All about PVC tablecloths
Tablecloths based on thermoplastic polymers are in special consumer demand. From the material of this article, you will learn what PVC products are, what they are, what are the nuances of their choice and care for them.
What it is?
PVC tablecloths - reusable polyvinyl chloride coverings with a pronounced structure... Outwardly they resemble flax or transparent oilcloth, differ in aesthetics. They are considered a decorative and protective material that adorns the surface of the kitchen table.
Manufactured from ethylene and chlorine based polymer. The components of raw materials can be polyester, nylon, lavsan threads, tightly interwoven with each other. During production, the mixture is coated with polyvinyl chloride spraying.
The film is not only hypoallergenic, but also a flame retardant material... Withstands temperature - 15 degrees.
Products are manufactured using modern technologies using high-quality plasticizers. Thanks to this, they do not fade or cloud over time.
PVC has high warp and weft tensile strength and tear resistance. Such tablecloths can be used at home and in summer gazebos, cafes. They are placed on clean and grease-free surfaces.
PVC tablecloths protect tables from accidental mechanical damage, knife cuts, blows and dents. They do not get wet like classic textile counterparts.
Eliminate slipping of dishes or other objects, absorb noise.
Advantages and disadvantages
In terms of practicality and functionality, PVC tablecloths are not inferior to silicone counterparts, they are much better than polyethylene products. Lacquer or polyurethane spraying gives the fabrics elasticity and durability.
Tablecloths are notable for their availability, in everyday life they are called "soft glass". Provide for daily use. They have many advantages over classic kitchen tablecloths.
- Modifications are flexible and durable, they cannot be stretched. They differ in self-leveling, take the shape of the surface on which they are laid. They are used not only at home, but also in catering points.
- Depending on density and thickness, they can be stored on a roll. After storage, spread without bubbles. They do not fade, they are evenly distributed over the surface. Resistant to alkalis and alcohol.
- Products make the interior cozy and complete. They decorate the table, have a variety of colors and patterns. With a small thickness and flexibility, they are strong and wear-resistant.
- Most of the range is reasonably priced. Thanks to this, buyers have the opportunity to timely replace and purchase products for any celebrations.
- The coatings have excellent decorative indicators.... The surface does not wear off over time. It can have a variety of structures.
- PVC tablecloths can be matched to any interior style. The material does not need any special care. It does not wrinkle, depending on the type, it is inert to high temperatures.
- The material itself cannot be called soft. However, it is quiet and easy to use. The canvas is transparent, it does not hide the dignity of the furniture. Transmits up to 95% of light, does not turn yellow during operation.
- Possesses excellent protective and environmental properties... Tablecloths are considered universal: they are suitable not only for kitchen tables, but also for writing, bedside, coffee tables of any configuration.
There are also some downsides to consider.
- Products may shrink during operation. In addition, some species are not resistant to mechanical damage. Over time, dish marks may remain on the surface.
- Despite its resistance to hot dishes, on coatings do not put hot pans and other dishes that have just been removed from the fire... In this case, partial melting of the material is possible.
- They cannot be disposed of by incineration, because the released hydrogen chloride is hazardous to health.
In addition, the material takes too long to decompose.
Species overview
PVC tablecloths can be classified according to different parameters. According to the type of base, modifications are made on a non-woven and fabric substrate. According to the type of coating, they are one-sided and two-sided.
Variants of the second group have pictures on both sides. Thanks to this feature, modifications last longer than single-sided counterparts. Moreover, the ornaments on the front and seamy sides are different.
The density of products varies. According to the number of additional layers, they can be single-layer or multi-layer. The more the number of layers, the stronger the coating and the higher its rigidity. However, thicker modifications have to be trimmed to the contour of the countertops.
In addition to linen, film coatings can imitate the texture of some natural fabrics (cotton, silk), as well as knitted fabric. Transparent modifications resemble silicone products, but are not so capricious when styling.
Separate lines for kitchen tables are produced using 3D printing technology. Under different lighting conditions in the room, the tablecloth changes its shade (chameleon effect).
In addition to the usual options, there are varieties on sale with an admixture of silicone. They are transparent, resemble soft glass, and have an optimal thickness.
By the type of shape, PVC-coated tablecloths are round, oval, rectangular, square. In addition, products may have non-standard configurations. The most common are rectangular accessories.
By the type of destination, the products are everyday, guest and festive.
- Products of the first group – universal models with a typical pattern (cage, stripe, geometric ornament).
- Guest counterparts are neutral. They often have a smooth surface, small thickness, soft texture and simple drawing. Such coverings are intended for receiving guests.
- Tablecloths for festive events are distinguished by solemnity... They are made from expensive raw materials. The models have a special surface effect (silk-screen printing, type of embroidery, 3D chameleon), a specific pattern (New Year's, spring, holiday).
Products differ in the type of tabletop base. Suitable for wood, glass, glossy, matt, polished surfaces. Eliminates the appearance of bubbles, scratches.
Provide for easy trimming to the size of the base. They do not wrinkle, adhere well to the table surface. They differ in a wide range of sizes.
Separate film modifications can be applied to textile tablecloths. They are cut along the contour of the countertop and have an average thickness (1.8-2.2 mm).
Transparent models look beautiful over lace napkins, satin tablecloths.
Design options
Design solutions for PVC tablecloths can be very diverse. Classic models are transparent. They emphasize the beauty of furniture and bring lightness to the interior. Suitable for any interior style.
Depending on the design, they are simple without edging and with decorative elements. The decor can be part of the canvas or an independent openwork insert. Usually the edge is decorated with carved scallops, contrasting piping, braid, fringe with tassels.
The colors of PVC tablecloths are neutral (mainly white, grayish, silver) and colored. In terms of colors - monochrome or contrasting.
Coatings with a transparent background and white lace pattern look spectacular. The design is most often floral, geometric, floral, fruity or vegetable.
They are organic in design and modification with an opaque texture. In addition to white, they are beige, milky, sandy, mustard. Also on sale there are varieties in pink, red, burgundy, green.
By the type of texture, openwork PVC tablecloths are matte, glossy, smooth, corrugated. They can be simple or with an unusual effect (satin, silkscreen, glitter). Tinted models look spectacular.
Lace products with perforation effect are in demand among buyers. No less popular are options under a visually metallized type of coating. Models with modular effect, cutwork, tablecloths with baroque, Provence, country designs are also harmonious.
Selection Tips
When choosing the best option for table cover, you need to pay attention to several factors.
- The key one is the purpose of the product. The service life will depend on the quality of the material used, its density, frequency of use. More practical and heat-resistant - multi-layer models. In this case, it is better to choose options from a material of greater thickness.
- For daily use, products without a pattern (transparent or tinted) and with a print are suitable. The image should be neutral (floral, floral, geometric, ornamental). Color - white, silver, gold, chocolate.
- For celebrations, light tablecloths are better. You can choose options with an openwork edge, decorative fringe or braid with tassels. The drawing can be located over the entire area of the canvas or in the central part and along the edge.
- When choosing a design, take into account its compatibility with furniture and the interior as a whole. When choosing a shade, they are guided by the textiles of the room or the color of the accessories used. The colors can correspond to the decor elements of the apartment (house).
- The design is selected taking into account the purpose of the furniture... For a desk, you need a laconic transparent model without decor. For a dining room or dining table, you can choose models with a pattern.
- The print masks the defects of the base... In addition, defects that form during the operation of the coating are invisible on such tablecloths.
- The type of substrate is selected individually... Textile-based models are considered more durable. Moreover, they better tolerate exposure to high temperatures. They look elegant and elegant.
- The size of the product is selected for a specific table model... The length of the hanging edge of everyday tablecloths should be short (15-20 cm). For holiday options, it can be longer. To do this, add 50-80 cm to the size of the countertop.
- Most often, the shape of the tablecloth is selected according to the shape of the table top.... However, for some tables, you can choose a non-standard solution. For example, a rectangular product looks interesting on a table with an oval table top.
- In order not to run into a fake, you should pay attention to the smell and price. A good product is not worth a dime. Counterfeit products have an unpleasant chemical odor.
- When choosing, take into account the degree of protection of the table from damage. The priority is for modifications reaching a thickness of 2-3 mm. On the practical side, they are better and more durable. It is these coatings that are purchased for catering establishments. For their better fixation, special corners are purchased.
- You need to choose a product from a trusted supplier.
Such sellers monitor their reputation, can provide appropriate documentation and quality certificates.
Nuances of care
In order for the PVC tablecloth to serve for a long time, it must be looked after in a timely manner. The coating does not need to be washed. As it gets dirty, you need to get rid of stains, wash the surface with a damp sponge without hard inserts or a flannel cloth.
Timely care will preserve the brightness of the print and the integrity of the impregnation layer. With regular dirt removal, the coating does not need to be removed from the base. It is quickly washed off without leaving streaks.
The material is extremely practical. It does not absorb liquid, it is inert to care products. If the contamination is strong and it is necessary to remove stains or remove odors, it is worth using liquid gels with a gentle type of action.