Blockout Fabric
Blackout refers to a foam-backed, opaque fabric used to black out light. Blackout fabrics are most commonly found in hotel rooms as curtain linings or drapery fabrics, blocking much of the light that would otherwise enter through a window when the curtains are closed.
Why Choose Us
Experience
Being in digital printing for 13 years since 2008 and in textile business for 16 years since 1995.
Production
We are producing top quality digital printing fabrics for Backlit/Light Box, Display/Frontlit, Blockout/Blackout, Tent, Flag, Table cloth and many other specialties.
Technology
All textile products are produced by high-quality production lines, advanced techniques, and unique chemical recipes, to make sure consistent quality is achieved for each order, no matter whether it is one roll, one pallet, or one container.
Shipping Service
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Blockout is a specially designed fabric that is made to ‘block' all light from shining through the material. This fabric is different to normal stretch fabric as it has a special light absorbing material knitted into the back of it. This material stops the light that hits the back of the fabric from shining through to the other side.
Does this affect the print?
The front of the Blockout fabric is the same white as normal stretch fabric. Because of this, the print still comes full colour with beautiful detail and incredibly vibrant colours.
When do we use Blockout Fabric?
At Tenji, We primarily use Blockout fabric when manufacturing our Original Changerooms. This is because it is perfect for preventing silhouettes and shadows from appearing on the outside of the changeroom. Even if you have a source of light on the inside of the changeroom it works. It also guarantees that nobody will be able to see through the fabric so you know you have absolute privacy.
What else can you do with the stuff?
- Not only is Blockout Fabric perfect for our portable changerooms, but it is extremely useful for any Stretch Fabric walls. It is perfect for preventing the silhouettes that are caused by the frame itself. Just like with the changeroom. It also prevents any other objects that could create a shadow from doing so. This means that this material is perfect for using one of these walls in an area of bad lighting. For example, an event that has bright overhead lights, or if you need to sit your display against a window on a bright day.
- Also, if you need a double sided wall, blockout is the best choice. This is because in certain light, one side of the print can show through on the other side,called shadowing, as seen in the below video. Because Blockout stops all light from coming through, it also guarantees that the shadowing effects don't occur on your double sided wall.
- Another great example of products that benefit greatly from this incredible material are Fabric Hanging Banners. If you hang up one of these banners with a light in the centre, the light will shine through and causing the frame to show through on the outside of the banner. If you get Blockout on the outside, the banner will always look perfect, even with a super bright light.
The options are endless
- Changerooms and Fabric displays aren't the extent of what you can do with blockout though. You can use it to shield almost anything from excess light. We just recently created a custom Lens cover for a high powered Telescope using Blockout fabric. This was because to much light exposure would damage the sensors inside the telescope. The Material was perfect for preventing the damage.
- This incredible Fabric is extremely versatile and is perfect for any situation that involves the need for light to be blocked. So don't hesitate to ask us if you can upgrade your display to Blockout Fabric.
Advantages of Blackout Fabric for Curtains
Durability
After repeated pulling and washing tests, the blackout curtains have good durability and are not easy to wear and deform. After long-term use, the shading effect remains stable without obvious changes. Most people would choose blackout fabric for curtains, making them one of the necessities for household wares.
Insulation
Blackout fabric has well-functioning heat insulation, although all kinds of curtains can also reduce the heat radiation from the sun. Blackout fabric for curtains is the best choice for functional rooms, like dark storage rooms.
Lightproof
- Blackout degree 10%-20%: Blackout curtains with 10%-20% shading degrees are good for creating a hazy and looming vibe. It is mainly used as a decoration for further adorning the house and helps infuse color into house decor in an attempt to increase design beauty.
- Blackout degree 30%: Whether it is lighting or ultraviolet rays, there is a certain blocking effect, but the light permeability is still good.
- Blackout degree 40%-50%: To put it simply, after closing the curtains, you will not feel the dazzling sunlight, but it will not affect the basic lighting. Even if you fall asleep, you can be awakened by natural light.
- Blackout degree 60%-80%: Curtains with 60%-80% blackout are enough for most people. The feelings of day and night are still reflected when the curtains are drawn. In addition to the light-blocking function, the curtains in this layer also have obvious heat insulation and cold resistance effects in summer and winter. In daily life, it also has the functions of noise reduction and dust prevention. Nowadays, most people would choose blackout fabric for curtains with a 60%-80% blocking degree.
- Blocking degree 85%-100%: For people who are sensitive to light during sleep, curtains with 85%-100% blackout are most suitable. Many people do not know that they have chosen the wrong one at the beginning, so they change it decisively and sleep until they wake up naturally. Curtains with a shading degree of more than 85% are also available with black and white silk interlayers. Of course, you can also choose ordinary shading curtains and blackout cloth, which also have good shading capabilities. Especially for people who work night shifts and need to catch up on sleep during the day, the best thing is this kind of 100% blackout curtain. When zipped up, it feels like night, allowing you to sleep comfortably.
Decorative
Having a strong decorative function, blackout fabric can be applied to a variety of interior decoration styles. Like other kinds of curtains, blackout curtains also have different patterns and can be a good decoration for different occasions. Blackout fabric for curtains is being widely used in families, hotels, offices, and other places.
Types of Blackout Fabric Technologies
There are several techniques used in manufacturing blackout curtains:
Tightly Woven Fabric
One of the simplest techniques involves using tightly woven, thick fabrics made from materials like velvet or suede, which naturally block out light due to their density.
Foam Backed Technology
This method involves bonding a foam layer directly to the fabric. This layer not only blocks light but also adds a layer of insulation, making these curtains excellent for energy conservation.
Multiple Layered Blackout Curtains
Often considered the most effective type at blocking light, these curtains use several layers of fabric, including at least one black layer to absorb light.
Thermal Technology
Some blackout curtains also incorporate thermal technology to maintain room temperature, being especially useful in extreme weather conditions.
What Fabric Are Blackout Curtains Made of?
When it comes to making blackout curtains, a few fabric options work well in effectively blocking out light. Here are some recommended fabrics for creating blackout curtains:
Blackout Fabric: For the highest level of light-blocking performance, consider using specialised blackout fabric. This fabric is designed to prevent any light from passing through, providing complete darkness when the curtains are closed. It is usually made of multiple layers, including a blackout lining and a face fabric. While this type of fabric is highly effective, it can be relatively heavy and may require sturdy curtain rods or tracks to support the weight.
Thick and Dense Fabrics: Fabrics that are naturally thick and dense, such as velvet, heavy cotton, or woven jacquard, can provide excellent light-blocking properties. These fabrics have a tighter weave or a heavier weight, which helps to minimise the amount of light that can penetrate the material. Choosing a darker colour for these fabrics can further enhance their light-blocking capabilities.
Blackout Lining: Another option is using blackout lining with your chosen face fabric. Blackout lining is a specialised material added to the back of the curtains. It is typically made of a tightly woven synthetic fabric with a foam backing, which helps to block out light effectively. This lining can be used with various face fabrics, allowing you to achieve the desired aesthetic while still achieving the blackout effect.
Faux Silk with Blackout Lining: If you prefer a luxurious appearance, consider using faux silk fabric with blackout lining. Faux silk has a smooth and lustrous texture, while the blackout lining provides light-blocking properties. This combination allows you to create elegant blackout curtains that offer style and functionality.
Everything You Should Consider Before Buying Blackout Curtains
In case you are thinking of investing in a pair of blackout curtains for blocking light and insulation purposes, it would be wise first to consider a few things before making your purchase. The choice of the perfect blackout curtains and possibly linings depends on various factors such as fabric, maintenance, style, user, and of course your budget. Here is how to evaluate each so you make the best possible purchase.
Quality of fabric
Blackout curtains usually require some solid and heavy duty fabric that doesn't let light rays penetrate through. If you choose for example drapes that are made with lighter or semi-transparent fabrics, they may offer some light blocking protection but as high enough as more quality and thick materials. Polyester fabrics are usually the typical choice for blackout protection but you can find a few other mixes as well. In general, the thicker or more dense the fabric, the more light protection it offers.
Color
Color is another factor you want to consider so you can match your room's colors and styles. Even though in blackout curtains the usual colors are dark and solid e.g gray, navy blue, black, graphite, etc, more modern versions also come in extra brighter colors and multiple beautiful patterns. Some blackout curtains are also white but these often come with a blackout lining for added protection. So if you are considering a more colorful option, consider buying a lining with it as alone you may not get 100% light blocking protection.
Price
Depending on your budget, you can also total quote for translation of 7-8K words…in a blackout curtain set that suits you. In most cases and based on the quality of fabric and manufacturing processes a pair of full door curtains (1.80 cm or above) costs anywhere from $30-$100. If you are on a budget but don't want to sacrifice quality, look for middle range prices as too low prices imply that the fabric and durability of the curtains is not that good. It's also best to buy from reputable sellers and not from cheap local factories with low quality standards.
Maintenance
Not all blackout curtains are created equal. The fabric they are made off determines a great deal their care and maintenance methods. For example, some are made from 100% polyester, some from linen and some from a cotton/polyester mix. In most cases e.g polyester and cotton mixes, a simple machine wash in cold water temperatures will do, but some denser fabrics and linings may require spray or dry cleaning instead. Look for the product's care and cleaning symbols and instructions prior you buy one.
Is it possible to turn existing curtains into blackout ones?
Yes, if you don't want to throw away your existing curtains to buy blackout ones, you can do so by installing blackout curtain linings. You can either hang them separately first and then hang your ordinary curtains in the front, or attach them onto your existing curtain rod. The most usual color of blackout linings is white for giving the impression from outside of a wall/unified appearance which is needed in some professional spaces like offices and hospitals.
Are all blackout curtains installed the same way as ordinary curtains?
Typically YES, blackout curtains are set-up the same manner as regular curtains or drapes. For getting the measurements right, you'll need first to measure 2-3 inches above window or door frames as this is where they'll start to hang. If you use wraparound rods, you can enhance their light blocking protection and ensure that 80-90% of the light rays will be blocked.
Our Factory
Textile-Flex is textile expert in digital printing, producing top quality textile products for direct dye sublimation, Paper transfer sublimation, UV, Latex, Eco-solvent, and Solvent printing.Our main products include backlit fabric, stretch display fabric, blockout fabric, tent fabric, flag fabric and table cloth fabric. Our premium backlit fabric, stretch display fabric, black back/grey back blockout fabric, anti curl roll up banner fabric, flag banner fabric, and PU coated tent fabric are all produced by high-quality production lines, advanced techniques, and unique chemical recipes, to make sure consistent quality is achieved for each order, no matter it is one roll, one pallet, or one container.
FAQ
As one of the leading blockout fabric manufacturers and suppliers in China, we warmly welcome you to wholesale high quality blockout fabric made in China here from our factory. Contact us for more service.
