Not all polyurethane fabrics are created equal. Unfortunately, lower-end polyurethanes (PU) have given the whole category a bad name. Sure a PU fabric may look and feel great but if it’s not well-made, it will breakdown in commercial settings—especially when wiped with industrial strength cleaners.

What You Need to Know

When shopping for a commercial-grade PU, be sure to ask your supplier these questions:

1. What type of resin is it made of?
2. What is the hydrolysis resistance?
3. How can it be cleaned?

Resin

The most important component in durable PU fabric is the resin used to formulate the skin and base. Woeller sources PU fabrics from Nassimi that are created with the highest grade of resin—polycarbonate. Polycarbonate resin gives PU a higher resistance to humidity, heat, and light than lower grade resins.

Hydrolysis Resistance

Another important factor in the suitability of a PU for a commercial application is hydrolysis resistance. Hydrolysis is the process by which PU is broken down by moisture and heat. How many times can a restaurant booth be aggressively wiped with a bleach-soaked cloth before cracking?

The Association for Contract Textiles recommends a minimum of 5-week hydrolysis resistance for commercial upholstery use. Nassimi PU fabrics have a minimum 7-week hydrolysis resistance that stands up in high-use hospitality environments—including restaurant seating.

Cleaning

For more details on the production and quality of Nassimi PU see their free Polyurethane Guide. You can also download specific cleaning instructions for your Nassimi PU fabric.

Woeller Group offers a range of durable PU coated fabrics, many from Nassimi, with the quality you need in the colors and designs you want.

See our faux leather collection.