Blackout cloth is used widely in theaters, museums, art exhibits, haunted houses, laser rooms and other applications in which natural light needs to be kept out of a room. Â Usually all blackout fabric is black, and has some level of napping or raised pile on one side. Â The napping is what makes the fabric opaque. Â All these are considered flame retardant fabrics since most states require wall hangings and drape panels to be FR.
We have a few different fabrics to choose from that are common in the industry.
Duvetyn Roll – Black, napped fabric made from 100% cotton, this fabric is considered 90% blackout. Â Standard width on this fabric is 54″, and 1 linear yard of duvetyn weighs approximately 12 ounces. Â Duvetyne is sold by the roll or by the yard, and all FR certs are available. Â This fabric is also available in white, but visit this page to see it: Â White Duveytn. Â Duvetyn should not be laundered and should only be used indoors.
Commando Blackout Cloth –Â Very similar to duvetyn, commando is completely opaque for true blackout. Â This fabric is also 100% cotton, dyed black, napped on one side, and finished with a flame retardant finish. Â One linear yard of this fabric weighs about 16 oz. Â Commando cloth is the industry standard for blackout because of its price point and functionality. Â Commando cloth should not be laundered and should only be used indoors.
14 oz Poly Velour – Velour is a black napped Inherently flame retardant fabric that is also opaque. Â Priced higher than the cotton commando cloth, velour can be laundered multiple times and still retain it’s color and flame retardant properties. Â This fabric is the go to fabric for home theaters, art exhibitions, high end car dealerships. Â It’s plush velvet look boasts quality. Â 14 oz Velour is made from polyester inherently flame retardant yarns and can be used indoors or outdoors.
Inherently Flame Retardant (IFR) – Before weaving or knitting the yarn is extruded with flame retardant additives. Â It’s as if Flame retardancy was introduced at it’s DNA. Â Fabrics made with this yarn can withstand multiple washings without losing FR properties. Â Usually more expensive than regular FR fabrics, these fabrics outlast regular FR fabrics.
Flame Retardant (FR, NDFR-non durable flame retardant) – This is where the flame retardant agent is mixed in with the dyes. Â The fabric is already woven, and knitted and is immersed in a bath mixture of color dyes and FR chemicals. Â This is usually considered a topically treated FR fabric, and hence called non durable flame retardant. Â Do no launder or use fabrics that are just FR outdoors!
