Martindale and Abrasion Resistance: How to Read It
· Author: TIM Collection team
A practical explanation of Martindale cycles, what abrasion numbers mean, and how to align results with expected upholstery use.
Abrasion resistance describes how long a fabric keeps functional surface integrity under a standardized lab method, commonly EN ISO 12947 family testing.
What does the cycle count mean?
Higher Martindale cycles generally indicate better resistance to repeated friction in controlled conditions. It is a comparative laboratory metric, not a direct forecast of years in a specific household.
How to connect numbers with real use
Choose values according to use intensity: private living room, rental apartment, office lounge, and hospitality zones require different safety margins and often additional maintenance or flame criteria.
Author
TIM Collection team
Importer and distributor of upholstery fabrics based in Łódź, Poland. Articles draw on technical datasheets, testing standards and daily work with furniture manufacturers and upholsterers.
Looking for fabric for a specific project? Browse our collections or request samples — we are happy to help.
Read next