Can blockout curtains be ironed without damaging the coating?
Updated
Ask your retailer first. Do not iron a coated blockout on the coated side unless its care instructions say you can, because the coating can crack or stick. Some fabrics take steam well and some mark or shrink. Creases from packing and transport are dressed out by the installer when the curtain is hung.
Blockout curtains come in two kinds. A coated blockout, also called a self lined fabric, has the blocking layer applied to the back of the face fabric, so the curtain is one layer. A separate blockout lining is its own fabric, hung behind the face fabric. Which kind you have changes how the curtain should be cared for, and your retailer knows which one you chose.
Why a coated blockout needs care
Every curtain fabric comes from a supplier with its own care instructions, covering whether it can be washed, dry cleaned, ironed or steamed. Your retailer can give you these for the fabric you chose. They overrule any general advice, including this page.
- Do not iron a coated blockout on the coated side unless its care instructions say you can, because the coating can crack or stick.
- Many coated or self lined blockout fabrics must not be machine washed or tumble dried either.
- Some fabrics take steam well and some mark or shrink, so check the care instructions before anyone applies steam or heat.
Creases from delivery
Curtains are packed before dispatch and may be folded or compressed during transport, so fold lines and creases can show when the curtain is unpacked. They come from packing and transport, which is a normal result of handling textiles.
When the installer hangs the curtain, dressing the folds so they fall smoothly and taking out creases is part of the installer's job. Many fold lines also drop out as the curtain hangs. For the best result, unpack the curtain and have it installed soon after delivery, because the fabric relaxes and the folds recover naturally. A curtain left packed for a long time can crease more.
Before you reach for an iron
- Ask your retailer for the care instructions for your fabric, and whether your curtain is a coated blockout or has a separate lining.
- Check whether the instructions allow steam or an iron at all. If you are not sure, ask your retailer before you try either.
- Do not iron a coated blockout on the coated side.
- If creases are still showing after the curtain has been installed, tell your retailer early and ask what they advise for that fabric.
- If the coating has marked or changed, tell your retailer before anyone tries to fix it.
Speedy Blinds makes curtains for retailers, and your retailer is the best person to ask about the fabric you chose.
Other ways people ask this
Can I use a steamer on a blockout curtain?
Ask your retailer first. Some fabrics take steam well and some mark or shrink, and the care instructions for your fabric decide.
Who takes the creases out of new blockout curtains?
The installer dresses the folds and takes out creases when the curtain is hung. Many fold lines also drop out as it hangs.
What is the difference between a coated blockout and a blockout lining?
A coated blockout has the blocking layer applied to the back of the face fabric, so the curtain is one layer. A blockout lining is a separate fabric hung behind the face fabric.
This answer is general information. For your own windows, your retailer's advice and your order with them come first.