Would you like PVC or Polyurethane with that?

So this is probably a question you wouldn’t expect to be asked when selecting the type of vinyl you want upholstered on your clinics chairs, usually we would just ask you which colour you prefer and leave the rest to us, but it is very important that you know the difference between vinyls and how they can change depending on the area they end up in. Proper cleaning (or lack of) is one of the biggest problems we have when it comes to the upkeep of seating. Every product comes with a cleaning guide from the manufacturer which outlines the type of products that can be used on it, how it should be cleaned and what you should keep away from the material. This is something we pass onto you the client at the end of everything project in the hope it will be passed onto the correct person. Unfortunately though 9 times out of 10 these documents go missing and a few months later problems start occurring. Plasticisation Migration is the result of bleach or body oils sitting on vinyl for too long which causes it to go shiny and then crack. Something we have have all seen. Of course with the correct care this is less likely to happen. By following manufacturers cleaning instructions you will get real longevity out of your furniture. Placement is another issue when it comes to using PVC or Polyurethane. Basically the rule is: PVC for waiting areas Polyurethane for clinical areas PVC does well with waiting areas due to the thicker top layer and strong bond which means when upholstered the stitching will not break the seal letting moisture in. This product also does not respond well to steam cleaning so is better suited to an area that is high traffic but does not require strong cleaning. Polyurethane on the other hand responds a lot better to steam and strong bleach which makes it perfect for clinical areas that need proper cleaning each time they are used.