Most upholstery fabrics undergo the Martindale test to assess their durability and suitability for different applications, from domestic furniture through to heavy contract use. The test is also known as the rub test and measures abrasion resistance. Results are given as a score in thousands of rubs. The higher the score, the more resistant the fabric is to wear.
The video below shows a Martindale machine in operation.
For a complete explanation of how the test works, what the rub count figures mean for different applications, what the test does not measure, and how Martindale compares to the Wyzenbeek standard used in North America, see our full guide: The Martindale Rub Test: A Complete Guide for Interior Designers and Specifiers.
For a direct comparison of the Martindale and Wyzenbeek test methods, see: Martindale vs Wyzenbeek: Rub Test by Abrasion Explained.
Request Samples
Order cutting samples of any fabric from our current collections. Trade accounts only.
Order Cuttings
I am familiar with the term “double rubs”. One of my suppliers is showing me a new fabric that will pass 250,000 Martindale rub test. Is this single or double rubs?
Thank you, Marilyn Benn, Supervisor Decor
It will be single, your supplier would need to confirm this. 250,000 is an extremely high figure. I have never heard of a furnishing fabric which such a high rating.
Dear Sir,
I ask for a Martindale test 18000 rubs for a polyester wool fabrics 55/44 plain weave suiting fabrics, Weight 270 grms liner meters. the test as given result as following 2-3 .I want to know if Martindale test is ok for this type of fabrics.
Regards,
Taj Ali Ghani
Hi Taj
The Martindale is a statement of ‘fact’ about an aspect of one of the fabric’s technical properties ie abrasion resistance. Many technical characteristics of the fabric such as density of weave and the type of yarn used.
18,000 rubs would probably be OK for residential upholstery.
If that has not answered your questions please feel free to clarify further.
Hi Ms.Verity Du Sautoy
Can you please suggest number of rubs OK for 100% Cotton furnishing fabrics?
Thanking you in advance for the measures and for your kind co-operation.With best regards.MKG.Selvarajan
Suitable for what purpose? The material (cotton) is irrelevant if you are concerned about durability/wear. That is what the Martindale tests measures.
would a fabric of 25000rubs besuitable for domestic use
yes
Thanks I was wondering what the test was as I just received some results on a material from our architect.
A measure of abrasion. Search this blog for much more info.
Hi sir,
Some people mention the fabric passes certain standard of “double rubs”. Does it also equivalent to Martindale figure or different to that?
Thanks for clarifying.
Simon
It’s covered in this post: https://www.kothea.com/2009/06/26/martindale-vs-wyzenbeek-3/
Hi, indicates the martindale test also tolerance of ”cat’s violence”? I mean for example heavenly playing inthe chair and hanging with claws in it?
No it won’t help with that. Cat’s claws are like knives. So either get them cut/filed REAL short or get a very thick man-made material…something like floor vinyl. Try to cut the floor vinyl (or other fabric) with a knife. If you can’t easily cut it then it might be ok with your cats. Or go dog.
How many kPa is presure for Martindale test (upholstery fabrics) !?
Sorry no idea.
Hi there,
What does “160,000 cycles” mean for a Martindale test? Would this be ok for a main family room sofa? Thanks!
Should be ok for residential use
Could you please suggest me how many martindale rubs would a 100% polyster upholstery fabric survive ? and according to the international standards are we suppose to use worsted wool piece or a piece of cotton ?
It depends on many things other than just the composition. You have to do the test.
It’s impressive that you are getting ideas from this paragraph as well as from our dialogue made at this time.
Thanks for finally talking about >What is the martindale
rub test? « KOTHEA The Fabric Blog <Liked it!
Can someone suggest how many cycles will be OK to test on Pique 100% Cotton fabric as on Martin-dale test ?
When the test is made on fabric the test company will do 5,000 or 10,000 rubs and stop. Observer and then do 5,000 or 10,000 more until the ‘endpoint'(s) when the (layers of) fabric fail.
Do you know of any chart with recommended martindale cycles per usage?
Ex. Recommended cycles for light residential use, or high residential use, or light contract use, medium contract use, or high contract use?
Does that exist?
I would like to learn more about this. Is there somewhere you could recommend?
Cheers
Try this: https://www.kothea.com/2011/05/31/wyzenbeek-martindale-abrasion-testing/
Lovely. Many thx for the fast reply.
Sweet blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News.
Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Appreciate it
Hi, Could you tell me where I can get a fabric tested please? I am designing a range of upholstery fabrics and would like to have my samples tested before starting bulk production. Many thanks.
hstts.co.uk high st textile stesting services. somewher eenar bradford
For a quality church pew seat fabric. What minimum rub test would be suitable.
Martindale Abrasion Tester(TF210), to determine the abrasion and pilling resistance of all kinds of textile structures. Martindale Test Equipment complies with ASTM D4966, ASTM D4970, ISO 12947, etc. Martindale Fabric Abrasion Tester will meet your needs when you do Martindale rub test.