CHARLESTON IS A CITY STEEPED IN HISTORY, WITH A CHARM THAT EMBRACES both the old and the new side by side—from centuries-old mansions to newly designed coastal retreats and from Palladian columns and pediments to the sleek minimalism of modern architecture. And whether an interior tends more toward beachy casual or white-gloved elegance, maintaining the fiber of what makes Charleston unique takes work and, sometimes, the help of a few well-trained technicians.
That commitment to care extends beyond design; it touches everything inside a home. Part of a nationwide network with roots tracing back to Dallas in 1971, Fiber-Seal has spent more than five decades refining a proprietary fabric protection system that’s now as advanced as it is eco-conscious. In the Lowcountry, Fiber-Seal is more than just a name. It’s a locally owned, family-run operation built on strong roots and lifelong friendships.
Citadel graduate Chap Manning began as the first Fiber-Seal technician in South Carolina in 2008, working under the company’s original regional principal, Bonnie Oulla—his former professor. When Oulla wanted to sell the business in 2017, Manning bought it and brought on his younger brother, Mike Carter, and best friend, John Cobb, as partners. “We’re a tight-knit group,” says Cobb, who officially became an owner in 2018. “We’ve even got my brother, Jacob Kinlaw, and my cousin Matt Cotton on the team.”
Building on their strengths, Fiber-Seal of the Lowcountry has grown to serve an expansive territory, stretching from Charleston to Savannah, and has become a trusted partner to the area’s top interior designers and discerning homeowners alike. “It’s grown tremendously since we’ve taken over, and now we basically service the entire [Lowcountry] coastline,” says Cobb.
At its core, Fiber-Seal of the Lowcountry is about protecting investments and preserving peace of mind. Whether it’s safeguarding a $15,000 wool rug or saving a sofa from a red wine disaster, the team combines science, precision and passion to extend the life of high-end furnishings. And with eco-certified, kid- and pet-safe solutions—including PFA-free treatment options—the company meets the growing demand for sustainable living without compromising on results.
Fiber-Seal’s services include proprietary formula treatments that make spots and spills easier to clean, which helps prevent staining. Through its Prestige program, clients can enjoy the peace of mind provided by three full-service visits pre-scheduled during the 12-month contract period, in addition to complimentary spot cleaning. All cleaning services are also accompanied by the added protection of Fiber-Seal’s fabric treatments and after-care services, ensuring that couches, carpeting, area rugs and any upholstered furnishings look their very best.
“What really makes us different from traditional cleaning services is that we’re about proactive protection, rather than being a reactive measure,” says Cobb, whose talents lie in the marketing side of the business. “People spend a lot of money on furniture, so we safeguard the investment that they’ve made. Having those expensive rugs and furnishings protected allows our clients to live worry-free, and they know they’ll be able to give us a call when life happens.”
Knowledge is a crucial aspect of the job, so all Fiber-Seal technicians receive annual continuing education to stay up to date on fabric trends, technological advances and best practices. “The knowledge of every fabric and knowing how to clean them using cutting-edge technology for stain removal keeps us ahead of the curve,” says Cobb. “We use black light technology. We use UV light therapy. We use all sorts of different methods, and there is so much that goes into what we do. As experts, we need to know exactly what we’re working with, so that’s one of the things we pride ourselves on.”
Another hallmark of Fiber-Seal of the Lowcountry is service. “We absolutely love what we do,” says Cobb. “We care about our clients, and it’s gratifying for us when they have an accident and we’re able to come out and remove it for them. The due diligence that we put into every single client, testing all their fabrics, knowing exactly what they have—we know everything in their client profiles. It‘s just providing that extra step. It’s the tender, loving care that goes into it, and people feel that when we go into their homes.”
Fiber-Seal of the Lowcountry works with over 250 interior designers throughout its service area. “When they refer our services to their clients, they know that they’re going to be in great hands,” says Cobb. “That project they’ve been working on for months is being handled by a team of experts, and their high-end furniture won’t be wrecked in a month because we’ve protected it against whatever may happen—kids, pets … life.”
Life seems to be the greatest threat to the bright whites of Lowcountry homes, the antique rugs that grace the floors, the muted tones that exude coastal ease. Unexpected spills, pet accidents, rambunctious kids who bring the outdoors in with them, and even cleaning mishaps can all result in what most of us would consider an unsalvageable situation. “We’ve had so many clients who have thought that there’s absolutely no way that we’re going to be able to get a stain out—that they’re going to have a piece reupholstered or completely replaced—and we do,” says Cobb with a note of pride evident in his voice. “We know all the tricks, all the ways to save these pieces that seem like a lost cause. That’s incredibly satisfying, being able to show a client that result.”
In a region where style meets story in every space, Fiber-Seal of the Lowcountry is the unsung hero, helping homeowners live in their beautifully designed homes without fear of life’s messes. While their work is, essentially, behind the scenes, its impact is visible in every preserved rug, every spotless sofa and every home that retains its showroom shine long after move-in day. From the Lowcountry’s historic townhomes to its sleek waterfront estates, Fiber-Seal empowers clients with the confidence of knowing that when things get messy, a trusted partner is just a phone call away. *
Liesel Schmidt lives in Navarre, Florida, and works as a freelance writer for local and regional magazines. She is also a web content writer and book editor. Follow her on X at @laswrites or download her novels, Coming Home to You, The Secret of Us and Life Without You, at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.
