When choosing vinyl upholstery material for your restaurant and bar seating projects, understanding the different grades of vinyl upholstery can help you select the best option based on your requirements. Here, we’ll focus on Grades 2, 3, and 4, each offering distinct features and benefits.
KEY TERMINOLOGY
Double Rubs: A measure of abrasion resistance. This metric quantifies how well a material can withstand wear and tear from friction and repeated use. The Wyzenbeek test determines double rubs by rubbing the material with a standard abrasive material until signs of wear appear. Vinyl upholstery materials with higher double rub counts are more durable, with residential materials usually rated at 15,000-25,000 double rubs and commercial at 30,000 or more.
Lightfastness: This refers to the resistance of a material to fading or degrading when exposed to light, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. High lightfastness is crucial for maintaining the color and appearance of vinyl upholstery over time, especially in areas with significant sunlight exposure. Good lightfastness also extends the material’s lifespan and reduces maintenance costs.
Cold Crack Resistance: This property measures the vinyl’s ability to withstand low temperatures without cracking or becoming brittle. Cold crack resistance is vital for maintaining the durability and appearance of vinyl upholstery on outdoor seating in environments where temperatures can drop significantly.
GRADE 2 VINYL
Overview: Grade 2 vinyl is the base option, typically used for general-purpose applications where budget considerations are important.
- Abrasion Resistance: Suitable for light to medium traffic areas with a minimum of 50,000 double rubs.
- Lightfastness: Standard lightfastness, adequate for indoor use with moderate sunlight exposure.
- Cold Crack Temperature: Basic resistance, suitable for indoor restaurant and bar seating applications without extreme temperatures.
- Additional Features: May include basic stain resistance and ease of cleaning.
GRADE 3 VINYL
Overview: Grade 3 vinyl offers an upgrade from the base level, providing better performance and additional features.
- Abrasion Resistance: High abrasion resistance with 100,000 double rubs, suitable for high-traffic areas.
- Lightfastness: Excellent colorfastness with a rating of 1,000 hours, ensuring durability in sunlight.
- Cold Crack Temperature: Improved resistance down to -10 degrees, allowing for use in colder environments.
- Additional Features: Includes antimicrobial properties, bleach cleanability, and resistance to stains and moisture. PVC-free and made in the USA, emphasizing eco-friendliness and quality.
GRADE 4 VINYL
Overview: Grade 4 vinyl is the highest grade available, offering superior performance and the most advanced features for your bar and restaurant seating.
- Abrasion Resistance: Maximum abrasion resistance, tested to between 100,000 and 1,500,000 double rubs, depending on the style.
- Lightfastness: Superior resistance for prolonged exposure to sunlight without significant fading.
- Cold Crack Temperature: Exceptional resistance down to -20 degrees, suitable for extreme temperature conditions.
- Additional Features: Comprehensive set of advanced features, including enhanced antimicrobial protection, advanced stain and moisture resistance, and higher eco-friendly standards. Suitable for both commercial and residential applications.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT GRADE
When selecting the right grade of vinyl for your restaurant seating project, consider the following factors:
- Application: For high-traffic areas or environments with heavy use, Grade 3 or 4 is more appropriate due to superior durability and resistance features.
- Environmental Conditions: If exposed to sunlight or used in extreme conditions, higher grades offer better lightfastness and cold crack resistance.
- Budget: Higher grades offer more features and better performance but at a higher cost. Grade 2 provides a cost-effective solution for budget-conscious projects.
Each grade of vinyl upholstery offers unique benefits tailored to different needs and applications. By understanding these differences, you can make an informed decision that best suits your project’s requirements. For specific questions on vinyl upholstery materials for restaurants, bars and lounges, reach out to BFM Seating.
To learn more about BFM Seating’s restaurant vinyl upholstery solutions, please click here or call us at 215-289-5411.
