The Facts of Artificial Grass Backing

Primary Backing

Primary backing typically is one or more layers of woven or non-woven fabric. The fabric is made from high-strength polyester or polypropylene. Artificial grass fibers are tufted into this backing in rows.

The primary backing allows the synthetic grass fibers to be tufted into the material in rows and facilitates seaming between artificial grass panels.

We have three types of primary backing:

1. One layer polypropylene fabric + One layer net fabric

2. One layer polypropylene fabric+ Only layer non-woven fabric

3. Two layers of polypropylene fabrics

Secondary Backing

Secondary backings are used to permanently secure the tuft and to add stability to the artificial turf system. This backing is often referred to as “latex coating” or “polyurethane coating”. These are the two most popular coatings used. Most manufacturers will coat the whole back of the surface and then perforate it for drainage purposes.

As mentioned above, there are two common coating materials:

1. Latex

2. Polyurethane

Both latex and polyurethane coated backings are strong enough, and most of the artificial grass products on the market are applied latex coating. But polyurethane backing is better and at a higher price as well.

Benefits of polyurethane coated backing:

1. Polyurethane coating provides a greater tear resistance of the yarns because polyurethane penetrates the fibers more evenly and is more evenly distributed.

2. Polyurethane’s properties remain stable over time, even in extreme weather conditions. It does not crumble or deteriorate.

3. The transport and installation of polyurethane backed artificial turf is a little easier because it is reduced weight. 

Why is the Backing so Important?

The backing holds the grass blades in place, preventing them from being pulled out and gives the grass strength and durability.

As we have learned, the artificial grass manufacturing process involves: ① stitching the blades (yarn) to a backing, ② Aplly latex or  polyurethane coating. 

Backing is one of the main factors which determine quality of the turf product. Choosing an artificial grass with a low-quality backing can  result in several potential problems.

It can cause obvious loss of yarn, whereby the fibers become detached from the backing. This will result in a pile that progressively thins over  time. 

The quality of backing is one of the main factoers that affect artificial grass cost. Some manufacturers are selling their artificial grasses at a very cheap price is by reducing the amount of latex (or polyurethane) used in the secondary layer of their backing material. It is an easy way of  cutting costs and most consumers can not realize this, as the backing won’t necessarily look any different from that of good quality artificial  grass.

A good quality backing should have a high quantity of latex present. The higher the quantity of latex/polyurethane, the stronger the backing will be and the less chance there will be of it breaking, cracking or the two layers separating entirely.

All ARTURF artificial grass backing can meet the highest industry standard.We provide solid warranty for both the yarn and the backing.