What is Speed Cloth Made Of?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

Speed cloth refers to any tightly-woven synthetic gaming fabric engineered specifically to enable cards, chips and dice to glide swiftly and accurately across tables or gaming layouts during intense, high-stakes gambling marathons.

Constructed of 100% polyester fibers which are then coated with advanced polymer finishes, quality speed cloth delivers unrivaled gameplay functionality for professional and hardcore gamers.

Let‘s delve into everything that goes into crafting this high-performance gaming fabric.

Manufacturing Speed Cloth Gaming Surfaces

Constructing quality speed cloth is a complex, highly technical process spanning multiple production stages:

1. Knitting the Base Fabric

The base fabric is warp knitted on industrial machines instead of traditional loomed weaving. This knitting process allows more precise control over the density of fibers and creates a more stable, high-tension fabric compared to woven textiles.

Most speed cloth consists of fine 100-250 denier polyester filaments knitted in a plain, closed-sandwich pattern. Some manufacturers may blend in proprietary synthetics like nylon or polyethylene to further optimize fabric smoothness.

2. Mechanical Finishing

After knitting, the fabric undergoes a sequence of mechanical finishing steps to hone the surface smoothness down to a micro level. This includes:

  • Heat-setting: The fabric is heat treated using high-temp dryers to permanently set the fiber arrangement and create dimensional stability during use. This prevents any creasing or movement of fibers over years of gameplay.

  • Shearing/Brushing: The surface fibers are lightly sheared or wire-brushed to tease out any loose filament ends for a pristine finish.

  • Calendering: The fabric is fed through precision rollers at high temperatures and pressures to thermally smoothen down the surface texture.

3. Applying Coatings

Now the magic happens – protective polymer coatings are applied to transform plain polyester into a slick, gameplay-optimized speed cloth:

  • The fabric is dip coated on both sides with synthetics like PVC, acrylic or latex polymers. Some newer water-based polyurethane coatings are also being tested.

  • These coatings bond to the fabric surface while drying into a hardened, UV-resistant film with an exceptionally smooth finish.

  • Additional layers may be added along with proprietary additives to enhance specific properties like liquid resistance or stretch.

4. Printing Graphics

Using specialty wide-format printers, photo-realistic gaming graphics are applied onto speed cloth using indoor signage quality pigment inks.

The industry-standard dye-sublimation printing bonds color pigments directly into fabric for intense, enduring hues that won‘t fade or crack even after years of gameplay.

3D embossing techniques can also press tactile gaming suit/number motifs right into the speed cloth in register with the graphics.

5. Finishing Touches

The printed speed cloth then goes through final finishing stages:

  • Additional coatings like Teflon or silicone may be selectively applied for extra surface slickness and waterproofing

  • Antimicrobial finishes prevent bacterial and fungal deterioration during covered storage

  • Overlocking neatens any loose perimeter edges

  • Ultrasonic cleaning eliminates errant surface fibers or particulates

And thus, a high-performance speed cloth gaming surface emerges ready to withstand over 300,000 card slides without losing its quick-slide mojo!

Leading gaming cloth brands like SUITEDSPEED, Intimacy Expressions and Slick Tournament leverage such vertically integrated production chains for unparalleled quality control from start to finish.

Why Polyester Reigns Supreme

Polyester has dominated the speed cloth fabric segment since the 90‘s thanks to inherent advantages over natural textiles. Here‘s what makes it so suitable for gaming:

Durability

Being a synthetic, polyester offers much higher tensile strength than wool, cotton or linen. The polymer chain arrangement of polyester also affords tear and abrasion resistance surpassing most wovens.

These rugged properties allow a polyester speed cloth to endure several years of enthusiastic gameplay without compromised integrity or functionality.

Dimensional Stability

Polyester demonstrates very little fabric growth, shrinkage or distortion – even after repeat laundering and drying cycles. This guarantees a consistent, unwrinkled gaming surface over years of folding, rolling and storage between gaming sessions.

Quick-Dry Capabilities

Moisture doesn‘t penetrate the polymer composition of polyester easily. Any spilled liquids simply bead up atop the hydrophobic surface. This prevents soggy fabric conditions during energetic gaming sessions with messy foods and beverages.

Minimal moisture absorption also accelerates drying if wiped down, preventing any long-term dampness, odors or mildew risk.

Receptive to Enhancements

Being a synthetic, polyester bonds superbly with specialized fabric finishes. That allows applied enhancements like vinyl coatings, silicone lubricants, microbe shields and even embedded graphic printing to demonstrate better adhesion and durability compared to natural fabrics.

Affordability

Last but not least, polyester costs substantially less than premium wools or delicate textiles. That allows manufacturers to produce high-quality speed cloth at scale to meet gaming industry demand at reasonable price-points.

Not All Speed Cloths Are Created Equal!

Beware of dubious dealers hawking cheap card table covers and billiard cloths in the name of authentic speed cloth. With no universally accepted certification standards, it‘s buyer beware in this segment.

From inconsistent sizing to inadequate tensioning and corner fraying in mere weeks, I‘ve had some nightmare experiences with dubious brands touting "professional grade" speed cloth quality.

As Alan Caredda, sponsored poker pro elaborates:

"Many so-called speed cloth products seem okay initially but reveal their lackluster quality as gameplay progresses. Inconsistent fabric friction accross the surface introduces randomness into card dealing sequences – not ideal for competitive play! Plus they lack the luxurious feel and vivid designs of authentic premium gaming cloth that serious players like myself rely on."

So while 100% polyester composition with a polymer coating is essential, don‘t take a provider‘s quality claims at face value. Here are some warning signs of lower grade speed cloth:

Visually

  • Loose threading and fraying along edges
  • Fine wrinkles across the surface
  • Splices, holes or thin spots in fabric
  • Fuzzy surface texture or raised fibers
  • Ink cracks/peeling around graphic edges

Functionally

  • Variable surface friction across layout
  • Excessive fabric growth under tension
  • Insufficient support cushioning

Quality speed cloth is always precisely tailored to specified gaming table dimensions for flawless fit. The fabric‘s engineered smoothness and tautness should demonstrate consistency edge-to-edge, even years later.

And branded products from reputable gaming cloth companies provide proper documentation on construction, treatment standards and sourcing – not just verbal assurances.

So while pricier, opt for speed cloth from established vendors like Intimacy Expressions or SUITEDSPEED. The enduring performance will justify the extra investment!

Caring for Speed Cloth Gameplay Surfaces

With gambling accessories whizzing to and fro amid energetic bets, splashed drinks and frequent peaks underneath, speed cloth leads a challenging existence! Here are some handy tips to prolong its lifespan:

Regular Maintenance

  • Use a sensitive nozzle vacuum once a week to gently remove surface dust, crumbs or debris that can get ground in
  • Spot clean any spills immediately using a soft towels and recommended fabric cleaners – don‘t let juices and sodas soak in
  • Consider professional steaming every 2 years – the heat helps relax embedded fibers and rejuvenate cloth tensioning
  • Inspect perimeter edges and corners periodically for any loose threading or fray burn from accessories
  • Rotate layout annually to promote even wear if some gaming zones see more action

Preventing Damage

  • Use padded table covers and chip trays to safeguard play surfaces between action
  • Install neoprene rail covers along table edges to shield from drink spills – they wipe down easily
  • Discourage players from aggressively scrubbing the layout – it may accelerate graphic fading
  • Remind gamers to lift rather than drag poker chips across surface
  • No ironing! It can melt the synthetic polymer coatings and embedded ink

Removing Stains

  • First dab away any liquid residues
  • Mix a mild enzymatic cleaner (like Woolite) with cool water
  • Using a soft-bristle upholstery brush, gently rub the foam into stain
  • Avoid excessive friction and rinse foam out with clean water
  • For oil-based stains, try talcum powder overnight instead
  • Pat dry with towels and allow 24 hours drying before play

Seeking Pro Assistance

Know when to seek professional refurbishing – here are some indicators:

  • Worn, visibly thinned or discolored spots
  • Permanent food/beverage stains
  • Failing tension – ripples across the surface
  • Fraying edges or lifted graphics
  • Any moldy odors

With proper care and maintenance, a quality speed cloth will withstand over 300,000 enthusiastic card slides and keep gamers returning year after year for the ultimate gameplay experience!

So while pricey as gaming upgrades go, a professionally fitted, casino-grade speed cloth surface pays back exponentially in enduring performance and elevated playing experiences over lower quality alternatives.

The Takeaway

Constructed of knitted polyester base fabric with specialty synthetic coatings, speed cloth offers unmatched gameplay functionality. The fiber arrangement, unique treatments and graphic printing are all engineered specifically for the smooth, accurate accessory control demanded by high-stakes gamblers and intensive card mechanics.

With some basic care and maintenance, premium speed cloth gaming layouts will retain flawless playability for over a decade of thrilling usage before needing replacement. So don‘t settle for anything less than professional quality when it comes time to upgrade your gameplay surface!

Over 300,000 enthusiastic card slides later, a quality speed cloth retains its quick-slide charm. That‘s why serious gamers and tournament organizers worldwide continue choosing this high-performance, skill-neutralizing fabric to separate strategic experts from lucky amateurs.

Ready to experience your gameplay on authentic, casino-grade speed cloth? Deal me in!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

Similar Posts