hen it comes to our own personal wardrobes, fabric selection is usually a snap. Be it cotton or cashmere, flannel or felt, most people know enough about cost, care, and durability to make fabric selection as easy as wash and wear.

But when you're talking tension fabric for exhibits, most people can't tell their poly muslin from their jersey mesh. And what's worse, they often don't have a stitch of knowledge about the benefits, drawbacks, and unique considerations of each option. That leaves them at risk for a fabric faux pas - unwittingly selecting mesh fabrics when their lighting requires metallic, or opting for sheer when their stalactite-like shapes need stretch.

Granted, a reputable fabric supplier will help you iron out the wrinkles in your fabric selections. But it's never a good idea to rely solely on your suppliers, and even the most basic knowledge of fabric types and considerations will aid you during the decision-making process.
Here, then, is a guide to the least you should know about tension fabrics - knowledge that will help you make more informed purchasing decisions, and help make sure you don't get ripped off during the purchasing process.

Bolt Basics

In recent years, the selection for tension-fabric exhibit structures has grown immensely, and your choices are seemingly endless. However, almost all tension fabrics fall into one of five categories: solid, mesh, sheer, stretch, and metallic.

Solid fabrics, including FR66, Triple Poplin, and Poly Muslin, are the most opaque of the options, and most accept projection or backlighting. Solid fabrics are often soft in appearance and have a small amount of stretch for ease of assembly; plus, they are typically the most durable and cost-effective options. Many colors are available without custom printing or dyeing, and printed graphics on these types of fabrics really pop.

Mesh fabrics allow glimpses of light or internal framework to be exposed. Meshes, such as Jersey Mesh and Micron Mesh, add texture to a fabric element and are available in a wide range of weaves for a more or less transparent appearance. Often, meshes are required for ceiling canopies to accommodate sprinklers, as water passes through this type of fabric rather than pooling on top of it. Many mesh options are available - from delicate to durable. They can accept printed graphics and lighting; however, they create a softer, more subtle look, as graphics and lighting will not pop as much on mesh fabrics as they will on solid fabrics.

Sheer fabrics, such as Flag Cloth and Poly Taffeta, are ideal for exposing glimpses of the skeletal framework to add interesting architectural appeal or design elements. They are also ideal for creating a light and airy feeling, as the eye travels through the fabric and beyond, creating the illusion of an open space. Some sheer tension fabrics are delicate and might not be appropriate for structures that will be assembled and disassembled repeatedly, but many sheer fabrics can accept printed graphics and lighting although the effect will be muted since the fabric is not as dense as a solid fabric.

Stretch fabrics are ideal for compound or organic forms, as they allow the interior framework to push through the fabric to create stalactite-like shapes. Stretch fabrics, such as Spandex, are also ideal for flutes, funnels, or other organic shapes. Some stretch fabrics can accept printed graphics, although geometric elements such as grids and lines may be stretched or distorted. Stretch fabrics can be expensive - sometimes up to twice as much as other fabric options, but they're worth the additional cost if a particular shape is necessary for the visual aesthetic you desire.

Metallic fabrics can add glitz and glamour or create an industrial feel. A variety of looks are available - from hard brassy metallic to a soft sheen. Special handling may be required when using these fabrics, as sometimes the metallic finish is applied as a coating that can chip or be scraped off. Most metallic fabrics, such as Satin Stretch and Lurex Sheer, also fall into the solid category, although there are a few sheers and stretch fabrics available in a metallic finish.

A Few Alterations

Aside from a basic understanding of these five main types of fabrics, consider the following options and alternatives before you make your exhibit-fabric purchase.

Fire and flame retardancy are major concerns for all types of exhibit fabrics. Many polyester-based fabrics are inherently flame retardant. Make sure you have a copy of the Flame Retardancy Certification at show site to make sure your fabrics are up to code. Fabrics that are not inherently flame retardant can be treated with flame-retardant chemicals that allow them to pass most fire-marshals' inspections. Smoke-Out, a fabric that essentially dissolves in high heat, and some open meshes can be used for large overhead canopies. However, both of these options come in a limited choice of colors, and Smoke-Out is an expensive fabric costing roughly four times as much as a fabric in the solid category. The key here is to verify the fire-related specifications of each fabric along with each show's requirements before finalizing your purchase.

Also take into consideration lighting and projection opportunities and drawbacks. Solid fabrics typically offer the best surface for lighting and projection, although people also use lighting on sheer and mesh fabrics as well - particularly with the range of LED-colored lighting options now available. Specialty projection fabrics are also available for rear-projection applications. These are ideal if the desired effect is clear, crisp projection. Many solid fabrics can be used for rear projection, but the image will be soft, not crisp. Specialty projection fabrics can be expensive, so they are often sewn into the structure only where the projection is needed, rather than fabricating the entire structure from the specialty fabric. Your tension-fabric vendor should be able to make fabric recommendations based on the lighting, projection, and design elements you want to achieve. Or, ask your vendor for samples, and test the options for yourself.

Finally, when measured against typical exhibitry, fabric is often considered a Greener option as it weighs less and takes up less space, which means it takes less fuel to ship to each show. Many textile manufacturers are also making Green versions of their standard fabrics by incorporating recycled fibers. Many of these fabrics, such as Soft Knit, are barely distinguishable from their non-Green counterparts and are appropriate for printing. You can expect to pay at least 5 to 15 percent more for products made with these fabrics, but the cost may be worthwhile if going Green is an important part of your company's message.

With all of the fabrics and options available, your choices are nearly unlimited. And ultimately, you're going to want to consult your supplier for his or her suggestions. However, armed with this knowledge about fabric types and options, selecting tension fabric should be a sheer pleasure.e