ASTM D3690-19

Standard Performance Specification for Vinyl-Coated and Urethane-Coated Upholstery Fabrics—Indoor

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Fabrics intended for this end-use should meet all the requirements listed in Table 1. (A) There is more than one standard test method that can be used to measure breaking strength, tongue tear strength, and lightfastness. These test methods cannot be used interchangeably since there may be no overall correlation between them (see Note 2).(B) grade in b and c is based on a numerical scale of 5 for negligible color transfer or color change to 1 for very severe color transfer or color change. The numerical rating in Table 1 or higher is acceptable.(C) AATCC 9–Step Chromatic Transference Scale.(D) AATCC Gray Scale for Color Change.  
4.2 It should be recognized that fabric can be produced utilizing an almost infinite number of combinations of construction variables (e.g., type of fibers, percentage of fibers, yarn twist, yarn number, warp and pick count, chemical and mechanical finished). Additionally, fashion and aesthetics dictate that the ultimate consumer may find acceptable articles made from fabrics that do not conform to all of the requirements in Table 1.  
4.2.1 Hence, no single performance specification can possibly apply to all the various fabrics that could be utilized for this end-use.  
4.3 The uses and significance of particular properties and test methods are discussed in the appropriate sections of the specified methods.
SCOPE
1.1 This performance specification covers performance requirements for vinyl-coated and urethane-coated upholstery fabrics produced with woven, knit, or nonwoven substrates which are used in the manufacture of new indoor furniture.  
1.2 This performance specification is not applicable to fabrics used in porch, deck, or lawn furniture; nor for plain knit fabrics and plain, tufted, or flocked, woven upholstery fabrics.  
1.3 These requirements apply to the length and width directions for those properties where fabric direction is pertinent.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Jan-2019
• ICS: 59.080.40 - Coated fabrics
• ICS: 97.140 - Furniture
• Technical Committee: D13 - Textiles
• Drafting Committee: D13.63 - Home Furnishings

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D3690-02(2009) - Standard Performance Specification for Vinyl-Coated and Urethane-Coated Upholstery Fabrics-Indoor (Withdrawn 2018)
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM D1203-23 - Standard Test Methods for Volatile Loss from Plastics Using Activated Carbon Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D123-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM D1203-16 - Standard Test Methods for Volatile Loss From Plastics Using Activated Carbon Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM D123-15b - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4157-13 - Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Oscillatory Cylinder Method)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-12e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2012
• Refers: ASTM D123-12 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2012
• Refers: ASTM D1203-10 - Standard Test Methods for Volatile Loss From Plastics Using Activated Carbon Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2010
• Refers: ASTM D4157-10 - Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Oscillatory Cylinder Method)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010

Overview

ASTM D3690-19: Standard Performance Specification for Vinyl-Coated and Urethane-Coated Upholstery Fabrics-Indoor provides comprehensive performance criteria for upholstery fabrics used in indoor furniture applications. Published by ASTM International, this standard addresses performance requirements for vinyl-coated and urethane-coated fabrics manufactured with woven, knit, or nonwoven substrates. The specification does not apply to fabrics used in outdoor furniture or certain textile constructions such as plain knit and tufted fabrics.

This standard was developed in alignment with globally recognized principles on standardization and is routinely cited by manufacturers, specifiers, and quality assurance professionals seeking reliable criteria for indoor furniture fabric quality.

Key Topics

Performance Requirements:
ASTM D3690-19 defines minimum requirements for properties critical to upholstery fabric performance:

• Breaking strength (length and width)
• Tongue tear strength (length and width)
• Tack-tear resistance
• Adhesion of coating to substrate
• Surface abrasion resistance (visual grading after cycles)
• Flexing resistance (no cracking or delamination)
• Blocking at elevated temperature
• Resistance to cracking at low temperatures
• Colorfastness to crocking (wet and dry) and light
• Loss of plasticizer (for vinyl-coated)
• Hydrolytic stability
• Flammability (as agreed between supplier and purchaser)

Test Methods:
Referenced ASTM, AATCC, and CFFA test methods provide methodologies for evaluating each property. These include:

• ASTM D5034 for breaking strength
• CFFA Method 20 for tongue tear strength
• ASTM D751 for tack-tear and adhesion
• ASTM D4157 and D1175 for abrasion
• ASTM D2097 for flexing resistance
• CFFA Method 5 for blocking
• ASTM D2136 for low-temperature cracking
• AATCC TM8, TM16.3, and TM116 for colorfastness
• ASTM D1203 for loss of plasticizer

Versatility of Construction:
The standard recognizes the wide range of possible fabric constructions and finishing methods, which may affect compliance with all specified requirements depending on consumer preferences and end-use.

Applications

Primary Use:
This specification is intended for vinyl-coated and urethane-coated upholstery fabrics in the manufacture of new indoor furniture. It ensures that fabrics meet established durability and aesthetic criteria suited for residential, commercial, and institutional interiors.

Quality Assurance & Procurement:

• Manufacturers use ASTM D3690-19 to design and certify materials that meet recognized industry benchmarks.
• Purchasing agents and specifiers may incorporate these requirements into contracts, ensuring consistency and product reliability.
• Testing laboratories employ the standard’s cited methods to validate product performance during quality checks.

Limitations:
The standard does not address fabrics intended exclusively for outdoor or specialized applications, such as porch or lawn furniture, and is not intended for use with unsupported coatings or certain textile constructions.

Related Standards

To support a comprehensive materials specification and testing regime, ASTM D3690-19 references and aligns with several widely used standards, including:

• ASTM D5034 - Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Fabrics
• ASTM D751 - Test Methods for Coated Fabrics
• ASTM D4157 - Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics
• ASTM D2097 - Flex Testing of Finish on Upholstery Leather
• ASTM D2136 - Low-Temperature Bend Test for Coated Fabrics
• ASTM D1203 - Volatile Loss from Plastics
• AATCC TM8, TM16.3, TM116 - Colorfastness test methods
• CFFA-5, CFFA-20 - Chemical Fabrics and Film Association test methods

Keywords: Vinyl-coated upholstery fabrics, urethane-coated upholstery fabrics, indoor furniture fabrics, ASTM D3690-19, fabric performance specification, abrasion resistance, colorfastness, flammability, furniture textile standards.

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By adhering to ASTM D3690-19, manufacturers, specifiers, and buyers can ensure consistent quality and enhanced product performance for indoor upholstery fabric solutions.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:D3690 −19
Standard Performance Specification for
Vinyl-Coated and Urethane-Coated Upholstery Fabrics—
Indoor
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3690; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D1203Test Methods for Volatile Loss From Plastics Using
Activated Carbon Methods
1.1 This performance specification covers performance re-
D2097TestMethodforFlexTestingofFinishonUpholstery
quirements for vinyl-coated and urethane-coated upholstery
Leather
fabrics produced with woven, knit, or nonwoven substrates
D2136Test Method for Coated Fabrics—Low-Temperature
which are used in the manufacture of new indoor furniture.
Bend Test
1.2 This performance specification is not applicable to
D4157Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile
fabricsusedinporch,deck,orlawnfurniture;norforplainknit
Fabrics (Oscillatory Cylinder Method)
fabrics and plain, tufted, or flocked, woven upholstery fabrics.
D5034TestMethodforBreakingStrengthandElongationof
Textile Fabrics (Grab Test)
1.3 These requirements apply to the length and width
directions for those properties where fabric direction is perti-
2.2 AATCC Standards:
nent.
TM8 Colorfastness to Crocking: AATCC Crockmeter
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the Method
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the TM16.3Colorfastness to Light: Xenon-Arc
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- TM116Colorfastness to Crocking: Rotary Vertical Crock-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- meter Method
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. EP1Gray Scale for Color Change
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- EP89-Step Chromatic Transference Scale
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
2.3 Chemical Fabrics and Film Association Standards:
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
CFFA-5 Test for Blocking
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
CFFA-20Test for Tearing Strength, Procedure B—Tongue
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Method
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
NOTE 1—Reference to test methods in this specification give only the
permanent part of the designation of ASTM, AATCC, or other test
2. Referenced Documents
methods. The current editions of each test method cited shall prevail.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D123Terminology Relating to Textiles
3. Terminology
D751Test Methods for Coated Fabrics
3.1 Definitions:
D1175Method of Test for Abrasion Resistance of Textile
3.1.1 blocking, n—the measurement of the development of
Fabrics (Oscillatory Cylinder and Uniform Abrasion);
surface tack and the thermal softening point of the material.
Replaced by D4157, D4158 (Withdrawn 1981)
3.1.2 hydrolytic stability, n—the ability to withstand the
environmental effects of high humidity.
This performance specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee
3.1.3 tack tear, n—the measurement of the resistance of a
D13 on Textiles and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.63 on Home
coated fabric to tearing under conditions simulating an instal-
Furnishings.
lation that has been tacked in place.
Current edition Jan. 15, 2019. Published February 2019. Originally approved in
1978. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D3690–02(2008) which was
withdrawn January 2018 and reinstated in January 2019. DOI: 10.1520/D3690-19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on (AATCC), P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, http://
the ASTM website. www.aatcc.org.
3 5
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on Available from Chemical Fabrics and Film Association, 1230 Keith Bldg.,
www.astm.org. Cleveland, OH 44115.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3690−19
3.1.3.1 Discussion—Tack tear is intended primarily for 5. Performance Requirements
testing vinyl-coated fabrics for furniture or automotive appli-
5.1 The properties of vinyl-coated or urethane-coated up-
cations.
holsteryfabricsshallconformtothespecificationrequirements
of one of the three categories in Table 1.
3.2 For definitions of other textile terms used in this
specification, refer to Terminology D123 and to the Technical
6. Test Methods (see Note 1)
Manual of the American Association of Textile Chemists and
6.1 Breaking Force—Determine the dry breaking force in
Colorists.
the standard atmosphere for testing textiles, as directed in Test
Method D5034, using a constant- rate- of- extension (CRE)
4. Significance and Use
tensile testing machine.
4.1 Fabrics intended for this end-use should meet all the
6.2 Tongue Tear Strength—Determine tongue tear strength
requirements listed in Table 1.
as directed in Procedure B of CFFA Method20 using a CRT
tensile testing machine.
4.2 It should be recognized that fabric can be produced
utilizing an almost infinite number of combinations of con-
6.3 Tack-Tear Resistance—Determine the tack-tear resis-
struction variables (e.g., type of fibers, percentage of fibers,
tance as directed in Sections 43 to 47 of Test Methods D751.
yarn twist, yarn number, warp and pick count, chemical and
6.4 Adhesion of Coating to Substrate:
mechanical finished).Additionally, fashion and aesthetics dic-
6.4.1 Determine the adhesion of coating to substrate as
tate that the ultimate consumer may find acceptable articles
directed in Sections 39 to 42 of Test Methods D751, with the
made from fabrics that do not conform to all of the require-
speed of the pulling clamp at 12 6 ⁄2 in. (305 6 13 mm)/min.
ments in Table 1.
6.4.2 Report adhesion in pounds-force per inch (newtons
4.2.1 Hence, no single performance specification can possi-
per metre) of width.
blyapplytoallthevariousfabricsthatcouldbeutilizedforthis
6.5 Surface Abrasion:
end-use.
6.5.1 DeterminethesurfaceabrasionasdirectedinSections
4.3 The uses and significance of particular properties and 33 to 42 of Test Methods D4157.
test methods are discussed in the appropriate sections of the 6.5.2 After 200 cycles, the test specimens are rated visually
specified methods. for color change.
TABLE 1 Performance Requirements
Requirements
Property Section
Grade A Grade B Grade C
A
Breaking strength (load) (CRT Method): 6.1
Length 244 N (55 lbf), min 222 N (50 lbf), min 200 N (45 lbf), min
Width 244 N (55 lbf), min 222 N (50 lbf), min 178 N (40 lbf), min
A
Tongue tear strength (CRT Method) 6.2
Length 27N(6lbf),min 18N(4lbf),min 13N(3lbf),min
Width 22N(5lbf),min 13N(3lbf),min 9N(2lbf),min
Tack-tear resistance: 6.3
Length 133 N (30 lbf), min 111 N (25 lbf), min 67 N (15 lbf), min
Width 133 N (30 lbf), min 89 N (20 lbf), min 67 N (15 lbf), min
Adhesion of coating to substrate 525 N/m (3.0 lbf/in.), 525 N/m (3.0 lbf/in.), 525 N/m (3.0 lbf/in.), 6.4
min min min
Surface abrasion no appreciable color change at 200 cycles, grade A, B, and C 6.5
Resistance to flexing no cracking or delamination at 15 000 cycles, grade A, B, and C 6.6
Blocking at elevated temperature rating 2, min, no blocking; coating adheres slightly,grade A, B, and C 6.7
Resistance to cracking at low temperature no cracking at − 10± 1°F (−23 ± 1°C), grade A, B, and C 6.8
B
Colorfastness to crocking: 6.9.1
C C C
Dry grade 4.0 min grade 4.0 min grade 4.0 min
C C C
grade 4.0 min grade 4.0 min grade 4.0 min
Wet
A D D D
Colorfastness to light (xenon) (120 AATCC fading grade 4.0 min grade 4.0 min grade 4.0 min 6.9.2
units)
Loss of plasticizer 10 % max 10 % max 10 % max 6.10
Hydrolytic stability: 6.11
Adhesion must maintain 75 % of original strength, grade A, B, and C 6.11.3.1
Surface abrasion no cracking or delamination at 25 000 cycles, grade A, B, and C 6.11.3.2
Resistance to flexing no breaks in coating at 15 000 cycles, grade A, B, and C 6.11.3.3
Flammability pass pass pass 6.12
A
There is more than one standard test method that can be used to measure breaking strength, tongue tear strength, and lightfastness. These test methods cannot be
used interchangeably since there may be no overall correlation between them (see Note 2).
B
grade in b and c is based on a numerical scale of 5 for negligible color transfer or color change to 1 for very severe color transfer or color change.The numerical rating
in Table 1 or higher is acceptable.
C
AATCC 9–Step Chromatic Transfe
...