SEATING APPLICATION:
Contact us directly for past approvals
CLEANING CODE:
See below:
SPECIAL NOTES:
WALLCOVERING
SMOOTH products have been used, and are recommended, as wall covering.
SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH, 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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH
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-SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH should be steamed or misted on the back. The
introduction of humidity into the nylon micro fiber matrix will
make the SMOOTH easier to stretch. After upholstering, when the
panel is in low humidity, the SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH. SMOOTH without
backing has been stretched over open panels but is not as stable
to humidity as the backed materials. Stretching the SMOOTH is extremely
critical is these applications since the cover will not be pushed
out and kept smooth by battings and foams. The SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH out of the clip or track. By stretching the SMOOTH
when it is in a humid environment, it will remain tight in humid
conditions during use.
CARE AND CLEANING:
SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH 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.
STAIN 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:
SMOOTH faux leathers have been used in dental chairs, examination
tables, hospital furniture, and other health care applications where
cleaning and disinfecting are performed frequently. In response
to questions regarding safe products to use on SMOOTH, JOSEPH NOBLE
has evaluated several cleaners/disinfectants and recommends the
following: Cleaning: Wipe the SMOOTH 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/Tertiary ammonium bromides
- Cetylite Ind. Inc. Water
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 SMOOTH surface.
THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS ARE CURRENTLY NOT RECOMMENDED FOR USE ON
SMOOTH:
Coefoam, Coe Spray, Coe Foam Plus
Healthco Aerosol Foam Cleaner
Lysol, Lysol II, Lysol Professional
Asepti-steryl Aerosol
Procide ES and 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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH of various
commercial disinfectants.
REMOVAL OF BALL POINT PEN INK FROM SMOOTH:
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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH material and attempt
to extract the stain all at once.
4. Extract the cleaning solution from the SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH surface.
SPECIAL STAINS: MASKING TAPE
There will be occasions when certain tapes will be applied to SMOOTH
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
SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH
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 SMOOTH 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).
SPECIAL STAINS: GLUES
The chemical composition of glues varies widely. It may not be possible
to remove every type of glue from SMOOTH. 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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH 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
SMOOTH. JOSEPH NOBLE DOES NOT RECOMMEND THEIR USE ON ANY OF THE
FINISHED LEATHER GRAINS OF THE SMOOTH 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. SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH 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. SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH products, they do alter the gloss
and surface feel of the material. Each of the leather grains in
our SMOOTH line has been designed with its own gloss level and surface
feel to simulate a particular type of
genuine leather. One of SMOOTH’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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH
leather-like grains to be cut or bruised through accident or abuse.
Because of the high tear strength of SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH 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
SMOOTH 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. SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH (polycotton sheeting),
or to provide dimensional stability during high humidity conditions
(foam tricot, sheeting, and knit). JOSEPH NOBLE does not stock backed
SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH during
periods of high humidity. In headliner applications where foam padding
under the SMOOTH is desired, the installer should not attempt to
glue SMOOTH 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 SMOOTH continuously throughout the roll of material.
SMOOTH 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. SMOOTH 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.
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