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Blinds Fabric Types
Blinds Fabric Light Filtering Ratings
Blinds fabric light filtering rating indicates the amount of light able to be transmitted through the fabric. It is not an indicator of the insulation or UV properties of the fabric. There are three main blinds fabric light filtering ratings:
- blockout
- high opacity or room darkening
- translucent or light filtering
Blockout Blinds Fabric
To make a blinds fabric blockout the first coat of paint placed on the basecloth is black. Blinds fabric with a black undercoat and a light colour topcoat has a "dirty look" (black shows through the topcoat).
High Opacity/Room Darkening Blinds Fabric
To make a high opacity blinds fabric the first coat of paint placed on the basecloth as the undercoat is usually have either a grey or a beige colour. As high opacity blinds fabrics do not have a black undercoat the finished colour always appears crisp and clean. High opacity blind fabrics generally have a light transmission rating of approximately 85% in the lighter colours and up to 98% in the darker colours.
Translucent/Light Filtering Blinds Fabric
Translucent or light filtering blinds fabrics have no undercoat at all, only top coats. They have no room darkening properties. Translucent or light filtering blinds fabrics are a great options for:
- room dividers as an alternative to lace or sheers
- entertaining areas where the filtered light is the preferred option.
100% Blockout Fabrics vs. High Opacity Fabric
A 100% blockout blinds fabric compared to a high opacity blinds fabric will not:
- insulate your rooms any better
- reduce fading any better
- offer more privacy
Blinds Fabric Quality
The basecloth of most modern blinds usually is woven with a high blend of polyester thread.
Polyester takes a very long time to break down in the sun so will last the lifetime of the blind and should never need re-stitching.
To save money some fabricators of blinds use a clear nylon thread to sew their blinds.
Nylon begins to break down from the time it is first placed in the window and is deteriorated fully within a few years requiring the blinds to be re-stitched.
The most common coating on the 3 is acrylic paint, similar to house pain.
But a formula has been modified to allow the paint to be stable yet flexible for use in blinds.