The 'sticky' backing referred to here is the fire resistant coating which is applied to the vast majority of upholstery fabrics in order to comply with UK regulations. The UK is in fact the only country in the world to insist on this.
Most coatings employ a latex solution as the 'carrier' agent for the active fire resistant ingredients. This helps not only to allow the coating to be evenly and consistently spread on the rear of the fabric, but also allows it to remain reasonably soft and supple.
Latex is a semi-stable material which alters in viscosity depending on ambient conditions. In warm, humid conditions for example it becomes slightly sticky or tacky as described here - most probably due to the fact that it had been sitting inside a hot delivery van for several hours prior to delivery. Once the roll heats up like this it takes a long time to cool down as the heat becomes trapped between the layers of fabric on the roll.
Similarly in cold conditions, the latex becomes much drier in appearance and touch, and slightly stiffer in handle.
Unless UK flammability regulations change, which is highly unlikely, then there is no way around this. What we normally advise customers is that they should, wherever possible, allow fabric to 'condition' at room temperature for a while (even whilst still rolled) to try and normalise the latex. We know from experience that this generally works as the latex is neither too tacky or too stiff and is easier to work with.
Tim Kennedy
Owner Modelli Fabrics
