inspiration : threads and cording and foam, oh my!
Foam Terminology and Properties
Density: Foam density is a measurement that tells how many pounds per cubic foot polyurethane foam can support. The denser the foam, the more support the foam will provide, which will increase the life expectancy of the product. For example, if the density is 1.8, every cubic foot of the seating cushion can support 1.8 pounds.
easier positioning of the vinyl before the vinyl is stapled in place. You do not need to be concerned with air getting trapped in the cushion because the backer board has holes drilled into it that allow air to escape. A vinyl cushion cover paired with an antimicrobial polyurethane foam and silk film is the best defense against the growth of mold and mildew.
Compression: Foam compression is how many pounds it takes to compress foam by 25 percent. The higher the number, the firmer the foam; the lower the number, the softer the foam. Compression also refers to the softness or firmness of the foam, and how it feels when a person sits on it. For an interior residential window seat, for a 3-inch foam, 35 would be a good medium compression to select. If you were using foam under 3 inches thick, you may prefer a compression of 50 to make sure the seat is firm enough and not compressing the cushion too much. For a commercial space, 50 is a good compression because it tends to recover quicker after someone gets up. Open Cell Microbial Foam: This foam has large, open cells that allow for water to flow easily through it. It is quick-drying, antimicrobial, water-resistant and three times firmer than polyurethane foam. It has more plastic in it, which allows it to hold up in extreme types of weather. This type of foam is manufactured in #30 soft, #50 medium and #70 firm densities. Most vendors only carry one. Open cell microbial foam has several different brand names depending on where it is purchased. Sailrite’s name for this foam is Dry Fast; U.S. Foam Corporation of Indiana has named its Ever-Dri. Polyurethane Foam: This is a polyurethane-based foam product that will remain mold- and mildew-free unless it is left wet and outside for an extended amount of time. Cushions made out of polyurethane foam will soak up moisture, so it is recommended to use it in covered areas or bring in the cushions during rainy days. Polyurethane foam comes in a couple of different types. The one that is best used for outdoors has antimicrobial properties and is referred to as marine foam. High-density polyurethane marine foam is a good choice for boat cushions that are covered with vinyl, but not for woven fabrics, since the foam will soak up water like a sponge. Silk Film: Silk film is a noiseless plastic that makes cushion foam easier to install inside the cushion cover. It also protects the foam from moisture due to seam leakage. The silk film creates an airtight layer, allowing you to apply a vacuum to the foam and suck out the air, drastically shrinking the foam and making it easy to slip inside the cushion cover. If your cushion has a zipper, you will need to leave a section of the cushion (typically the zipper plaque) free from the silk film to allow air to escape when the cushion is sat on. For a backer board cushion, the slipperiness of the silk film allows for
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Floating Foam: This is a closed cell foam that is made from Polytech Vinyl Nitrile (PVN) and is typically found on boats. It resists moisture absorption, which makes it buoyant, and is antimicrobial. This type of foam is good for sailboat cockpit cushions because it floats, so the cushions can be used as flotation devices if needed. Closed cell foam is also very thin and firm, which makes it easy to step on as you are getting in and out of the boat.
Pillows
For outdoor use, it is best to use a polyester fiber fill since polyester is inherently hypoallergenic, washable and resists mildew. Harris Pillows has a wonderful Micro Gel pillow that can be used indoors or out. These pillow inserts are made from very small pieces of fiber to give them the feel of synthetic down. You will love them. V
Albany Foam and Supply Inc., albanyfoam.com American Down & Feather, americandownandfeather.com Harris Pillow Supply, harrispillow.com Sailrite, sailrite.com Sailrite.com has the most extensive published information on all the materials one may need to fabricate outdoor cushions and pillows. Check them out!
U.S. Foam Corporation of Indiana, usfoamcorporation.com