ASTM D4852-18

Standard Practice for Evaluation of Attached Upholstery Fabrics

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice may be used to evaluate pertinent performance characteristics of attached upholstery fabrics.  
4.2 Loose cushions or pillows considered an inherent part of the total upholstered furniture unit are to be evaluated using this practice.  
4.3 This practice is not intended for use with outdoor furniture nor with slipcovers or throws.  
4.4 Evaluation is to be done both before and after the refurbishing procedures, as directed in voluntary care labeling instructions or as agreed upon between purchaser and supplier.  
4.5 The specified cleaning and maintenance procedures herein discussed do not reflect professional care designed to enhance the performance of furniture coverings, such as the application of soil and stain protectants. Reflected in this practice are the minimum capabilities of current cleaning methods used in accordance with any voluntary care labeling instructions accompanying the furniture.  
4.6 The characteristics to be evaluated and the acceptance criteria assigned to these areas shall be set by mutual agreement between purchaser and supplier.  
4.7 The significance and use of specific properties are discussed in the appropriate test methods and performance standards.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice is to be used to evaluate specific characteristics of importance in the performance of upholstery fabric attached to a furniture unit, including woven, knitted, tufted, flocked, or vinyl fabrics.  
1.2 It is understood that the fabric used to construct the upholstered furniture unit should be evaluated initially using appropriate fabric performance standards, such as Specifications D3597 and D3690.  
1.3 Loose cushions or pillows considered an inherent part of the total furniture unit are to be evaluated using this practice.  
1.4 This practice is not to be used to evaluate slipcovers or throws used as furniture coverings. Outdoor furniture coverings are not to be evaluated using this practice.  
1.5 This practice shall not be construed to be a standard of performance but only as a standard practice for evaluation of attached upholstery fabrics.  
1.6 This practice may be used by mutual agreement between purchaser and supplier to establish purchasing specifications.  
1.7 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.  
1.8 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: 31-Aug-2018
• ICS: 97.140 - Furniture
• Technical Committee: D13 - Textiles
• Drafting Committee: D13.63 - Home Furnishings

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D4852-88(2009)e1 - Standard Practice for Evaluation of Attached Upholstery Fabrics (Withdrawn 2018)
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2018
• Refers: ASTM D3690-19 - Standard Performance Specification for Vinyl-Coated and Urethane-Coated Upholstery Fabrics—Indoor
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4771-19 - Standard Performance Specification for Knitted Upholstery Fabrics for Indoor Furniture
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM D3597-02(2018)e1 - Standard Performance Specification for Woven Upholstery Fabrics—Plain, Tufted, or Flocked
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D7023-06(2018) - Standard Terminology Relating to Home Furnishings
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM D123-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• 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 D3597-02(2013) - Standard Performance Specification for Woven Upholstery Fabrics—Plain, Tufted, or Flocked
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13ae1 - 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 D7023-06(2012) - Standard Terminology Relating to Home Furnishings
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Refers: ASTM D123-12e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2012

Overview

ASTM D4852-18 is the internationally recognized standard practice for the evaluation of attached upholstery fabrics used in indoor furniture. Developed by ASTM International, this standard provides a systematic approach to assessing key performance characteristics of upholstery fabrics that are affixed to furniture units, including woven, knitted, tufted, flocked, and vinyl materials. The standard is specifically designed for fabrics that are inherently part of upholstered furniture, such as permanently attached covers and loose cushions or pillows integral to the piece.

This practice ensures consistent evaluation both before and after refurbishing processes, following voluntary care labeling or mutually agreed procedures. It is not applicable to slipcovers, throws, or outdoor furniture coverings, and is intended to be used as a collaborative tool for manufacturers, purchasers, and suppliers to establish clear purchasing specifications and quality expectations for upholstery fabric performance.

Key Topics

• Scope of Evaluation: The standard addresses the examination of attached fabrics, focusing on characteristics such as fabric matching (pattern and pile direction), shade uniformity, visual appearance (seams, welting, tufting), group compatibility, and identification of defects.
• Before-and-After Refurbishing Assessment: Evaluations must be conducted both prior to and following recommended refurbishing (cleaning or maintenance), in alignment with care instructions.
• Care Labeling and Cleaning Methods: The practice references voluntary care labeling codes (W, S, WS, X) for recommended cleaning methods, which include water-based, solvent-based, and vacuum-only procedures.
• Mutually Agreed Criteria: The selection of characteristics for evaluation and respective acceptance criteria are determined by mutual agreement between purchaser and supplier.
• Reporting and Conformance: The standard outlines detailed reporting requirements including objectives, test details, refurbishing products and methods, performance results, and conformance conclusions.

Applications

ASTM D4852-18 serves a key role in the furniture and textile industries, providing practical value in the following applications:

• Quality Control and Assurance: Furniture manufacturers and suppliers can use this standard to ensure that attached upholstery fabrics meet agreed-upon performance expectations in appearance, durability, and maintenance response.
• Purchasing Specifications: Enables clear communication and agreement between buyers and suppliers regarding the characteristics to be assessed and the criteria for acceptance, helping to avoid disputes and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Maintenance and Refurbishing Guidance: Offers a consistent framework for evaluating the effects of routine cleaning and refurbishing on upholstery fabrics, helping end users and service providers maintain the look and longevity of upholstered furniture.
• Product Development: Assists designers and specifiers in selecting upholstery fabrics that are suitable for intended uses, based on evaluated characteristics and performance under prescribed maintenance.

Related Standards

For comprehensive evaluation and compatibility, ASTM D4852-18 references or is used in conjunction with several related standards:

• ASTM D3597: Performance Specification for Woven Upholstery Fabrics
• ASTM D3690: Performance Specification for Vinyl-Coated and Urethane-Coated Upholstery Fabrics
• ASTM D4771: Performance Specification for Knitted Upholstery Fabrics (historical)
• ASTM D123: Terminology Relating to Textiles
• ASTM D7023: Terminology Relating to Home Furnishings
• AATCC Evaluation Procedure 1: Gray Scale for Color Change

These related standards help ensure that initial fabric selection and subsequent product evaluations are performed with a comprehensive understanding of upholstery fabric performance.

Keywords: ASTM D4852-18, attached upholstery fabrics, furniture fabric evaluation, indoor upholstered furniture, upholstery performance assessment, care labeling, cleaning methods, fabric quality standards, textile industry, performance characteristics.

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: D4852 − 18
Standard Practice for
Evaluation of Attached Upholstery Fabrics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4852; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This practice is to be used to evaluate specific charac- 2.1 ASTM Standards:
teristics of importance in the performance of upholstery fabric D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
attached to a furniture unit, including woven, knitted, tufted, D3597 Performance Specification for Woven Upholstery
flocked, or vinyl fabrics. Fabrics—Plain, Tufted, or Flocked
D3690 Performance Specification for Vinyl-Coated and
1.2 It is understood that the fabric used to construct the
Urethane-Coated Upholstery Fabrics–Indoor (Withdrawn
upholstered furniture unit should be evaluated initially using
2018)
appropriate fabric performance standards, such as Specifica-
D4771 Performance Specification for Knitted Upholstery
tions D3597 and D3690.
Fabrics for Indoor Furniture (Withdrawn 2018)
1.3 Loosecushionsorpillowsconsideredaninherentpartof
D7023 Terminology Relating to Home Furnishings
the total furniture unit are to be evaluated using this practice.
2.2 AATCC Method:
1.4 This practice is not to be used to evaluate slipcovers or AATCC Evaluation Procedure 1—Gray Scale for Color
Change
throws used as furniture coverings. Outdoor furniture cover-
ings are not to be evaluated using this practice. 2.3 Other Documents:
Knit Upholstery Fabric Standards and Guidelines
1.5 This practice shall not be construed to be a standard of
Woven Upholstery Fabric Standards and Guidelines
performance but only as a standard practice for evaluation of
attached upholstery fabrics.
3. Terminology
1.6 Thispracticemaybeusedbymutualagreementbetween
3.1 For all terminology relating to D13.63, Home
purchaser and supplier to establish purchasing specifications.
Furnishings, refer to Terminology D7023.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
www.astm.org.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
(AATCC), P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, http://
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
www.aatcc.org.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Issuedin1982bytheJoint-IndustryFabricStandardsCommittee,sponsoredby
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
National Association of Furniture Manufacturers, California Furniture Manufactur-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. ersAssociation,SouthernFurnitureManufacturersAssociation,SouthwestFurniture
Manufacturers Association, and Furniture Manufacturers Association of Grand
Rapids. Available from American Furniture Manufacturers Association, P.O. Box
HP-7, High Point, NC 27261.
1 6
ThispracticeisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD13onTextilesand Reissued in 1986 by the Joint-Industry Fabric Standards Committee including
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.63 on Home Furnishings. American Furniture ManufacturersAssociation, California Furniture Manufacturers
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2018. Published October 2018. Originally Association, Furniture Manufacturers Association of Grand Rapids, Association of
ɛ1
approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D4852–88(2009) Western Furniture Suppliers, and Home Furnishings Manufacturers Association.
which was withdrawn in January 2018 and reinstated in September 2018. DOI: Available from American Furniture Manufacturers Association, P.O. Box HP-7,
10.1520/D4852-18. High Point, NC 27261.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4852 − 18
3.1.1 The following terms are relevant to this standard: 7. Fabric Performance Characteristics
attached upholstery fabric, back coating, cleaning agent, fur-
7.1 Evaluate the selected upholstery fabric before it is
niture covering, furniture unit, group, overall cleaning, part,
attached to the furniture unit, using the appropriate perfor-
refurbish, slipcover, spot and stain removal, throw, tufting, in
mance specification methods as directed in Specifications
upholstered furniture, upholstered furniture, vacuum, welted
D3597, D3690, D4771 or the Knit and Woven Upholstery
seam.
Fabric Standards, as agreed upon by purchaser and supplier.
3.2 For all other terminology related to textiles, refer to
8. Evaluation of Attached Upholstery Fabric Prior to
Terminology D123.
Refurbishing
8.1 General—The attached furniture covering characteris-
4. Significance and Use
tics to be evaluated prior to refurbishing may include, but are
4.1 This practice may be used to evaluate pertinent perfor-
not limited to: matching (such as pattern and pile direction);
mance characteristics of attached upholstery fabrics.
uniformity of shade (part to part); visual appearance of
4.2 Loosecushionsorpillowsconsideredaninherentpartof
furniture unit (seams, welting, tufting); compatibility of furni-
the total upholstered furniture unit are to be evaluated using
ture units within a group; and any obvious defects.
this practice.
8.1.1 For all visual evaluations use a light source as agreed
upon between purchaser and supplier.
4.3 This practice is not intended for use with outdoor
furniture nor with slipcovers or throws. 8.2 Matching—Evaluate matching of such items as pattern
andpiledirection,andshadeuniformity(parttopart)following
4.4 Evaluation is to be done both before and after the
the procedures in “Pattern Repeat, Color and Shade” of the
refurbishing procedures, as directed in voluntary care labeling
Woven Upholstery Fabric or Knit Upholstery Fabric Standards
instructions or as agreed upon between purchaser and supplier.
and Guidelines.
4.5 The specified cleaning and maintenance procedures
8.3 Visual Appearance—Evaluate the appearance of the
herein discussed do not reflect professional care designed to
furniture unit including seams, welting, and tufting, as mutu-
enhance the performanc
...