WTB: Hook and Loop Fabric for Walls, Etc.

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janetj1968

janetj1968

PFG, Picture Framing God
Joined
Oct 16, 2007
Posts
5,935
Loc
Buena Vista, VA
I am moving my shop and as a result, will have an entirely different corner sample layout. Most of my previous configuration for samples will no longer work.

I am not looking for huge amounts of fabric, but I am looking for about 10' - 15' of fabric suitable for displaying corner samples. It doesn't have to be any wider than 4'.

AND if you have floor spinners or mat racks (not mat caddies) and are located in Virginia, send me a PM.

If you have a smaller drymount press and you would like a larger one, also send me a PM. I have a 3646M-HS I'm willing to trade even for a small mechanical press.
 
I've made up wall panels for samples many times and what I've used is indoor/outdoor carpet glued to masonite panels and then screwed to the walls. The carpet works well if it's a loop design and is more durable than standard hook and loop fabric.
We buy the carpet at a local supply business that sells upholstery materials and carpet and headliner fabric to the auto interior industry.
 
Thanks for the tip! I remember someone telling me about the headliner material before...but I'd forgotten it until you reminded me.
 
The carpet actually works really well and is stronger than the headliner material. I've used both and I like the carpet better myself. The carpet needs to be a loop design to really work well. You can test it with a sample that has the hook side to see how it sticks.
 
A gentle word of caution: Carpet is often a fire code violation, so it's probably best to check with the inspector before the purchase. It's not permitted here. It may be fire rated when lying flat, but when it is sideways the flames would travel UP rapidly; and keep going. I know of a shop locally that spent a lot of money carpeting the walls and design counter. The building inspector made them remove it just before opening day.

United has some decent hook and loop fabric material, which is what we have used in the past for the samples. (available in many colors. we use black) There may be fire safety concerns with this material, too, although it is probably safer than carpet.

One tip we have used in the past is to glue the fabric to 4x8 panels, which are first screwed on top of the wall. (instead of gluing it right to the wall) This way, the process is fairly reversible if you should ever remodel or move out. The material is very durable.

Mike
 
New fire codes require any wall covering to be fire rated. I was required 5 - 6 years ago to remove all loop fabric from my walls. I painted the walls black and glued the velcro strips to the wall.

framer
 
well check with the fire guys first .
Home Depot has some very durable indoor outdoor carpet that is very cheap & Holds up well has a nice small loop comes in three or 4 colors.
 
Hey jan....I have some veletex stuff I ripped off the walls from a store I bought my equipment from!! It's light tan.....I've had it rolled up for a while! I never used it......I thought BLACK was more my style!!!! ;)

Let me know if you want it!! Just pay the shipping babe and its yours! ;) I HAVE A LOT OF IT!!!!!!!
 
So a wall covering may need to be fire rated, but what about a "display" that is hanging on the wall? My moulding display is carpeted, and is attached to the wall using cleats. I can just lift each section off, so they aren't permanently attached. If I were in your state, that did require fire rated materials, would I be "safe"?

Janet, if you go the carpet route bring a corner sample or two with you and see how well they stick. Some carpeting doesn't "grab" well and others are really aggressive. Bring samples in with you and just stick them to the carpeting you are considering.
 
I have a roll of FrontRunner light gray fabric at home. I believe it is 63" by whatever length you need. Durable, light weight and made for your intended purpose.

It's about the color of "paper" on this chart:

http://www.tradeshowsupermarket.com/fabric/frontrunner.html

It normally sells for about $ 25.00 a yard in a ten yard roll. I bought mine on a closeout for about $ 10.00 a yard and would sell you whatever you need for that price + shipping. It's light weight so shipping should be minimal but oversize if rolled instead of folded.

Whatever you use get a bit more than what you initially need so that you can do matching panels or expand your wall space and have extra matching fabric.
 
Probably to late, but Velcro ( HQ in Manchester, NH) makes wide loop material out of their plant in South Carolina.

Just a thought.
 
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