Tag: velvet

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What is the martindale rub test?



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.

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Cotton Velvet Rub Test

Cotton Velvet Rub Test: Martindale Count and Contract Suitability

The Martindale rub count of cotton velvet depends on the specific fabric construction — the pile density, pile height, yarn twist, and backing construction all affect the result. As a guide, a contract-grade cotton velvet achieves approximately 30,000 to 50,000 Martindale rubs, placing it in the general contract category suitable for hotel bedrooms, light restaurant use, and office seating. Kothea’s cotton velvet achieves approximately 50,000 Martindale rubs.

Cotton velvet is less abrasion-resistant than mohair velvet of equivalent pile weight. Mohair velvet typically achieves 60,000 to 100,000 or more rubs depending on the specific range. For environments requiring above 60,000 rubs — hotel lobbies, restaurant banquettes, bar seating — mohair velvet is the more appropriate specification. For a full comparison of velvet types and their Martindale counts, see our velvet types compared guide. For the Martindale rub test explained in full, see our Martindale rub test guide.

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Busy at KOTHEA

We have been absolutely hectic at KOTHEA this year. Some new velvets are coming on board as I write and we have been concentrating a lot more as well on European business this year.

There are a few new marketing activities we have planned which should hopefully add a little value to the interior design community rather than just trying to sell stuff to them, so watch this space and your in-box for more information on that.

We have tried to offer as full a range of velvets as possible: cotton velvets; linen velvets; cashmere silk velvets; silk velvets; mohair velvets and so on. We are thought about offering a budget range as well but decided in the end not to tarnish our strong quality brand. I think we made the right choice.

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KOTHEA PR

We have been lucky enough to be getting quite a lot of coverage of our new ranges for 2009. This year we decided to have a gradual month-by-month release of new designs rather than the usual Spring and Autumn collections…we’re not a clothes fashion company after all.

Have a look at some of our thoughts on the year ahead as shown in the excellent on-line design directory The House Directory. An excerpt from the MARCH 2009 edition is shown below.

For a sneak preview of some of our new fabrics we have a 2009 flickr feed.

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Pan Peninsula

Well, despite the market slowdown the luxury 50 storey Pan Peninsula tower in London Docklands is fully sold. Alongside amazing apartments are a signature restaurant, private cinema and a Six Senses Spa.

The penthouses have amazing views and KOTHEA have supplied some of our very best mohair velvets for this development.