Updated 04/03/2005
PROFILE:
CONTENT: 100% Nylon
COMPOSITION CONTENT; Same
ORIGIN: Japan
VERTICAL REPEAT: N/A
HORIZONTAL REPEAT: N/A
WIDTH: 54 Inches
WEIGHT: 9.8 oz per square yard
THICKNESS: 30 mils; 0.8 mm
WEFT / PICKS: N/A
WARP / ENDS; N/A
FINISH; None
BACKING; See below
REVERSIBLE; No
AVAILABLE COLORWAYS: 10

TESTING & PERFORMANCE:
ABRASION: Wyzenbeek – 200,000 Double Rubs / Heavy Duty
GRAB TENSILE STRENGTH: 100 lbs. x 100 lbs (ASTM D-5034-90)
SEAM STRENGHT: 100 lbs. x 100 lbs. (ASTM D-1683-90A)
TRAP/TEAR STRENGTH: 35 lbs. x 25 lbs. (ASTM D-1117-80)
CROCKING: Wet 5 / Dry 5 (AATCC-8-1988)
COLORFASTNESS: Gas Fumes (AATCC-23, 5 cycles) - Class 4-5, little to no color change
Water/perchloroethylene (AATCC-107-1981) - Class 5, No color change
Fadeometer Test (AATCC-16A-90, 100 hours) - Class 5, No color change
Weather-O-Meter (Xenon Arc, SAE J-1885) - 225 kj/m2, little to no color change
Sulfide Staining (ASTM D-1712-89) - No staining
RESISTANCE TO URINE: (ASTM D-543) No Staining
FLAMMABILITY: Class 1 UFAC/NFPA 260-1989
Pass: California 117 Section E
Class “A” Rated Tunnel Test: (ASTM E84/NFPA 255/UL No.
Furniture upholstered with AUSTRALIA and constructed with other suitable components can
comply with Cal 133. AUSTRALIA can also be treated to meet many international flammability codes.

 
SEATING APPLICATION:
Contact us directly for past approvals

CLEANING CODE:
See Below

SPECIAL NOTES;
WALLCOVERING

AUSTRALIA products have been used, and are recommended, as wall covering. AUSTRALIA should be backed as this allows it to be used with standard adhesives and hanging techniques. Backing provides dimensional stability which helps prevent seam separation and also minimizes risk of wallpaper paste bleed through. We provide a lightweight polyester/cotton sheeting backer for wall applications. Experienced installers should be used. Try a small sample to get acquainted with how it hangs before starting the whole job. Recommended adhesives are standard or heavy-duty vinyl premixed cement. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for use and suitability of the adhesive you select. Prepare all surfaces as directed by the adhesive manufacturer. Inspect all surfaces


for foreign objects or contamination. Complete surface coverage on all glued areas is critical to achieve proper bonding. Missed areas will blister. Smooth by hand after laying up material to insure 100% bond and to work out bubbles. Double cut seams using sharp blades. Lightly brush as required. For walls or panels where a padded effect is desired, it may be necessary to use a pre-backed foam. For applications requiring direct cementing to wood, fiberglass, aluminum, etc. please refer to our instructions on
" Direct Cement Application".

DIRECT CEMENT APPLICATION:
This technique is used for direct cementing of AUSTRALIA and other JOSEPH NOBLE materials to components with molded shapes such as cowls, dashboards, door panels, and horizontal surfaces like desk tops and tables that are made of laminate, chipboard, aluminum, fiberglass, etc. This procedure applies to JOSEPH NOBLE products with and without our foam/tricot, knit, or sheeting backings. If installing as a wall covering with standard vinyl wall cements, please see our section on "Wallcovering” (above). Inspect all surfaces for foreign materials and defects. Prepare surfaces as per the instructions for the adhesive being used. For instance, particleboard is porous and may need to be sealed, primed, or doubled adhesive coated. Either a spray or brushable contact adhesive may be used when coating substrates such as laminate, chipboard, aluminum, etc. A brushable type has the advantage of good wetting of the coated surface due to the brushing actions. Use sprayable adhesive only on the BILTMORE COLLECTION to keep the adhesive on top of the fibers and not push it through to the face by the action of brushing. Thoroughly
cover both surfaces with adhesive. Missed areas or places where there are voids or gaps in the adhered material may swell and bubble when exposed to high humidity. Contact adhesives are most often used. It must be appropriate for the specific application and the material to which it will be applied; i.e. aluminum, wood, etc. The container label, technical literature, or adhesive manufacturer should be able to give you that information. Some water-based adhesives tend to swell the JOSEPH NOBLE products until the water has completely dried making the cover difficult to handle. Run samples and contact your adhesive dealer for further guidance. Do not use pressure sensitive adhesives, as they tend to creep with time and can result in thumb printing, loss of bond, or wicking of the adhesive up to the face of the material. After applying adhesive to the aluminum, etc. and AUSTRALIA, allow the solvent to evaporate and laminate the material before the adhesives open times have expired. Start at the center of the piece and work out to the edges to stick the cover down. To get extra stretch at difficult corners, apply a little steam to the face of AUSTRALIA as it is being stretched.

SOLID PANELS, CEMENTED:
For panels there are several approaches one could utilize - if the panel is solid and smooth and can be cemented to the AUSTRALIA without backing, following the suggestions under “Direct Cement Application.” If standard water-based wall covering cements are used, and the panel is wood, gypsum board, or other compatible substrate, then use the polycotton sheeting backing and follow the suggestions under “Wallcovering.” If a padded look is desired, follow the stretch and staple instructions under “Solid Panels, Upholstered” (below).

SOLID PANELS, UPHOLSTERED:
When a padded look is desired, and the foam tricot backing is not used, then the panel should be upholstered using techniques discussed previously. In summary, the foam padding is glued to the panel and covered with a Dacron or other appropriate batting. Gluing AUSTRALIA directly to the foam is not recommended - it is probable that there will be spots where the adhesive coverage is low, which may result in areas where the foam-to-AUSTRALIA bond is low. These low bond areas may bubble during high humidity conditions. Using too much adhesive will saturate the foam and will result in thumb printing or the foam taking a permanent set after compression. Upholstering over foam alone is also not recommended. This is because the foam does not become significantly compressed by the cover and therefore does not provide push for the cover. This is particularly the case in the center of a large panel. A batting on the other hand is compressed by the stretching of the cover during upholstering and will push back the cover to help keep it tight and smooth. The AUSTRALIA cover must be stretched tightly and evenly over the panel before stapling in the back. Stretching is very important, especially in large panels. Ideally, the AUSTRALIA should be steamed or misted on the back. The introduction of humidity into the nylon micro fiber matrix will make the AUSTRALIA easier to stretch. After upholstering, when the panel is in low humidity, the AUSTRALIA will contract and tighten up.

OPEN PANELS AND STRETCHWALL:
For applications where padding will not push the cover, the foam tricot backing has been used to help stabilize AUSTRALIA. AUSTRALIA without backing has been stretched over open panels but is not as stable to humidity as the backed materials. Stretching the AUSTRALIA is extremely critical is these applications since the cover will not be pushed out and kept smooth by battings and foams. The AUSTRALIA should be steamed or misted lightly on the back and then stretched as much as possible in both directions. Stretch evenly to avoid wrinkles. The cross machine direction generally has more stretch than the machine direction. Attach the AUSTRALIA securely after stretching, remembering that it will contract and get very tight when it gives up its moisture to a dry environment. If the clips in the panel are not adequate, the tension produced by this contraction could pull the AUSTRALIA out of the clip or track. By stretching the AUSTRALIA when it is in a humid environment, it will remain tight in humid conditions during use.

CARE AND CLEANING:

AUSTRALIA is a specially engineered nylon fiber matrix. It is designed with a built-in stain resistant finish that will not wash or wear off and does not require a topically applied spray. Ordinary dirt, smudges and water-soluble stains, such as coffee, tea, juice, soft drinks, milk, beer, wine, etc. can be removed with mild soap and water. Use a clean cloth or soft sponge to dab the stain with soapy water, mixed according to the manufacturer's directions. Remove the soap solution by wiping the area with a cloth and clean


water. Dry with a soft lint-free cloth or towel. Very stubborn stains or non-water soluble stains can be removed with a mild solvent such as naphtha (lighter fluid, paint thinner). Lightly wipe the stain with a clean cloth, which has been moistened with solvent. Blot the area with a dry cloth and allow to dry. Many ink and magic marker stains can be removed using a solution of one part Wisk detergent and one part rubbing alcohol. Dab lightly with a cloth, which has been moistened with the solution. Do not rub. As the ink loosens, blot the area with a dry cloth. Repeat if necessary. Rinse with a cloth dampened in clean water, and dry with a soft cloth. For commercial installations use mild soap and water for general cleaning. Avoid using cleaners containing abrasives or bleach. Disinfectants can be used provided they are evaluated beforehand. Technical bulletins outlining specific cleaning and disinfecting procedures for these products used in health care applications are available. These simple cleaning methods will ensure the long-lasting beauty and elegance of these AUSTRALIA products.

TO REMOVE STAINS:
1. Select the appropriate cleaner according to the chart below.
2. Begin with the cleaner listed first and allow the spot to dry.
3. If stain remains, proceed to the next recommended cleaner.

STAINS CLEANERS
Coffee, Tea, Milk: 1
Juice, Soft Drinks: 1
Wine, Beer: 1
Mustard, Catsup, Chocolate: 1
Cooking Oil, Mayonnaise: 1, 2
Crayon, Lipstick: 1, 2
Urine, Blood: 1
Body Oils: 1
Ink: 3
Grease, Shoe Polish,
Motor Oil: 1,2
Furniture Polish: 1,2

CLEANERS:
1. Mild soap (such as Joy, Dove, Ivory or other hand-dishwashing liquids) and water. Use a clean cloth or soft sponge to dab the stain with soapy water. Remove the soap solution by wiping the area with a cloth and clean water. Dry with a soft lint-free cloth or towel.
2. Mild petroleum solvent such as naphtha (lighter fluid) or mineral spirits (paint thinner). Lightly wipe the stain with a clean cloth, which has been moistened with solvent. Blot the area and allow to dry.
3. One part Wisk detergent and one part rubbing alcohol. Dab lightly with a cloth, which has been moistened with the solution. Do not rub. As the ink loosens, blot the area with a dry cloth. Repeat if necessary. Rinse with a cloth dampened in clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Ballpoint pen ink can be removed with Clean Ink Sticks, which are available through JOSEPH NOBLE. NOTE: Exercise proper care when using solvents or solvent cleaners. Some solvents are flammable. Read and follow manufacturer’s directions on labels. Use with adequate ventilation. Wear protective gloves.

HEALTH CARE APPLICATIONS:
AUSTRALIA faux leathers have been used in dental chairs, examination tables, hospital furniture, and other health care applications where cleaning and disinfecting is performed frequently. In response to questions regarding safe products to use on AUSTRALIA, JOSEPH NOBLE has evaluated several cleaners/disinfectants and recommends the following: Cleaning: Wipe the AUSTRALIA with a mild soap and water solution using a soft clean cloth or sponge. Avoid cleaners containing abrasives or bleach. Rinse with clean water, dry with a soft cloth or towel. Disinfecting: The following products are acceptable based on our testing. Dilute as directed and apply as per the manufacturers label instructions:

PRODUCT TYPE MANUFACTURER
Aseptiphene 128 Phenol/water Huntington Labs.
Bi-Arrest II Phenol/water Infection Control Tech.
Cetylcide Tertiary ammonium chlorides/ Cetylite Ind. Inc. Water
Tertiary ammonium bromides
Omni II Phenol/water ADM Medical
Precise Cleaner Phenol Cal Tech
Procide Spray Glutaraldehyde/Phenol Cottrell Ltd.
Sterall Spray Glutaraldehyde Colgate-Hoyt Labs.

Iodophors such as Biocide, Wescodyne, ProMedyne Iodofive, etc. are not included on the acceptable list at this time due to concerns regarding possible staining of the AUSTRALIA surface.

THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS ARE CURRENTLY NOT RECOMMENDED FOR USE ON AUSTRALIA:
Coefoam, Coe Spray, Coe Foam Plus
Healthco Aerosol Foam Cleaner
Lysol, Lysol II, Lysol Professional
Asepti-steryl Aerosol
Procide ES
Cavicide
Sodium Hypochlorite Solutions (Chlorine Bleach)
Alcohols such as Isopropyl alcohol and Ethanol

JOSEPH NOBLE endorses no particular product with regard to its specific ability to clean and/or disinfect, only that approved products have been shown not to harm the AUSTRALIA finish. Our evaluations were based upon the disinfectants as currently formulated and may not reflect possible future reformulations or modifications by the manufacturers. JOSEPH NOBLE continues to examine the effects on AUSTRALIA of various commercial disinfectants.

REMOVAL OF BALL POINT PEN INK FROM AUSTRALIA:
Not all inks are composed of the same materials. Technique will also vary from one individual to another. The sooner the ink is cleaned, the greater the chances for success. Work with small areas at a time. If more than one location is involved, work with the most obscure or least visible area to test this procedure on the particular ink involved. Our most successful method has been by the use of JOSEPH NOBLE Ink Removal Stick, which is designed for removal of ink, lipstick, and other stains. It can be used on any of our faux leather products. Use the stick as directed on the label. Rub some onto the stain, wait about thirty seconds and remove with a clean cloth. Repeat if necessary. For stubborn stains, allow the ink stick gel to remain on the AUSTRALIA overnight. These Ink Removal Sticks are available from JOSEPH NOBLE for a nominal fee. To order your ink stick, call our Customer Service department at 214 741-8100. If you do not have an Ink Removal Stick, you can use the following procedure that utilizes ingredients common to most households:

1. In a small cup mix one part of Wisk detergent (full strength from the bottle) with one part of rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is commonly composed of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water.
2. Wet a small portion of a soft white cloth and apply the cleaning solution to the ink stain and blot up the stain. Do not rub. Blot up the cleaning solution with a dry cloth and repeat step 2 several times to extract as much of the stain as possible. This will keep the ink from spreading unnecessarily.
3. Dab a soft or medium bristle toothbrush into the cleaning solution and gently brush the stain in a swirling motion. As the ink loosens, blot up the cleaning solution with a dry cloth and repeat step 3 until the stain is gone (usually about 3 or 4 times). It is better to use the least amount of solution possible and to clean and dry in several steps than to saturate the AUSTRALIA material and attempt to extract the stain all at once.
4. Extract the cleaning solution from the AUSTRALIA with a damp cloth. Several rinsings will be necessary to extract all the soap. Wisk has a characteristic blue color and may impart a blush tinge to lighter colors of AUSTRALIA but this will disappear as the Wisk is extracted with a damp cloth.
5. Allow to air dry or drying can be accomplished with a hair dryer on a warm setting.
6. Check for residual soap evidenced by a bluish color or a soapy feel.

If necessary, repeat steps 4 and 5. This procedure is for ink pen stains only. For general cleaning use water and a mild soap such as Woolite following the manufacturers directions.

SPECIAL STAINS: BLOOD
Note: Whenever handling blood or blood products take appropriate precautions and use proper techniques to prevent the spread of disease. Fresh blood in most cases can be removed by wiping with a damp cloth or sponge and cold water. If necessary, use a diluted solution of a mild dishwashing soap such as Joy, Ivory Liquid, or Dove. If the blood has dried on, it may be more difficult to soften and remove with water or soap and water. However, it has not penetrated the finish, but is loosely adhered to the surface. Before washing, gently scrape the dried blood with a fingernail file or similar object. Once some of the blood spot is removed, most of the rest of it should flake off fairly easily. Wash and wipe with soap and water. If desired, follow the washing with an appropriate disinfectant.

SPECIAL STAINS: PAINT
Wet Paint - water based: Blot up as much of the wet paint as possible. Avoid spreading the paint. Wash the material with warm soapy water, and then follow with warm water to remove the soap residue. If some of the paint has worked its way down into the valleys of the leather grain, use a soft toothbrush to get at it. Do not scrub the material; rather use a soft swirling motion to loosen the paint. Wet Paint-Oil based: Blot up as much of the wet paint as possible. Avoid spreading the paint. Wet a soft cloth or sponge with mineral spirits and wipe up the paint residue. (Mineral spirits is a clear water white solvent sold in hardware and paint
stores. It is a distillate of petroleum and has a mild odor similar to kerosene. It is often sold as paint thinner and is recommended for thinning and clean up of oil based paints and stains. It is a combustible liquid. Keep away from ignition sources and use with adequate ventilation. Follow the manufacturer's label instructions. Be sure to use mineral spirits. Avoid alcohols, ketones such as acetone, and nail polish removers). Several cleanings may be necessary to get the last of the paint and to avoid a hazy or chalky appearance on the AUSTRALIA surface once the solvent has evaporated. In the final cleanings, be sure to use a new, clean cloth to avoid transferring paint back to the AUSTRALIA surface. Dried Paint -Water Based or Oil Based: If the paint has dried, work on a


small area at a time. Wet the paint with mineral spirits. The mineral spirits will not in all likelihood dissolve the dried paint, but it will help to loosen it from the AUSTRALIA surface. The dried paint must be gently scraped off using a fingernail or a fingernail file, trying to get under the edge of the paint spot and flaking it off the AUSTRALIA surface.

SPECIAL STAINS: MASKING TAPE
There will be occasions when certain tapes will be applied to AUSTRALIA products and allowed to remain for a period of time. An example might be when a chair is packaged and a plastic cover is inadvertently taped to the upholstery. Masking tapes, as an example, have rubber adhesives that with time tend to increase their peel adhesions to the surface of whatever material they have been applied. The result is that when the tape is removed, not all of the adhesive comes off with the tape but some remains on the surface of the other material. These rubbery adhesives do not clean well with soap and water. Even some of the more popular spray cleaners do little more than soften the adhesive and "chase" it around. An alternative is to first remove as much adhesive as possible by applying fresh masking tape to the affected area, rubbing it lightly, and then pulling it off rapidly. The new tape will not form a strong bond to the AUSTRALIA surface, but will stick to the adhesive residue on it and will pull some of it off. Then working with a small area at a time, wet a clean white cloth with mineral spirits (see above). Wet the edge of the adhesive with the mineral spirits, and gently roll it up into a ball and pull it off the AUSTRALIA surface. After the adhesive has been removed, clean the affected area with mineral spirits and a new clean white cloth. Wipe off any excess and allow the piece to air dry. If the affected area still feels sticky or has a hazy appearance, then some adhesive remains. Repeat the process until the AUSTRALIA is restored to its original color and gloss.

SPECIAL STAINS: WHITE OUT (LIQUID PAPER)
If the White Out is still wet, blot it up with a cloth, sponge or paper towel. Avoid spreading it. Since the solvents in these correction fluids evaporate rather quickly, whatever fluid cannot be blotted up within a minute or two will probably be dried. To remove White Out that has dried onto the surface of any of the leather grains of the AUSTRALIA collection, try rubbing masking tape on the spot and pull it off quickly. You may need to use a wooden handle of a kitchen utensil to rub over the tape to push it down into the grain. Repeat until no White Out transfers to the tape (3 or 4 times). If working on a large spill or several spots, work with a small area or one spot at a time. Dip a soft toothbrush into mineral spirits (see above), shake off the excess, and brush the remainder of the stain in a circular motion. As the White Out begins to dissolve, it will fade. Blot it up quickly with a clean, dry soft cloth to avoid it spreading. Several cleanings may be necessary to get the last of the White Out and to avoid a hazy or chalky appearance on the AUSTRALIA surface once the solvent has evaporated. In the final cleanings, be sure to use a new, clean cloth to avoid transferring White Out back to the AUSTRALIA surface. You may need to lightly scrape the last of the white out from the valleys of the leather grain with your fingernail. Allow to air dry. If odor is a problem, wash out the mineral spirits with soapy water (a dilute solution of Woolite or Dove, Joy, or Ivory dishwashing liquid).

SPEICAL STAINS: GLUES
The chemical composition of glues varies widely. It may not be possible to remove every type of glue from AUSTRALIA. For those that are water based or are rubber based in petroleum solvent, the following procedure may be helpful. Working with a small area at a time, wet a clean white cloth with mineral spirits (see above). Wet the edge of the adhesive with the mineral spirits, and gently roll it up into a ball and pull it off of the AUSTRALIA surface. After the adhesive has been removed, clean the affected area with mineral spirits and a new clean white cloth. Wipe off any excess solvent and allow the piece to air dry. If the affected area still feels sticky or has a hazy appearance, then some adhesive remains. Repeat the process until the AUSTRALIA is restored to its original color and gloss.

TOPICAL FINISHES:

SCOTCH GUARD AND TEFLON:
Occasionally the question will arise as to whether or not a stain treatment such as Scotch guard or Teflon can or should be used on AUSTRALIA. JOSEPH NOBLE DOES NOT RECOMMEND THEIR USE ON ANY OF THE FINISHED LEATHER GRAINS OF THE AUSTRALIA LINE. The purpose of these finishes is to change the surface tension of the fabric so that dirt and liquid spills will not "wet out" and penetrate it. This is accomplished by coating the fabric fibers with Teflon, a fluorocarbon resin, or a silicone. The resin in either a water or a solvent system is applied to the fabric via a spray, pad, or other similar process. When the volatiles evaporate, the respective resins are left behind, coated onto the fabric fibers. AUSTRALIA products already have a finish that is inherently stain resistant. Liquids bead up on it and are easily wiped up. Coating this finish with Teflon, etc. will not cause water to bead up more. Also the Teflon resin will not penetrate through the leather finish to coat the nylon micro fibers. It is questionable as to whether these resins will adhere properly to the surface of AUSTRALIA products and what would be their durability to soap and water cleanings. Coating these products with Scotch guard, Teflon, silicones, or other stain treatments is not necessary and is an additional and unwarranted expense to the consumer.

VINYL DRESSINGS AND LEATHER CONDITIONERS;
There are many products on the market designed to clean vinyl and to help "restore" a soft hand and a slick or waxy surface feel. This is because in addition to dust and dirt, the vinyl has "dried out". For leather, dressings or conditioners are used to maintain suppleness. AUSTRALIA is not leather and contains no oils that can be extracted with washing or with age. Similarly, it is not a vinyl and contains no plasticizers. It is these plasticizers in vinyl that can migrate to the surface causing an oily feel, or can evaporate over time or be extracted by washing and cleaning. This loss of plasticizer can lead to a dry surface, to stiffening of the vinyl, and eventually to embrittlement and cracking. The proper method of cleaning AUSTRALIA grains is with water and a soft cloth or sponge. If necessary, use a dilute solution of a mild neutral soap such as Woolite, or a hand dishwashing liquid like Joy, Ivory Liquid, or Dove. After washing, rinse the cloth in warm water, wipe down the material and let it air dry. Once dry, the original look and feel


of the material will return. Since AUSTRALIA contains no oils or plasticizers, it does not "dry out" or become stiff with time. It is therefore not necessary to apply anything to its surface to "restore it". Periodic cleaning with soap and water and sensible care and use are all that are needed.

ARMOR ALL, AND OTHER CLEANERS / FINISHES:
Cleaners such as Armor All, which are advertised to clean vinyl, leathers, and plastics, are designed to pick up dust and dirt and leave behind a shine. This shine may be caused in part by silicones and other resins. While our laboratory studies have not shown these products to be damaging to AUSTRALIA products, they do alter the gloss and surface feel of the material. Each of the leather grains in our AUSTRALIA line has been designed with its own gloss level and surface feel to simulate a particular type of genuine leather. One of AUSTRALIA’s most appealing features is how it mimics leather in the finished product, both in function and appearance. By applying another finish, the character of the surface can be changed and its similarity to leather diminished. In essence the leather like surface will be made to feel more like plastic or vinyl. The proper method of cleaning AUSTRALIA grains is with water and a soft cloth or sponge. If necessary, use a dilute solution of a mild neutral soap such as Woolite, or a dishwashing liquid like Joy, Ivory Liquid, or Dove. After washing, rinse the cloth in warm water and wipe down the material and let it air dry. Once dry, the original look and feel of the material should be restored. Periodic cleaning with soap and water and sensible care and use are all that are needed.

CUT REPAIR:
Although resistant to punctures and tears, it is possible for AUSTRALIA leather-like grains to be cut or bruised through accident or abuse. Because of the high tear strength of AUSTRALIA Products, the cuts will not tend to propagate. However the cuts themselves are very difficult to repair. Because these materials are relatively thin, tape or something similar inserted behind the cover to hold the material in place and to close the cut will tend to show as an outline or ridge. (also known as " X-raying "). If the cut or bruise is not all the way through the nylon micro fiber, using leather repair techniques may repair the finish. Experts in leather repair use waxes and other coatings to match the color, grain, and gloss of damaged leather. Using these same chemicals and techniques it may be possible to repair leather-like AUSTRALIA products. Should it be necessary to attempt such a repair, look in the Yellow Pages under "Leather Repair" for someone local to you. Retailers and upholsterers who work with leather may also be helpful in directing you to someone who does their follow-up customer service calls to repair leather furniture damaged during shipping and delivery. Before he attempts a repair at the customer's site, send the leather repairperson a remnant of the AUSTRALIA fabric. This will save time and money, and the repairperson can give an estimate of the likelihood of success and of the cost of the call.

AVAILABLE / STANDARD BACKINGS

AUSTRALIA products are used in a wide variety of applications. For some of these applications we may recommend a particular
backing for better and easier installation. AUSTRALIA products have good tensile and tear strengths without backings and the additions of backings are not necessary for this purpose. Rather the backings perform other functions such as providing softness, acoustical properties, and additional thickness (foam tricot backings). Backings may be used to reduce the stretch of the AUSTRALIA (polycotton sheeting), or to provide dimensional stability during high humidity conditions (foam tricot, sheeting, and knit). JOSEPH NOBLE does not stock backed AUSTRALIA products, but backs to order at our mill. This adds a week or two to the delivery time so take this into consideration before ordering.

POLY/COTTON SHEETING:
JOSEPH NOBLE can back AUSTRALIA onto a polyester/cotton plain weave sheeting fabric for wall covering applications where standard or heavy-duty water based wall cements are used. The purpose of this backing is to take the stretch out of the material and to provide dimensional stability. Without the backing, the AUSTRALIA could be stretched during hanging and then shrink after the adhesive dries resulting in seam separation. The cement used to combine the sheeting to the AUSTRALIA also reduces the tendency of the nylon micro fiber matrix to absorb the wall cement. (See our discussion on Wallcovering in the General Applications section of this guide.) Poly/cotton sheeting backed AUSTRALIA can also be used in direct cement applications with contact cement when there are no rounded or complex shapes involved where stretch ability would be necessary. The polycotton sheeting does firm up the hand of the AUSTRALIA so it is generally not recommended for upholstery applications.

1/8 INCH FOAM AND TRICOT:
Our standard backing for marine headliner is a 1/8 inch polyurethane foam backed to a nylon tricot knit. The foam provides acoustical properties and a soft cushiony feel. The tricot knit supports the foam and provides a smooth slippery surface to slide across a plywood panel when covering, and prevents the foam from grabbing the wood and bunching when stretching the material. Together the foam and tricot help to stabilize the AUSTRALIA during periods of high humidity. In headliner applications where foam padding under the AUSTRALIA is desired, the installer should not attempt to glue AUSTRALIA to their own foam. Invariably they will have spots with low bond that will bubble in high humidity or will use too much cement and saturate the foam resulting in thumb printing. JOSEPH NOBLE uses a special process to obtain a strong bond between the foam and the AUSTRALIA continuously throughout the roll of material. AUSTRALIA products with foam tricot can be used in stretch and staple applications. Be sure to stretch properly. They may also be used in direct cement applications with contact cements.

1/16 INCH FOAM AND TRICOT:
Constructed the same as the 1/8 inch foam and package with a thinner foam, this backing can be used in the same manner. A thinner package may be necessary due to space constraints such as tightly fitting panels that cannot accommodate the thicker package. Thinner foam will have fewer tendencies to form folds or creases on tight concave curves.

1/4 INCH FOAM AND TRICOT:
Constructed the same as the 1/8 inch package, a 1/4 thick version is available for special applications where a thicker material is desired.

COTTON KNIT:
Cotton knit backing is available for special upholstery and other applications to provide dimensional stability while still allowing plenty of stretch. AUSTRALIA is used primarily in upholstery applications, where the vast majority is used without any backing. Consult your JOSEPH NOBLE representative to determine whether a knit backing is advisable for your project.




214-741-8100