Anti-claw fabric: for sofa upholstery, description and types

If there is a cat living in the house or purchasing a pet is only in the plans, you should think about a very pressing question - how to choose the right upholstery for the sofa and armchairs.

Experienced cat owners know firsthand that the sofa often becomes their favorite place to live, comfortable in all respects: you can sleep on it in comfort, and you can sharpen your grown nails with pleasure !

And even with great luck, when the cat does not make any attempts to deliberately damage the furniture, it is still impossible to completely protect him from walking on the sofa.

Anti-claw materials on a non-woven basis

The most popular anti-vandal upholstery materials are non-woven fabrics.

Flock

Flock is an upholstery material consisting of non-woven fabric (cotton + polyester), an adhesive base and a layer of small fibers made of nylon, polyamide or polyester. Pets' claws glide through the dense pile - and the upholstery remains unharmed.

The fabric has the following advantages:

• pleasant to the touch;
• easy to clean, you can simply wipe with a brush or sponge with soapy water or vacuum;
• It lasts a long time, does not fade and does not wear out.

However, this fabric also has disadvantages.

• The structure of the material may be damaged if it is cleaned with an alcohol-containing product or if a strong alcoholic drink is spilled.
• The fabric is electrified and attracts dust, so it needs regular care with a vacuum cleaner or a damp sponge.
• Over time, the fabric can stretch and form waves on the furniture.

Relax

The relaxation is also based on a cotton-polyamide backing and pile. However, this anti-vandal fabric is coated with a thin layer of isoprene, which makes the fabric elastic. In addition, relaxation features a unique Antistain protective coating. It contains carbon fibers, which ensure the safety of furniture for many years.

There are different types of relaxation:

• relax classic with short pile, the cut can be straight and textured, imitating suede;
• relax joy has a long pile, similar to flock;
• relax lakshmi imitates skin, looks expensive and noble;
• Eureka relaxation is like velvet.

The Antistain coating provides all types of relax fabric with excellent characteristics:

• they have very high anti-vandal properties;
• easy to clean with a simple sponge and soap solution;
• have a stretch effect due to the isoprene content - the fabric can stretch and return to its previous shape;
• look elegant and expensive;

Relax fabric fully lives up to its name - furniture upholstered in this material is very comfortable and does not bring much trouble.

Faux suede

Faux suede consists of polyamide and cotton, an adhesive layer and polyester pile. This upholstery material has a number of advantages.

• Faux suede is comfortable, breathable and looks very stylish.
• It is not electrified.
• Does not deform and does not fade.

However, judging by the reviews, the vandal-proof performance of this material is not very high. Artificial suede has an “anti-claw effect” and does not form snags, but it will not withstand the active pressure of pets - persistent pets will still tear it. In addition, even with a Teflon coating, suede is not easy to keep clean; only dry cleaning is recommended. This fabric cannot be rubbed, and only fresh stains can be removed at home.

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Cat and problems with the sofa

Here are just some of the troubles you will have to face:

• Wool that will constantly cling to the upholstery.
• Stains.
• Scratches and claw marks.

Of course, you can spend a lot of time and nerves trying to wean your pet from even approaching upholstered furniture, but, as practice shows, few people succeed. A scratching post, which rarely is used by a cat for its intended purpose, will be of little use.

Types of suitable “vandal-proof” fabric

The kitten sharpens its claws on the sofa.

It may seem that it is enough to opt for a durable, strong fabric, and the problem will be solved. However, there are many nuances in this issue, and manufacturers are offering new developments of fabrics that are not afraid of the claws of pets. The owner can always fail to keep track and forget to trim the cat’s claws.

This material has a non-woven texture, that is, there is no interlacing of threads in it. Accordingly, there is simply nothing to leave a clue on!

1. Flock or microvelor is perhaps the most common material among cat lovers. An excellent anti-vandal choice. It can also be called a velvet substitute, since it has an external resemblance to it, but the technology for its production is completely different. Flock is characterized by high levels of wear resistance, reliability and strength. In addition, the fabric is impregnated with water and dirt-repellent agents, thanks to which it is quickly and easily cleaned, does not fade in the sun, and does not wrinkle. To make the surface of the sofa look like new, it will be enough to wipe the dirty surface with a damp sponge.
2. Artificial suede is one of the options for “anti-cat” sofa upholstery. The material successfully combines good wear resistance and decorative qualities, since outwardly it is not much different from natural suede. This upholstery is easy to clean and does not fade over time. If it has been impregnated with Teflon protection, then you should not be afraid of water.
3. Velor is a soft fleecy fabric that is resistant to various types of mechanical stress, drapes in folds and is pleasant to the touch. When impregnated with special products, such fabric is not afraid of either water or dirt.
4. Relax is an excellent upholstery option for leather lovers, since the texture of this material is very similar in appearance. Thanks to the unique composition of this fabric, it is possible to restore the structure in a matter of seconds after such minor damage as scratches or puffs. With such upholstery material, you can forget about various stains.

Some useful tips when choosing fabric

If you have a pet, it is better to choose a sofa without wooden inserts.

To prevent cat owners from becoming irritated by damaged furniture, it is necessary not only to choose the fabric for upholstery wisely, but also to ensure that there are no decorative inserts made of natural wood on the sofa or armchairs. Otherwise, they will quickly turn into a convenient cat scratching post.

When choosing furniture, you should also take into account the color of the upholstery, because animals often shed, and even in small quantities, wool will certainly accumulate on the sofa. It is better if the color of the furniture matches the color of the animal’s fur or disguises it as much as possible. In this case, the wool falling on the furniture will be unnoticeable.

If the color of the sofa matches the color of the cat's fur, this is great, because the fur on the sofa will become less noticeable.

Scratch resistant flock

Flock is a material that is a base with fibers glued to it.
The most common is fabric, which is a backing made of cotton and polyester threads in a ratio of 1:2, equipped with a special impregnation that makes the material not only very durable, but also water-repellent. For the fibers, nylon of various colors is used, which is distinguished by its color fastness and does not fade in the sun. It is almost impossible to damage such fabric, since the cat's claw will slide off the bottom layer and will not be able to pull out the glued lint. This material is resistant to stains; to refresh its appearance, a sponge soaked in soapy water is enough. Removable covers made from this flock can be machine washed. But contact with bleaches and organic solvents should be avoided.

Natural materials

All fabrics suitable for upholstering a sofa can be divided into three large groups: natural, synthetic and artificial. Each species has its own representatives, a number of advantages and disadvantages.

Upholstery fabric is considered natural if it contains at least 30% natural fibers.

• Wool is made from the natural covering of animals, such as sheep or goats. This is an environmentally friendly, very warm material that is resistant to dirt and odors. Dense felted wool becomes windproof.
• Cotton is a plant fiber that is sensitive to light. Absorbs moisture perfectly, “remembers” its shape after heating, wrinkles easily and is quickly wiped off.
• – fabric made from plant fibers, smooth and matte. Dense fabric, over 380 g/m, is used for upholstery independently, in its pure form. This material is safe for health and environmentally friendly.

Natural fabrics:

• excellent air permeability;
• do not cause allergies;
• pleasant to the touch.

Flaws :

• wear out quickly;
• crumple;
• shrink after washing;
• are expensive.

Relax

Relax fabric is considered one of the most reliable, although the most expensive, types of furniture upholstery such as flock or velor. Its feature is a multi-layer structure, in which an elastic isoprene layer is applied to a fabric base made of a mixture of cotton and polyester, and on it is a polyamide pile with a protective coating “Antistain”, which protects against dirt and spilled liquids. The elastic intermediate layer has high mechanical strength, and all dents and scratches on it are instantly smoothed out. As for the Antistain coating, thanks to the carbon fibers in its composition, it ensures ideal preservation of the pile for 10 years. It should be taken into account that cheaper velor fabric can be sold under the name “relax”, which also belongs to the “anti-claw” category, but has worse performance indicators.

Chenille

The name of the fabric comes from the name of the thread that is part of the fabric. Chenille (“chenille” – French caterpillar). The thread looks like a hairy caterpillar and has a soft, rounded surface. Chenille yarn, for the production of fabric, is made by twisting dense threads with chenille thread. The result is an inextensible thread, which determines the properties of the future fabric. Chenille has a complex composition (natural and synthetic fibers), approximately 50% cotton, 50% synthetics. Chenille fabric with cut pile is very dense and durable. The fabric pile can be combed on a special machine.

Chenille can have two types of base:

• Fabric base - this base is moisture resistant and can withstand wet cleaning. The disadvantage of such a base is that it is not recommended to sleep on it all the time. Chenille with a fabric base can wrinkle and lose shape from long-term stress.
• Glued base - such a base is resistant to wet cleaning. Due to water, such fabric can become deformed, and after cleaning the fabric will take a very long time to dry.

Advantages of chenille

• It has high wear resistance due to the presence of synthetic fibers.
• In terms of environmental properties, it is close to natural fabrics.
• Dust from chenille upholstery can be easily removed with a vacuum cleaner, soft brush or sponge.

Disadvantages of chenille

• The disadvantages include the lack of rich colors of the fabric, although it is quite acceptable for a moderate interior.
• When purchasing, it is very difficult to find out what base the chosen chenille has. As a result, you may buy fabric that is not suitable for your purposes.
• The fabric does not withstand the impact of pets' claws - the threads can stretch

Chenille is good for upholstering a sofa for daily sleep

Microfiber

Microfiber is a material consisting of very thin (about 0.06 microns), tightly intertwined polyester or polyamide fibers.

For furniture upholstery, woven microfiber is used, the structure of which resembles natural suede . Thanks to the dense weave of the threads, this material is very durable and does not form pills or snags. The Teflon layer applied to it gives the microfiber additional strength, as well as resistance to getting wet and dirty. Despite its thinness, anti-vandal upholstery based on microfibers is very strong and durable, and in terms of price/quality ratio it is considered one of the leaders in anti-claw upholstery. Like flock, this material is easy to clean with soapy water and the removable covers are washable. To restore the “suede” surface after drying, clean it with a soft brush.

Faux suede

Artificial suede is a material that is a fabric base with polyester pile. Modern technologies make it possible to create very beautiful and durable varieties of artificial suede. To give this material anti-vandal properties, Teflon impregnation is used, which gives furniture suede a high level of resistance to cuts and scratches, prevents contamination and increases its durability. Such suede must be cleaned in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

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Scotchgard

Scotgard is a material that belongs to a type of jacquard or tapestry, and is distinguished by its brightness and variety of patterns. Its difference from traditional varieties of these fabrics is the use of a special transparent water-based protector. The main purpose of this foam is to protect against dirt and spilled liquids, but its presence makes the surface smooth and resistant to scratches and fiber pulling. For all types of tape, you can use a soap solution or dry clean. In addition, such upholstery can also be cleaned with ethylene chloride and monofluorotrichloromethane.

Relax

The main difference between this fabric is its multilayer structure and special processing.

The bottom layer is made of cotton and polyester, which gives the fabric durability. Next is a layer of isoprene or artificial rubber, which has the property of restoring its structure after mechanical stress. Therefore, your sofa will not be afraid of any scratches.

The outer layer deserves special attention in relaxation fabric. Regardless of the color and texture, which can be very diverse, it has one unique feature. Thanks to the special ANTISTAIN technology and the presence of carbon fibers, all kinds of contaminants that may arise in everyday life are easily removed from the surface of the relaxation table; In addition, it is very difficult to set fire to or melt.

General characteristics

This fabric is necessary to protect against cats. It must be wear-resistant, resistant to scratches, cuts, abrasion; repel dirt, moisture, grease. Over time, there should be no bald spots or abrasions. One of the conditions is ease of maintenance. The material must be resistant to pulling threads so that puffs do not appear.

Where are anti-vandal fabrics used:

• independent upholstery of home upholstered furniture - sofas, armchairs;
• removable furniture covers.

The main task of such a canvas is to wean the cat from scratching the sofa. The claws will slide and will not be able to grip properly. After a while he will get bored and go look for another place to sharpen his claws.

Advice

It is recommended to install a scratching post nearby so that the pet does not ruin anything else besides the sofa.

Characteristics and Features

Anti-claw fabric is a material characterized by increased density and strength . It is resistant to abrasion, scratches and cuts. Easily repels the main causes of stains - fat, liquids. Over time, scuffs and puffs do not appear on it. All this is explained by the second name - anti-vandal fabric.

Distinctive features of the material:

• the threads are intertwined often, tightly;
• the villi are short in length.

All this prevents the cat or dog's claws from clinging to the fabric. Accordingly, there are no puffs left.

The anti-vandal effect can be achieved not only due to the special weave of threads. Additionally, the surface of the fabrics is impregnated with Teflon. Due to this, it becomes slightly slippery, making it impossible for cat claws to catch on.

A sofa cover made of Anti-claw fabric with the addition of Teflon repels moisture and almost any dirt.

Which one is better to choose?

When choosing a vandal-proof surface for a sofa, you should take into account the important features of the base of this material.

Many people do not know how to choose the right one, so in order to avoid difficulties when choosing, you should pay attention to several important qualities:

• strength - the base of the material must be dense and rigid. The structure should not allow the sharp claws of cats to pass through;
• there should be no deformations, defects or defects on the surface;
• inspect the material carefully, there should be no stains, dirt, or dust on it;
• colors - the color depends only on your preferences, if you want your furniture to be bright, then choose upholstery with bright patterns and colors.

Care methods

In order for the upholstery to last for a long time, it is necessary to properly care for it. To do this, you can use several tips:

• To clean dirt, stains, dust, you can use household chemicals in the form of puna;
• Stains from the surface of the presented material can be quickly removed with the power of a damp sponge and powder;
• Various stain removers have a good effect and can remove even stubborn stains;
• folk remedies can be used - baking soda, vinegar, cold water, ammonia.

The selected textiles give the upholstery of upholstered furniture high strength and protect it from premature wear and deformation. In addition, it greatly extends the life of furniture and protects it from destruction. But still, during operation, it is necessary to properly care for it - shake out dust, remove dirt, use capes.

Varieties

Almost any sliding fabric with a dense weave of fibers can be called anti-vandal. Materials with such characteristics are divided into two groups, depending on the base.

On a non-woven basis

The most popular anti-vandal fabrics for furniture upholstery in this group are flock, relax, and artificial suede. Flock consists of cotton and polyester, an adhesive base, and a layer of nylon or polyamide fibers. The fabric turns out to be quite dense. This prevents furry pets from catching on the surface and damaging it. This fabric with protection against cat claws has the following advantages:

• It is tactilely pleasant; sofas with such upholstery are comfortable to use at any time of the year.
• The material is easy to care for. To remove dirt, simply wipe the surface of the sofa with a damp sponge or vacuum it.
• Long service life. According to the Martindale test, flock goes through about 50 thousand abrasion cycles.

At the same time, there are several significant disadvantages:

• When the fabric comes into contact with drinks and other substances containing alcohol, the structure can be significantly damaged.
• The flock is highly electrified, attracting dust.
• The material stretches after some time. As a result, the anti-vandal fabric loses its shape, forming unsightly waves on the sofa.

Relax is also based on pile and a cotton-polyamide backing. But it has the main difference from flock - a thin layer of isoprene, which gives the surface elasticity. In addition, there is also a special protective layer Antistain, consisting of carbon fiber. Based on the listed properties, the best answer to the question of what upholstery to choose for a sofa if there is a cat in the house is, of course, relaxation. There are several options for the described fabric on the market:

• classic - has small fibers, an excellent copy of suede;
• joy – very similar in appearance to flock;
• Lakshmi is a good choice for those who love leather;
• Eureka - cannot be distinguished from velvet, but does not have the disadvantages of this material.

Faux suede is the third contender for the best pet-proof sofa cover. It has the following composition: cotton, polyamide, polyester pile, adhesive layer. This anti-vandal material for sofa upholstery has its advantages:

• allows air to pass through;
• retains an attractive appearance for a long time.

But according to users, it will not be possible to get a reliable anti-vandal sofa with artificial suede. If there are several cats in the house that like to actively sharpen their claws on furniture, then the material will not last long. Another disadvantage is that even a Teflon-coated surface is difficult to keep clean. Do not use wet cleaning products. Old stains can only be removed by dry cleaning.

Flock upholstery

Sofa made of classic relax fabric

Fabric relax joy

Relax lakshmi

Relax eureka

Faux suede

On a woven basis

Anti-vandal covering for sofas can have a fabric backing. Animal claws can pass right through, but due to the tight weave, they do not leave puffs. A few examples: chenille, microfiber, jacquard, tapestry. The first fabric on the list is formed by intertwining chenille threads in a spiral pattern. The fabric is distinguished not only by the Anti-claw effect, but also by other positive qualities:

• pleasant to the touch;
• has a long service life;
• hypoallergenic.

It is important to remember that chenille easily absorbs moisture, and it takes a lot of time to dry completely. Therefore, the best cleaning method is dry. Although the material is positioned as anti-vandal, its softness and fluffiness are very attractive to cats. Because of this, the service life is significantly reduced.

The next representative is microfiber. Such a fabric is nothing more than an interweaving of high-density synthetic threads. Due to this, no snags are formed on it, although outwardly the fabric looks thin. Practicality and additional density are provided by the Teflon layer. Externally, microfiber is similar to suede, so sofas with anti-vandal coating made from this material are not only durable, but also attractive. Surfaces can be easily cleaned with a sponge dipped in soapy water. The fabric allows air to pass through well, so even in summer it will be comfortable to sit and sleep on such a sofa.

An equally popular pet-resistant upholstery is jacquard. Often when asked what Anti-Claw fabric is , this material is given as an example. But not ordinary, but impregnated with Scotchgard. The interweaving of the threads in it is much denser. Jacquard is very easy to care for: just wipe with a sponge dipped in soapy water to remove dirt. It does not electrify and looks like expensive fabric.

Tapestry is a fabric that is formed by interlacing jacquard threads. Their thickness, unlike the jacquard itself, is much greater, due to which the fabric is quite dense. The tapestry attracts attention with its variety of patterns and designs.

Any anti-vandal fabrics for furniture upholstery will not reliably and for a long time protect it from damage if the owner does not provide the pet with an alternative. For example, he will install scratching posts in several places.

Chenille upholstery

Microfiber lining

Jacquard covers

Tapestry sofa

How to correctly evaluate the quality of fabric for upholstery of a sofa

From qualitative concepts - good fabric or not so good fabric - I will move on to a more important one - a quantitative evaluation system.

There are generally accepted characteristics by which one can judge the quality of a sofa's fabric. Fabric testing is carried out by specialized independent companies. The results of their tests are digital indicators of various fabric characteristics.

Fabric manufacturers usually indicate the test parameters of their products in the quality certificate. When purchasing, you can ask the seller for it.

I will not dwell in detail on the test methods, but will only present their results. I collected the data into a small table

Main characteristics of fabrics affecting their performance properties

Fabric characteristics	Unit	Badly	Average	Fine	Great
Wear resistance - determines the fabric’s resistance to abrasion. During the test, the fabric is rubbed in a circular motion. This indicator is often called the Martindale test in fabric passports.	number of revolutions	≥ 15 000	≥ 20 000	≥ 30 000	≥ 40 000
Fabric density is a very important indicator. Determines the number of threads in the fabric per centimeter. The higher the density of the fabric, the higher quality it is.	grams per square meter	less than 200	200-300	350-400	more than 450
Rolling (pilling) determines the formation of pellets on the fabric. During the test, the fabric is subjected to tight friction and evaluated after 5000 revolutions.	peeling scale from 1 to 5	1 point	2 points	3-4 points	5 points
Seam strength. The ability of seams to bear tensile load. The sewn pieces of fabric are stretched.	elongation in mm.	≥ 7 mm.	5-6 mm.	3-4 mm.	1-2 mm.
Fabric tensile strength and tensile strength. Characterizes the force that must be applied to tear the tissue when stretched to the sides	force (in N) and tissue elongation in %	350 N more than 80%	350 N 60-70%	350 N 45-50%	350 N less than 40%
Color fastness to friction. Determines the ability of a fabric to retain color when rubbed dry and wet.	friction scale from 1 to 5	1 point	2 points	3-4 points	5 points
Color fastness to light. The ability of fabric to retain color when exposed to sunlight	light scale from 1 to 8	1 point	2-3 points	4 points	≥ 5 points
Color fastness to dry cleaning. Characterizes the ability of a fabric to retain color when dry cleaned.	scale from 1 to 5	1 point	2-3 points	4 points	5 points
Fire resistance of a fabric is its ability to withstand open fire. The higher this indicator, the better. Keep in mind that fire resistance classes are in order from 1 - the best to 5 the worst	Class	5th grade	4th grade	2-3 grades	1 class

Separately, I would like to highlight the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certificate. This is a European certificate, which is issued only if there are no harmful substances prohibited in the European Union in the fabrics. The presence of a certificate indicates the environmental safety of the fabric

Now you have the opportunity to evaluate the quality of fabric for a sofa using a system of characteristics and will be able to compare different fabrics with each other.

You can move on to consider upholstery fabrics and their properties.

Before the review, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the shape of the sofa depends on the type and quality of the upholstery fabric. After all, the fabric, along with the filler, helps keep this shape

The best manufacturers

Not all materials marked “Anti-claw” are of high quality. Below are examples of the most popular manufacturers of canvases with these characteristics.

• Galaxy offers good quality anti-vandal microfiber, supplemented with Teflon impregnation. All colors are neutral. An ideal solution for interiors decorated in a traditional style. The material is pleasant to the touch.
• "Antikogot" produces anti-vandal flock fabric. The colors offered belong to the light pastel palette. Covers in these shades are ideal for children's rooms and bedrooms. There is a place in the classic interior of the living room. Performance is improved by impregnation with Teflon.
• The canvases are quite durable in themselves, but are also coated with Teflon, which makes them even more resistant to damage. Bright, cheerful colors are perfect for children's rooms.
• "Panda" produces anti-vandal velor of the highest category. The palette of shades is varied - from delicate, almost pastel, to flashy.

The listed companies can be trusted; they offer quality products with good protective characteristics.

Verona brand fabrics

Brand Galaxy

Upholstery material "Panda"

Distinctive features

Anti-claw furniture fabric is a highly durable upholstery material. To give additional strength, it is impregnated with a special composition based on Teflon or Scotchgard. Thanks to this treatment, the fabric practically does not suffer from cat claws, does not fade, does not wear out in places where it is constantly seated, and does not absorb water and fat. At the same time, it retains the ability to allow air to pass through, and a sliding effect is created on its surface, which increases the resistance of the material to animal attacks.

Compared to conventional materials, anti-vandal fabric has a number of advantages:

• Resistant to various types of damage: tears, tightening, punctures. The upholstery does not wear out even with daily intensive use.
• Able to withstand heavy loads, the seams do not separate or tear.
• Does not require complex care, easy to clean with ordinary detergents and a vacuum cleaner.
• It has the ability to repel greasy stains and water, so anti-vandal fabrics can be used for upholstery of kitchen corners, furniture in children's rooms, and living rooms.

If necessary, anti-claw fabric can be used not only for furniture upholstery, but also for making covers. This will eliminate the need for expensive reupholstery.

Resistant to damage

Withstands increased loadsEasy to clean

Does not absorb moisture, grease stains

Velours

What are the advantages of this anti-claw furniture fabric? Consumer reviews describe it as extremely resistant to damage. Velor is a very common type of fabric. The material is actively used in the production of upholstered furniture, the design of which involves the creation of exquisite and complex shapes. Velvet generally has a uniform structure. Both artificial and natural fibers are used for its production. As in the previous case, the smooth and fairly dense structure protects the material from the effects of animal teeth and claws.

Varieties

Anti-claw upholstery material is a collective name for various fabrics with similar properties. This group includes high-strength upholstery for sofas and other furniture that is resistant to rubbing, tugging, and fading. Anti-vandal fabrics include any sufficiently dense, smooth material that a cat cannot get its claws into. They can all be divided into 2 large groups - non-woven and woven.

Characteristics and advantages of the Friheten sofa from Ikea, model range

On a non-woven basis

A special feature of this type of material is the presence of a non-woven base. This group includes flock, artificial suede, and relaxation. Each type has its own characteristics, which are worth studying before choosing one or another material.

Flock is a type of fabric with a pile on the front side. Can be made from nylon, polyester or viscose. Its qualities are similar to natural leather, but compared to it it has the ability to breathe and does not become stiff in the cold. A layer of protective coating makes the flock dense, smooth, and resistant to damage.

Advantages of flock:

• High degree of wear resistance. The material is not subject to temperature changes, does not fade, does not wrinkle.
• Long service life without loss of original characteristics.
• Waterproof and breathable. Drops of water roll down the surface, but the material is perfectly breathable.
• Soft texture, pleasant to the touch.
• Easy care.

Flaws:

• May accumulate static electricity.
• Not resistant to alcohol-containing liquids.

Relax is another popular type of anti-vandal sofa fabric that protects from cats. The bottom layer of material is a mixture of cotton and polyester fibers, the top layer is artificial rubber with a special protective film. The only drawback of relaxation is the high cost. Advantages:

• Stretch effect. Thanks to the rubber layer, it is easily restored after various loads. The sofa, upholstered with relaxation, is not afraid of either pets or children.
• Easy cleansing. It washes well from traces of pencils, pens, grease and a number of other stains.
• It is impossible to burn through with a cigarette.

Faux suede is a fabric made from a mixture of polyester and cotton treated with Teflon impregnation. Thanks to the unique manufacturing technology, it is almost indistinguishable from natural ones. The faux suede covering looks expensive and presentable. Advantages of the material:

• Excellent wear resistance, durability.
• High strength. Faux suede upholstery is almost impossible to tear or stretch.
• Resistant to fading. Suede retains its original color to the last.
• Pleasant, velvety surface.

Faux suede has one significant drawback - it cannot be washed or cleaned with a damp cloth.

Flock

RelaxFaux suede

On a woven basis

This includes materials with a fabric backing. Unlike the previous group, they are not as dense, but thanks to the special weave of the threads they perfectly resist cat claws. Microfiber is an anti-claw fabric for sofas and other furniture, made from very thin polymer fibers. In appearance it is somewhat reminiscent of suede. Advantages:

• High resistance to mechanical damage. Microfiber upholstery is virtually impossible to tear or wear out.
• Easy care. The covers can be washed in a regular washing machine.
• Affordable price.

What kind of sofa furniture is this, how to choose it correctly - useful tips

Tapestry is a type of anti-vandal fabric for furniture, made using jacquard weave in three layers. It can be with various ornaments or designs. Its advantages:

• easy to clean;
• large selection of colors and patterns;
• presentable appearance.

In addition to its advantages, tapestry has one significant drawback - when exposed to direct sunlight, it fades quite quickly.

Scotchgard is a fabric for a cat sofa, made in the likeness of a tapestry. Thanks to a special water-based impregnation, the material is very resistant to dirt of a wide variety of types. The only disadvantage we can note is the fairly high cost. Advantages:

• high degree of wear resistance;
• rich color palette;
• easy care.

Jacquard is a dense, rigid upholstery material. Due to the special weave it does not unravel and is very difficult to tear. The inner and outer sides of the jacquard can be of different colors. Advantages: durability, good breathability, large selection of colors. Vandal-proof jacquard coating has only one significant drawback - it is quite expensive.

Chenille is another type of jacquard fabric. It is distinguished by a more complex weave and necessarily has fibers in its structure. Advantages: excellent softness and elasticity, wear resistance and durability, large selection of colors and patterns. The main disadvantage of chenille is its high hygroscopicity. The material quickly absorbs water and takes a very long time to dry.

Popular models of Ikea corner sofas, their distinctive features

Chenille

Tapestry

JacquardMicrofiber

Scotchgard

Customer reviews and experiences

Flock is the most practical and attractive material in its category, so many buyers do not think about the choice and do not regret the purchase. These are the advantages of this type of upholstery, they note:

• Spectacular appearance. The fabric can be single-layer or structural, while the complexity of the three-dimensional pattern and color palette have virtually no effect on the cost of the upholstery.
• Pleasant tactile sensations: the upholstery is smooth, the surface resembles velvet · Long service life with proper care. Let's talk separately about how to clean the fabric so that it lasts as long as possible.
• Price payable. This advantage is not entirely correct, because there are expensive flocks of high-quality European and Canadian production, which are comparable in cost to elite mixed upholstery fabrics. Affordable prices only for herds made in China or Turkey. However, in terms of its anti-vandal properties, it is not inferior to expensive fabrics.
• The main advantage of flock is the anti-claw function, thanks to which the material has become very popular, especially among pet owners. If we compare flocking on a non-woven basis with upholstery or chenille, the advantage is obvious. In fact, the cat pierces the upholstery with its curved claws and pulls the woven fibers inside out, giving the furniture its characteristic “worn” look. In the case of flock, none of this happens, since the non-woven base does not have these same fibers that can be pulled.

Popular manufacturers

The most common are:

• "Pavlovo Posad silk". Domestic company founded in 1812. Specializes, in particular, in the production of tapestry. Collections of drawings are developed both by our own artists and with the participation of Italian designers.
• PAVLIN company. Another Russian manufacturer supplying furniture fabrics to the market. Operating since 2000.
• LLC "Nizhtex" This is a Nizhny Novgorod company that produces fabrics for furniture production. Offers a huge selection of materials, in particular, anti-vandal ones, for upholstery of sofas, armchairs, poufs.
• . All manufactured products comply with GOST standards and have quality certificates. Fabrics are produced only on foreign machines.
• "Aegis". This is a group of companies that produce fabrics such as chenille, velor, jacquard, and artificial suede.

"Pavlovo Posad silk"

LLC "Nizhtex"

PAVLIN

"Aegis"

Flock - Anti-vandal fabric (anti-claw)

Anti-vandal fabric (anti-claw) is an upholstery material of increased strength, which is used in furniture production. Typically, this term refers to anti-claw flock. A very dense fabric onto which nylon fibers are glued. The resulting material is impregnated with a special composition. The result is a very practical and durable, but at the same time pleasant to the touch and beautiful fabric. In a broader sense, anti-claw is any dense material on furniture that is resistant to damage.

To make flock, glue is applied to the woven base and evenly sprinkled with electrified fibers. They fall vertically (thanks to electricity) and stick to the base. The thicker the pile, the denser and more stable the upholstery.

The flock is based on cotton – 35% and polyester – 65%. The fibers are made from nylon. Impregnation with Teflon composition.

Material characteristics:

• Great resistance to damage - this fabric is very difficult to damage, scratch, much less tear. The animal's claws cannot harm the dense base and slide off the nylon pile.
• Wear resistance. Does not wear out over time. Doesn't fade. Doesn't shed.
• Teflon impregnation of the material and nylon bristles ensure cleanliness. Repel water. It collects in drops that can be easily removed with a napkin. Dirt and grease do not stick.

Care products:

• Vacuuming is necessary periodically.
• It is advisable to remove stains immediately before they are absorbed. But if the material is already dirty, use a soap solution. Straighten the fibers using soft brushes, such as a fabric brush.
• Do not wipe with alcohol-containing liquids. Alcohol destroys the glue that attaches the fibers to the base. Water-based substances can be used.
• Most flocks can be treated with chemicals to remove contaminants.

FLOCKS

DORA TUMA (FLOC) SOYUZ-M

9 CATEGORY

GOLDEN FLEECE LASER TOUCH

5 CATEGORY

ODYSSEY (FLOCK) LASER TACCH

6 CATEGORY

BREEZE (FLOC) SOYUZ-M

7 CATEGORY

SAVOY (FLOC) SOYUZ-M

7 CATEGORY

MAGNETIC (FLOCK) ARBEN

9 CATEGORY

PANTHERA (FLOC) SOYUZ-M

9 CATEGORY

GERONA (FLOC) SOYUZ-M

7 CATEGORY

UNIVERSAL (FLOCK) AMETHYST

4 CATEGORY

SOFAS IN ANTI-CLAW FABRIC

Flock (velvet substitute)

This is an upholstery fabric with a base of polyester and cotton (usually 35% cotton, 65% synthetic), onto which pile is applied electrostatically. First, a canvas is made from cotton thread of rare plain weave (“mesh”). It is impregnated with glue and stretched in an electromagnetic field, where lint is sprayed onto it. The result is a pile fabric of neutral white color. Then the fabric is dyed by printing.

Advantages of flock

• Keeps its shape constant
• Easy to clean.
• Has good light fastness
• Has water-repellent properties
• Has a dense structure
• Has good antistatic properties - resistant to dust
• Durability of paint; brightness of colors
• Health safety.

What is anti-claw

Upholstery that is resistant to abrasion, scratches and cuts is called anti-vandal. These qualities are ensured by Teflon impregnation. One such material is anti-claw fabric, which resists fibers being pulled out of the fiber structure.

Cat in the house

On a note! Anti-claw fabrics have different characteristics and technological fiber structuring. The dense weave of the threads enhances the strength characteristics of the material and its resistance to shape changes. A cat's claws slip off the surface when trying to sharpen their claws on furniture, so over time the animal's interest in the sofa disappears. Modern material has water-repellent qualities, without retaining dirt and grease thanks to the Teflon layer.

Microfiber

What is flock

One of the most common durable upholstery options is flock. Its second name is microvelor. This fabric is created on the basis of cotton and polyester and is coated with a mixture of nylon and nylon.

Flock resembles velvet, has a small pile, can be painted in any color, and is highly durable and wear-resistant. It withstands more than 80 thousand cycles according to the abrasion factor, thanks to which it received the “title” of wear-resistant fabric.

In addition, flock has the following characteristics:

• treated with water-repellent impregnation;
• does not fade when exposed to sunlight;
• does not wrinkle;
• repels not only water, but also dirt;
• Easy to clean first with a dry and then slightly damp cloth.

Important! When deciding what fabric to choose for upholstering a sofa if you have a cat, you should not forget that the purchased model should not have wooden decorative ornaments.

Types of anti-vandal upholstery:

If you don't want to choose between your favorite cat and your equally favorite sofa, you can choose a material that your pets won't turn into rags.

Flock is a classic option that meets all the above characteristics. Fabric base, thick pile. Very durable, easy to clean with a brush, vacuum cleaner and soapy water against stains.

Chenille is a very high strength, which is achieved by the fact that the threads and fibers are intertwined in a spiral, forming a single material. Anti-allergenic, velvety, wear-resistant. Unlike flock, it does not electrify and does not absorb odors. But it quickly absorbs moisture. It takes a long time to dry and can be dry cleaned.

Relax is one of the most expensive but reliable materials. Scratch resistant. The base is made of cotton and polyester and is coated with isoprene. The pile is treated with Antistain protective coating, which contains carbon fiber. This protects the upholstery from dirt and extends the life of the furniture for many years. Washable with soapy water. The peculiarity of this fabric is its ability to imitate other materials: flock, leather, suede, velvet.

Artificial suede is close in composition to flock. It is also impregnated with Teflon. Looks like natural suede. Very durable material. Resistant to deformation and does not fade in the sun. Easy to clean, but without chemicals.

Velor is a velvety material. It does not deform, but wears out faster than other anti-vandal materials.

Microfiber is a thin fabric with a dense weave. Teflon coating protects against water and dirt. Weaving polyester or polyamide threads. Resistant and durable, cleanable with soapy water. No pellets are formed.

Lint-free fabrics . They differ from fleecy materials in their greater density and special beauty of patterns, but they are more expensive and fade more strongly in the sun.

Jacquard impregnated with Scotchgard - thick threads are tightly intertwined with each other and covered with a water-based protective protector. The protection makes the fabric smooth and provides reliable protection against scratches.

Tapestry - the material is made according to the jacquard principle, but is more durable and of higher quality. The threads are stronger and woven into three layers.

OTHER ANTI-CLAW FABRICS

CAMEL (VELOR) DOMIART

8 CATEGORY

GOYA LE (VELOR) ARBEN

7 CATEGORY

MATADOR (EXTRA SUEDE) LASER TOUCH

8 CATEGORY

The choice of anti-vandal fabrics is varied in appearance, characteristics, and price. Everyone can choose the most convenient and useful material for themselves.

Anti-vandal sofa covers

Already damaged furniture can be covered with anti-vandal fabric or a cover can be purchased. Available in an assortment for sofas of any configuration and size: classic, corner and designer, two- and three-seater, with right or left shelf, Euro-cover, etc.

Covers protect furniture from dirt and cat claws, and also transform and refresh the interior. To hide the sofa as much as possible from a furry vandal, it is better to secure the cover so that the pet does not reach the base. But you can't do anything about the coating.

Flock characteristics:

• resistance to mechanical damage - the herd is not subject to scratches, marks, and does not tear;
• Wear resistance: the fabric does not shed, fade or wear out;
• practicality: the material repels water and dirt well, making it easy to clean, the upholstery is easy to care for.

What features need to be taken into account?

Flock is based on synthetic materials, so it is easily electrified, attracts dust and can absorb odors.

How to care for flock upholstery?

• vacuum regularly;
• try to remove stains with a napkin immediately before they are absorbed;
• if the stain is absorbed, you need to use a soap solution;
• Cleaning with alcohol-containing solutions and cleaning with hot water is not recommended, as this can destroy the adhesive layer.

Let's take a closer look at the flock collections presented in our catalog:

How to care

Each type of anti-vandal coating requires appropriate care. Washing and cleaning instructions are usually indicated on the label and should be strictly followed. For example, velor should be washed at a temperature no higher than +60 °, and chlorine bleaches should not be used for jacquard. The only thing used when cleaning any type of upholstery is a vacuum cleaner. With its help, you can quickly and easily remove dust, which will add color and refresh the appearance. All cleaning and detergents are used in full accordance with the care requirements.

All anti-vandal fabrics must be protected from sunlight. If it is not possible to put the furniture in a protected place, you should draw the curtains more often. Anti-claw materials are not recommended to be ironed. When choosing a fabric, you should consider not only its type and properties, but also read the accompanying documents. Feedback from other consumers who have cats in their homes may also be helpful.

Clean your sofa regularly with a vacuum cleaner

Avoid direct sunlight on the upholstery

Use the cleaning product according to the instructions

Anti-claw fabric cannot be ironed

How to choose materials for upholstery of a sofa, which is better

When choosing fabric for upholstered furniture, you should pay attention to its origin - artificial or natural, plant or animal origin. This choice is not important, since it does not particularly affect the quality of the material.

It all depends solely on your taste.

It’s also worth finding out about the characteristics of the material you choose. Do you need upholstery fabric that wrinkles? Are such properties important as whether it is water-repellent or breathable? All this can be found out from a sales consultant or read on a special label.

obivka-6 obivka-7

• In addition, be sure to touch the product. Do you like a smooth surface or a rough one? Matte or shiny? Hard or soft? The main thing is that it should be pleasant to you.
• The next step is choosing a pattern or not. Think about how to match the sofa upholstery to the interior - striped, checkered, with large or small flowers, or plain. Immediately think about colors. An excellent selection of materials of absolutely any color and with different types of patterns will be shown to you in the catalogs of any relevant store, where numerous photos are presented.

Care Tips

Like other materials, anti-vandal cat fabrics used for upholstery or slipcovers require maintenance. All features of operation, cleaning and washing are traditionally indicated on the tag. The manufacturer's recommendations regarding the care of the material must be carefully studied before making a purchase .

Mandatory rules for Anti-claw fabrics and anti-vandal materials:

• Sun protection. All manufacturers pay attention to the fact that covers or casings with Teflon and other impregnations must be protected from direct rays of the sun. If it is not possible to place the furniture in a more protected place, it is necessary to draw the curtains. Therefore, anti-vandal covers are not suitable for outdoor furniture.
• Pollution, dust. Fabrics with adhesive backing should not be washed in a washing machine. The wet method of removing stains is also excluded. If they occur, it is better to use dry cleaning services (but only if we are talking about a cover). Fabric-based linens can be washed at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. The recommended mode is “delicate wash”. Under no circumstances should you spin it in the drum of a dryer or washing machine. To remove dust and crumbs on any fabric, you can use a vacuum cleaner. Before starting work, make sure that the wet cleaning mode, if provided, is turned off.
• It is forbidden to iron any anti-vandal fabrics.

When choosing a material for a sofa with protection from pet claws, it is important to carefully consider the accompanying documents. Reviews from other users will also be useful.

Jacquard

It is also an anti-claw fabric. Fabric has proven itself to be one of the most reliable ways to make durable upholstered furniture. The material has a high density, so products covered with the presented canvases are ideal for placement in rooms where pets are used to playing. Why does jacquard fit the definition of anti-claw fabric? Reviews from experts confirm that here the threads are intertwined as closely as possible. They are distinguished by their considerable thickness and rigid structure, which makes it possible to create truly stable canvases. It is extremely difficult to damage such material, since the increased frequency of weaving does not allow the teeth and claws of pets to catch on the threads and pull them out.