who will be able to know the right product and methods to use when applying the protector. In this way, your upholstery will retain its attractive appearance for a long time. 


Share