Storage:

• Store rolled with nap facing inward to protect the velour surface from compression, crushing, and snagging during storage
• Keep in a clean, dry, climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight and UV exposure, which can cause polyester color fading over time
• Avoid storing near HVAC vents, dusty environments, or areas with airborne oils — while the IFR properties are permanent, particulate accumulation on the nap surface can diminish practical flame resistance over time
• Use breathable fabric or muslin storage covers; avoid sealed plastic wrapping that traps heat and moisture against the velour pile
• Store rolls horizontally on padded racks or vertically on padded floor mounts — never lean unsupported rolls against walls, as the weight can cause permanent deformation of the fabric edge

Folding:

• Rolling onto a rigid, padded tube is always preferred over folding; the napped velour pile is highly susceptible to permanent crease lines under sustained fold pressure
• If temporary folding is unavoidable for short-duration transport, fold loosely with the nap facing outward to minimize pile compression at the crease
• Never place heavy objects on top of folded velour panels — the napped surface will mat down and may not fully recover
• For packaged transport, pad all fold points generously with tissue paper or soft batting to distribute pressure across the pile

Periodic Cleaning:

• Brush the nap regularly with a soft-bristle garment brush or a clean velvet brush, always stroking in the direction of the nap to remove surface dust and restore the pile’s uniform appearance
• Vacuum gently with a low-suction upholstery attachment moving in the nap direction — never vacuum against the nap, as this can permanently distort the pile
• Spot clean soiled areas using a lightly dampened cloth with minimal moisture; blot gently rather than rubbing, and allow to dry fully before re-rolling or storing
• For acoustic panel applications, maintain a regular dusting schedule — dust and oil accumulation on the nap surface will degrade both acoustic absorption performance and the fabric’s practical flame resistance

Major Cleaning:

• Standard machine washing (gentle cycle, cool water, mild non-residue detergent) is permissible without risk of losing IFR flame resistance — the inherent flame retardancy is built into the polyester fiber and will not wash out
• Avoid fabric softeners, bleach, or high-temperature water, which can affect the velour pile structure and surface texture
• Tumble dry on low heat only, or hang dry — high heat can cause polyester pile deformation or shrinkage
• After any major cleaning, check the nap direction and restore with brushing before returning to service
• Conduct an NFPA 705 field test after any major cleaning or extended storage before returning to active production use

Safety & Handling:

• Always hang with nap pointing downward for proper light absorption, visual uniformity, and maximum acoustic performance — the NGC acoustical test was conducted specifically in nap-down orientation (NRC 0.95 / SAA 0.93)
• For multi-panel installations, ensure all panels are oriented with nap running in the same direction to maintain consistent visual appearance under stage lighting
• At 16 oz per linear yard, the Athena is a heavyweight velour — use appropriate rigging hardware, battens, and multiple personnel for any large-scale hang; do not overload individual grommets or tie-line points
• Inspect all grommets, seams, and batten pockets before each hang; do not use panels with compromised attachment points
• When used as an acoustic treatment, ensure panels are mounted per the tested configuration (grommets at 12″ o.c., Type G mounting, nap down) to replicate the certified NRC 0.95 / SAA 0.93 performance

Flame Resistance Maintenance:

• The IFR flame resistance is permanent for the life of the fabric — it is inherent to the 100% IFR polyester fiber and does not rely on surface chemical treatments
• Flame resistance will not wash out under any standard cleaning conditions
• Despite the permanence of IFR, annual field testing is still recommended using the NFPA 705 Field Test Method for Textiles, as accumulations of airborne dust and oils on the nap surface may diminish practical flame resistance over time
• California State Fire Marshal approval: CSFM Approval No. F-105.01
• Standards certified: NFPA 701-2010 TM #1, California Title 19 Test #1237.1 (small scale), Canada ULC S-109 (small & large flame tests)
• A Special New York City Certificate is available upon request