Glossary Of Upholstery & Furniture Cleaning Terms
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Abrasion
The wearing away or cleaning by friction. Abrasion can also relate to the wearing away of a floor finish film by friction.
Abrasive
A product that works by abrasion. Products such as cleaners, polishes and pads may contain an abrasive.
Acid
A compound that ionizes in water to produce hydrogen ions. It readily donates protons to other substances and, when dissolved in water, creates solutions that conduct electricity, taste sour and turns litmus paper red. Inorganic acids (sometimes called mineral acids) include sulfuric, nitric, hydrochloric and phosphoric. Organic acids include acetic, oxalic, hydroxyacetic and citric. Acids are used in toilet bowl cleaners, rust removers and hard water stain removers.
Active Ingredients
The ingredients in a product that are specifically designed to achieve the product performance objectives.
Adhesion
One characteristic of soils or films which causes soils and oils to stick or bond to surfaces making them difficult to remove.
Alcohols
Organic compounds that contain one or more hydroxyl groups (-OH functional groups) in each molecule. Alcohols used in cleaners include ethyl, methyl, propyl and butyl.
Aliphatic Solvents
These are sometimes referred to as paraffins. They are also referred to as straight chain or open chain solvents. Kerosene, Odorless Mineral Spirits and Mineral Seal Oil are examples of aliphatic solvents.
Alkali or Base
Describes a solution formed when a base dissolves in water to form a solution which contains more hydroxide ions than hydrogen ions. Alkaline solutions have a pH of more than 7, turn red litmus paper blue, and feel soapy because they react with the skin. Alkalinity is exhibited in solution by alkalies such as sodium or potassium hydroxide or alkaline salts such as sodium carbonate. A substance used in some wax strippers, degreasers and cleaners to assist in soil and finish removal.
Ammonia
An alkaline gas composed of nitrogen and hydrogen. Aqueous solutions of with 5-10% ammonia are sold as household ammonia.
Amphoteric Surfactant
A surfactant that, in water solution, may be either anionic or cationic, depending upon the pH.
Anhydrous
A product that has had all of the water removed.
Anion
An ion with a negative charge, formed when an atom gains electrons in a reaction. The atom now has more electrons than protons.
Anionic Surfactant
Negatively charged part of a molecule. Anionic surfactants are widely used in high-sudsing detergents.
Antiredeposition Agent
An ingredient used in detergents to help prevent soil from redepositing on surfaces or fabrics. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is the most widely used.
Aromatic Solvents
Solvents made of compounds that contain an unsaturated ring of carbon atoms, typified by benzene structures. Xylene and toluene are aromatic solvents sometimes referred to as Ring Hydrocarbons.
Atoms
The smallest particle of an element that retains the chemical properties of that element. The atoms of many elements are bonded together in groups to form particles called molecules. Atoms consist of three main types of smaller particles. These include the electrons, protons and neutrons.
Acanthus Leaf
A naturalistic form of ornament of Classic derivation, used especially in the capitals of Corinthian and Composite columns. Any leaf with an irregular edge. For furniture it is used in various conventionalized forms.
Adhesive
A substance used to attach one surface to another, such as glue or cement. A number of types of adhesive are used in furniture making and upholstery. PVA is both popular and effective for bonding two wooden surfaces together. Epoxy resins are sometimes used for joining timbers known to be difficult to glue. Cyanoacrylate ( or super glue) has found ready use for quick and easy jobs but is expensive. Hot melt glues and contact adhesive are popular for upholstery work.
Air Dried
Timber is said to be air dried when the moisture content has been reduced by a natural process. This is usually achieved by placing it on stickers in a sheltered place such as an open sided shed with good air circulation. A general rule of thumb for air drying in the Northern hemisphere says allow one year per inch of thickness. Air dried timber is likely to require a further period of conditioning before it is suitable for use in fine cabinet work indoors, but is often considered to be easier to work because the process of air drying is gentler than kiln drying.
Anthemion
A classical ornament consisting of a band of alternating floral forms based on the honeysuckle flower. Also a single motif based on the honeysuckle.
Antiques
A term loosely applied to all old furniture, or to objects more than a hundred years old. So far as furniture is concerned, those pieces most worthy of being so designated are confined to periods ending with Sheraton's style in Europe and with Duncan Phyfe's in America.
Apron
A narrow strip of wood, or shaped element, such as the horizontal cross member under a tabletop, chair seat, or lowboy. Often shaped and carved.
Arbor Saw
A circular saw mounted on a revolving spindle or shaft, powered by an electric motor.
Arcading
A series of round-topped arches, frequently used decoratively, especially on early carved furniture.
Arm Support
The member supporting the front of a chair arm.
Art Deco
Art Deco is a shortened form of the name of a Paris exposition held in Paris in 1925: Exposition des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes. Aspects of some architecture built during the early to mid 20th century display aspects of this movement. The phrase is generally applied to furniture produced from c1910 to pre 2nd world war which may show bold use of stepped forms and strong sweeping curves.
Art Nouveau
Art Nouvea is a french term that translates as 'New Art'. Its essence was an essentially curvilinear style which was often asymmetrical and derived from organic forms, especially stems and leaves. Started in England in the 1880s it was fashionable between 1890 and 1910. Important exponents were Scotlands Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and Antonio Gaudi of Spain. The movement was called Jugendstil in Germany and Stile Liberty in Italy.
Astragal
An astragal is a profile used as a moulding which has a semi circular surface and one or three flat sides. It is often used in a variety of forms as a cover strip for French type doors and also as a glazing bar in furniture and joinery.
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