Super Fitness Health BlogUpholstery Foam
If you are thinking about a reupholstering project, producing an excellent end result is the most important factor. A major consideration of your planning should be selecting the right upholstery foam.
When selecting upholstery foam, there are different characteristics. There are two unique attributes to consider.
One is density. Density is another word for the quality of the upholstery foam. A 2.0 density is a higher quality foam as compared to a 1. 5 density foam. Most people in the trade agree that an upholstery foam with a density of 2.0 or higher is a quality foam. Urethane is the chemical found in foam, the greater the urethane content, the higher density and less air is present in the foam. Higher Densities are used any time more resiliency and longer wear is desired. Generally foam with a 2.0 density or greater are good for seat cushions combined with the right compression number. Upholstery foam that is low in density, won’t last or support as well as a higher density softer padding, even if it is firm.
The second upholstery foam attribute, compression, also called the ILD, determines the firmness of the foam. A compression of 10 would be a super soft foam, thirty four a medium firm, and 48 a firm foam. A density of 10 would be used in a back rest cushion, 34 is usually for a seating foam where med firm is preferred, and 48 or higher is for any time a firm seat cushion is desirable.
The majority of upholstery foam is open cell foam, meaning there is air found in it. If open cell foam used outdoors, rain water can easily soak into it. Silk Film which is a soft vinyl membrane product used to wrap the foam when used outside to help keep the water from seeping inside the foam. When open cell foam will be used outside it should be used together with a moisture barrier cover prior to putting the last outside cover on.
Closed cell foam, MLC foam, is more expensive, but due to the closed cell design water will not saturate into the foam. Closed cell foam is useful for outside along with boat cushions where moisture and water are present.
Another choice when it comes to upholstery foam applications that will get wet is flow through foam, EZ DRI 60 and EZ DRI 30. Flow through foam is actually an open cell foam which the cells are essentially cracked so the water goes through a lot quicker and consequently dries significantly quicker. It can be used for all outside applications, like patio chairs, boat cushions. EZDRI is used for outside cushions were quick drying is demanded. In this scenario a porous cover should be utilized on the bottom area of the cushion to allow the water to fall on out and allow the cover and foam to dry easily.
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