Sunlight Damage

Almost every interior textile (carpet, rugs, upholstery, wallcoverings, draperies) will lighten in color or fade over a period of time.  The extent of damage depends on the item's location, exposure to light and elements, color, intensity and type of dyes, and the dyeing method used.

An interior textile that has been solution-dyed is least susceptible to sunlight fading.  The pigments are added to the polymer before the fibers are fomed, sealing in the color.  Most olefins (polypropylene and polyethylene), many acrylics, and some polyester and nylon fibers used in carpet are dyed using this method.

Lighter shades usually will fade more quickly than darker shades because they contain less dye.  Most dyes are composed of two or more color components.  If one color is affected more than the other, the fading may appear as a color change rather than a lightening of the color.  For example, many greenish hues are made from yellow and blue dyes.  If the yellow dye is affected and the blue is not, the green textile may seem to be turning blue.  To confirm this process for yourself, visit a museum and examine antique tapestries wtilh trees and grass.  These green colors now appear very blue because the yellow had faded.

In other instances colors may fade uniformly, appearilng as a lighter shade of the original color.  In severe cases the color may be completely removed, appearing to gbe 'bleached' white.  Fiber itself may also deteriorate.  This is especially problematic with silk textiles. 

You may be able to prevent interior textiles from fading in sunny locations by keeping the window coverings closed during sunny times or by placing when possible items out of the direct path of sunlight when it is coming in.

ASCR International