Blockout fabric is a highly versatile material. It’s a synthetic textile specially woven to block out light, and it has many uses in the home and workplace.
What Is Blockout Fabric Made Of?
Blockout fabric is generally made from tightly-woven polyester with a foam backing. There are many different brands and varieties of blockout fabric, all with slightly different features that make them suitable for different purposes. Some blockout fabrics are airtight and watertight. Some are designed to resist creasing and fraying in order to maintain a professional appearance. Some are lightweight and easy to work with, while others are heavier. The one feature that all blockout fabrics have in common, however, is that they are all designed to prevent light from passing through.
It is typical for blockout fabric to have some stretch, a necessary feature for some of its applications. Most blockout fabric comes in black and white, and some varieties can be printed on. Most blockout fabric is flame retardant. This is an important safety feature, especially when the fabric is being used in the home or in a crowded place.
What Is Blockout Fabric Used For?
Theatre
The magic of theatre requires letting the audience see only what you want them to see. Blockout fabric is ideal for theatre curtains and backdrops. With blockout fabric masking in place, the audience won’t be able to see silhouettes of actors and crew moving behind the curtains.
Media
When you need to give an important presentation, using a blockout fabric projection screen makes a big difference. Projection screens made from white blockout fabric offer a clear picture to make your media presentation look professional. White blockout fabric is also an excellent choice for film projection screens.
If you’re a photographer, you will find blockout fabric to be a very useful tool. Not only does it make an excellent photo backdrop, it can also be used to convert a room into a darkroom for developing film. This is especially handy if you are a hobby photographer and you don’t have the space for a permanent darkroom.
Advertising
Blockout fabric is great for advertising. Light shining through a sign or banner can make it difficult to read; blockout fabric will keep your signs, banners and billboards clear and visible. The heavy fabric is also durable, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor advertising. It is also used as a backing for lightbox displays; these backlit displays are a stylish way to showcase your products and services.
Screens and curtains made from blockout fabric make excellent backdrops for your booth at a convention or trade show. You can have the fabric printed with your logo, or you can leave it blank for a clean background.
Home Decor
Curtains and shades made from blockout fabric are useful for keeping sunlight out of a room. If you work a night shift and sleep during the day or have a small child who takes naps, blockout curtains are essential for quality sleep! You might also consider blockout curtains if you live in an area with significant light pollution. Light from streetlamps, buildings, and vehicles can be disruptive to a good night’s sleep, and blockout fabric may be the solution.
Travel
Blockout curtains are a necessity in any hotel room. If you operate a hotel, blockout curtains in every room are a good investment. Your guests will sleep better, and the blockout fabric will give them a sense of privacy.
Even a beach or camping holiday can be made more enjoyable with the use of blockout fabric. A parasol or beach umbrella provides protection from the sun, especially when made from blockout fabric. Blockout fabric is also an ideal choice for tents and canopies. For outdoor use, be sure to choose a water resistant fabric!
Privacy
Blockout fabric is popular for portable changing rooms and screens, which provide privacy in many different situations. Clinics, pop-up clothing shops, beaches and performance venues are just a few places where people might need privacy to change clothes. Blockout fabric ensures that people can feel safe and secure when using these facilities.
Before purchasing blockout fabric, be sure to read the technical data sheet thoroughly to ensure that it has all the features you need. It is particularly important to know whether the fabric you are purchasing is flame retardant. Whether you’re creating a cosy bedroom, a polished product display or a professional presentation, blockout fabric is a useful tool to enhance your home or business.
