Block out curtain backings

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

​Sometimes either drycleaning or wet cleaning will soften the bonded coatings applied to the back of a drapes, curtains and other window treatment fabrics. In other cases, there is a separate lining attached that may have this coating applied to it.
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WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The damage may appear as missing areas of coating, self-sticking or blistering of the coating or all of the above. In any case, when the coating dissolves and is removed from the base fabric, the drape loses it's opaque finish. If hung back up, light will shine through where the coating was disturbed and create a splotchy appearance

WHAT CAUSED IT?

​These coatings are applied to help block out light, as well as to increase insulating qualities. The coating material itself, the binder or improper application can cause the drape to not be resistant to drycleaning or wet cleaning. This damage may occur on new items even in the first care process or not until later in the life cycle of the drape after prolonged exposure to light and atmospheric gases. Also, coating damage may not appear until after multiple cleanings.

CAN IT BE PREVENTED?

This damage can only be prevented by the manufacturer who must select component materials that can last for the expected life cycle of the drape, as well as perform without damage through repeated suggested care procedures. The cleaner cannot predict or prevent such damage prior to or during care.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?

The manufacturer is responsible for quality control of materials and construction methods. The drape must be durable to the accepted care process for the entire life expectancy (only 3-4 years for coated drapes). However, coatings can be sensitive to atmospheric conditions of prolonged hanging, thus damage that appears after the drape is well into or past its life cycle cannot be considered a manufacturer defect.

IS THERE A REMEDY?

​No. There is no restoration.