a method of applying borax to cotton upholstery fabrics by conventional textile equipment is described. the borax is dissolved by acidic compounds and is padded onto cotton fabrics together with a nitrogenous resin such as methylated trimethylolmelamine. the add-ons required to impart degrees of smolder resistance on fabrics varying in weight from 8. 7 to 16 oz/yd**2 are discussed. properties such as colorfastness, strength, air permeability, and abrasion resistance are reported. 7 refs