How to Be Upholstery Tester - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 6, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The increasing demand for upholstery has caused manufacturers to develop more advanced testing methods. Upholstery testers are used to evaluate the durability, quality, and safety of furniture fabrics and other materials used in the upholstery industry. The testers measure the fabric's resistance to tearing, abrasion, and pilling, as well as the amount of dye that may fade or migrate.

They also assess the fabric's colorfastness, flammability, and resistance to fading. Upholstery testers provide valuable information to manufacturers and consumers, helping them make informed decisions about the quality of materials they choose.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Upholstery testers typically need at least a high school diploma or GED to enter the field.
Consider earning a postsecondary degree. Although not required, some employers may prefer applicants with postsecondary degrees or certificates in upholstery, furniture design, or interior design.
Consider gaining experience. It may be beneficial for those interested in becoming upholstery testers to gain experience in the industry by working as an upholsterer or assistant.
Learn the basics of upholstery testing. Upholstery testers must have a strong understanding of the construction, design, and materials involved in upholstery testing.
Become certified. Many employers prefer to hire upholstery testers who have earned a certification from an accredited organization such as the American Upholstery and Fabric Testing Association (AUFTA).
Find a job as an upholstery tester. Prospective upholstery testers can find job opportunities by searching online job boards, contacting local furniture stores, or visiting trade shows and conferences.

The need for skilled and capable Upholstery Testers has grown significantly in recent years due to the increased demand for furniture and upholstery products. To develop the necessary skills, Upholstery Testers must have a good understanding of fabrics, design principles, and manufacturing techniques. They must also be familiar with the latest trends in upholstery, as well as safety regulations.

Furthermore, they must have excellent communication and problem-solving skills to be able to effectively address customer complaints and identify potential issues. As a result of these requirements, Upholstery Testers must undergo rigorous training and testing to demonstrate their competency. this ensures that the upholstered products they are responsible for are of the highest quality and safety standards.

You may want to check Upholstery Project Manager, Upholstery Installer Helper, and Leather Upholsterer for alternative.

Job Description

Conduct upholstery material durability tests, such as abrasion, lightfastness, pilling, and colorfastness tests.
Monitor environmental conditions in testing laboratories, such as temperature and humidity levels.
Record and analyze test results, and prepare test reports.
Monitor and adjust testing equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Consult with product designers to determine appropriate test parameters.
Research and evaluate new testing technologies and methods.
Evaluate upholstery material compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.
Develop, implement, and maintain quality control protocols for upholstery material testing.
Recommend modifications or improvements to existing testing processes and procedures.
Train other personnel in upholstery material testing processes and procedures.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of different types of fabrics and materials used for upholstery.
Ability to identify fabric defects and flaws.
Ability to use various tools and techniques for upholstery testing.
Ability to create and interpret test reports.
Knowledge of upholstery regulations and standards.
Knowledge of upholstery industry trends and technologies.
Knowledge of safety procedures and requirements.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Excellent communication skills.
Strong problem-solving skills.

Having a good eye for detail is an essential skill for any upholstery tester. Upholstery testers need to be able to identify any flaws or defects in the furniture and materials they are working with. They must be able to spot any inconsistencies in the pattern, fabric, seams, or other aspects of the upholstery.

They must also have an eye for color and texture, as well as the ability to determine the quality of the furniture. If a piece of furniture is poorly constructed or made with inferior materials, the upholstery tester must be able to recognize that and make the necessary repairs or adjustments. Furthermore, upholstery testers must have an aptitude for problem-solving and the ability to think on their feet, as they are often faced with complex problems that require creative solutions.

Upholstery testers must also have excellent customer service and communication skills in order to effectively communicate with clients and vendors. With these skills, upholstery testers can help ensure that customers receive a high quality product that meets their expectations.

Commercial Upholsterer, Upholstery Fabricator, and Upholstery Machine Operator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How much experience do you have in upholstery testing?
What type of upholstery have you tested in the past?
What techniques do you use to test upholstery for durability and comfort?
How do you ensure that the upholstery meets the required standards?
How do you handle changes or adjustments to the upholstery during testing?
What safety measures do you take when conducting upholstery tests?
Describe a time when you identified a problem with an upholstery item and how you handled it.
What methods do you use to document your upholstery testing results?
What is your experience in working with a variety of fabrics and materials?
How do you stay updated on new techniques and protocols for upholstery testing?

Common Tools in Industry

Fabric Gauge. A device used to measure the thickness of upholstery fabric. (eg: measuring the thickness of a velvet curtain)
Martindale Abrasion Tester. A machine used to measure the wear-resistance of upholstery fabric. (eg: testing the abrasion of a cotton sofa fabric)
Flame Retardancy Tester. A device used to test the fire safety of upholstery fabric. (eg: determining the flammability of a vinyl chair material)
Seam Strength Tester. A tool used to measure the strength of seams in upholstery fabric. (eg: testing the stitching strength of a leather sofa)
Colorfastness Tester. A device used to measure the color fading resistance of upholstery fabric. (eg: assessing the discoloration of a silk cushion fabric)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC)
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
International Association for Textile, Apparel and Materials Professionals (IATAMP)
The American Upholstery and Textile Association (AUTA)
American Furniture Manufacturers Association (AFMA)
The Leather Industries of America (LIA)
The Textile Institute (TI)
International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)
The International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID)
International Council of Textile and Apparel Associations (ICTAA)

We also have Upholstery Production Worker, Upholstery Shop Foreman, and Upholstery Fabric Cutter jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Fabric. A type of material consisting of natural or synthetic fibers, used for making clothing, furniture and other items.
Upholstery. The art or practice of covering furniture with fabric, padding and springs to give it a comfortable and attractive appearance.
Foam. A soft, flexible material made from polyurethane or similar material, used to fill cushions and mattresses.
Tack Strips. Narrow strips of plastic or metal used to hold fabric and padding in place when upholstering furniture.
Webbing. A strong, flexible strip or band of material used to support furniture and upholstery.
Tufting. A decorative technique used to create patterns of buttons on furniture, or to secure fabric or padding to furniture.
Trim. Decorative materials such as fringe, tassels, and piping used to finish upholstered furniture.
Glue. A sticky adhesive used to bond fabric and other materials together.
Sewing. The process of joining two pieces of fabric or other materials together using a needle and thread.
Upholstery Tester. A professional who tests the durability and quality of upholstered furniture, mattresses, and other items.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Upholstery Tester?

An Upholstery Tester is a device used to test the strength and durability of upholstered furniture fabrics. It is typically used by furniture manufacturers and upholstery professionals to assess the quality of fabrics used in their products.

What are the components of an Upholstery Tester?

An Upholstery Tester typically includes a tensioning force gauge, a test bed, contact blocks, and a fabric sample holder. The tensioning force gauge measures the tension applied to the fabric sample, while the contact blocks and test bed hold the fabric in place during testing.

What is the purpose of an Upholstery Tester?

The purpose of an Upholstery Tester is to measure the strength and resilience of upholstery fabrics when subjected to various levels of tension. This helps to ensure that furniture fabrics meet industry standards and can withstand everyday wear and tear.

What are some of the tests performed with an Upholstery Tester?

Common tests performed with an Upholstery Tester include tear strength, abrasion resistance, and colorfastness. These tests help to establish the quality of a fabric and can help identify potential defects or problem areas that could affect the durability of the furniture.

What is the standard for upholstery fabrics?

The standard for upholstery fabrics is typically determined by industry associations such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). These organizations set standards that must be met in order for fabrics to be considered suitable for furniture use.