Carpet Shading Statement

Shading is a term widely misunderstood by suppliers retailers and consumers.

Carpet shading statement.

Carpet shading is an apparent color difference between areas of the same carpet. Shading can occur in carpets all over the world. The german carpet research institute for example started a major research programme some years ago to try to find answers to why some carpets and not others should be subject to random patches of shading. This is irregular light and dark patches occurring on the carpet.

Shading is a characteristic of a plush carpet and it should be expected to develop. Carpet shading is a normal characteristic of cut pile carpets especially those with a smooth pile such as velvets and saxony plush. It looks similar to tracking but it is not temporary. This occurs in two forms.

Shading is caused by light reflecting differently off of tufts that bend differently from footprints vacuuming etc. In some cases shading can become more evident after the carpet is cleaned which can lead to the client believing the shading occurred during the cleaning process once we. Now the carpet has been vacuumed several times the shading has become very obvious at any time. Carpet shading is considered an aesthetic quality of fine carpet and is not considered a defect.

It is not something which the manufacturer can eliminate in a plush or a velvet type of construction. The industry considers it a normal characteristic of cut pile fabrics shading ranges in intensity from slight to severe. Shading occurs most frequently on dense deep cut pile carpet and the problem is most obvious on solid coloured carpets patterned carpets hide the issue pretty well. Shading helps to break up the plainness or sameness in a solid color dense cut pile carpet.

It is caused by the face yarns changing the direction of their lay. This is localised shading effect caused for example by footprints which can be removed simply by brushing the carpet pile in the direction of its natural lay. Areas of permanent shading relating to foot traffic patterns within a location are referred to as tracking effects. It is more obvious in plain dark colors so ensure you consider this factor on selecting a carpet as shading isn t a manufacturing defect as it doesn t affect the products durability.

I have been told by the shopkeeper nicely that this is tough luck and that neither they nor the manufacturer are liable as there is a shading disclaimer label on the reverse of the sample.