G.FAR Limited
PVC TABLECLOTHS FOR RESTAURANTS AND HOMES
©2010 PVC tablecloths,oilcloths and vinyl tablecloths for restaurants & homes.
TECHNICAL PROPERTIES , FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR PVC TABLECLOTHS,VINYL TABLECLOTHS, OILCLOTHS, PLASTIC TABLECLOTHS AND WIPECLEAN TABLECLOTHS
The variables that affect a pvc coated textile are the base cloth and the pvc coating. The pvc coating has three main variables. The correct combination of these determines the final appearance of the pvc tablecloth.
- Thickness of the pvc : Too thick and you have a piece of canvas. Too thin and you have no body.
- Hardness of the pvc: : The harder the pvc the stronger and more hardwearing it is. But too hard and you have a piece of cardboard and not a textile cloth.
- Sheen of the pvc: The sheen ranges from gloss to matt.
A thick hard gloss pvc coating is the most hardwearing. A thick soft gloss pvc gets tacky and deteriorate quickly.
Our objective in most cases is to make our cloths with a soft to medium matt pvc coating of sufficient thickness to give good handle so that it behaves like linen and looks like linen.
Pvc coated cloths are available in various widths. Generally in the UK you will find cloths from 130cm ( 51”) - to 160cm (63”)
THINGS TO REMEMBER
We recommend hemming of the PREMIER range for two reasons.
Firstly because it simply looks more professional ,more elegant. Secondly this prolongs the life of the tablecloth.
Over time the edges will fray. Also an unhemmed edge tears easily.
We sometimes have to join cloths to achieve extra large cloths. 
Checks are not always straight. This is not a fault. In a garment this is not always visible as on a flat surface of a table. The problem arises at printing AND coating and is impossible to eliminate.
The colour of a design that is seen on the computer screen or on paper can never reproduce the colour of the actual product.
We always insist that our restaurant customers see a piece of the cloth before ordering. Unfortunately home owners that buy single cloths online have to remember that we try our best to scan as best we can but that the final product may be slightly different from what is seen on the screen.
Cloths from different dyelots will be slightly different in colour.
PVC tablecloths that are delivered folded will be creased. It depends on your point of view if a folding crease is unsightly or simply indicates that something is new. Creases will relax over time but not completely. You can remove some creases by ironing on the cloth side using a cloth for protection and on a very low heat. Not more than 60 degree centigrade.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
- A pvc tablecloth is not a table protector. It is stain resistant and not heat resistant. PVC will start to soften at around 90ºC so it is not advisable to place hot plates directly from the oven,hob or microwave onto the tablecloth.
- Certain products will permanently stain the pvc. Some do so the longer they are left on the cloth. Tumeric in curry is a dye and will stain the cloth quickly and permanently. Tomato based sauces, tea and coffee can also stain if left on to long. Lipstick, crayons,nail varnish and damp newspaper print will stain the cloth. Wipeclean after the meal and use common sense.
- Wipeclean using a cloth with water and a lttle detergent. This will clean and maintain hygiene.
- Do not dry clean.
- Do not launder or hand wash.
- Do not iron on the coated side. An iron on low heat setting on a cloth on the uncoated side ( PREMIER only) will help remove creases. Creases on their own will disappear over time.
- The cloth will degrade if left outside in the elements. Sunlight will affect the colour.
Wipeclean tablecloths can be divided into three main groups.
- An acrylic or polyurethane coated or impregnated cloth. These have excellent handle and can be laundered but they are not suitable for heavy restaurant use. They are subceptible to staining and can be difficult to iron. They will lose their properties over time. Often these cloths simply repel liquids and are not really stain resistant.
- A printed laminated pvc similar to our EVERCLEAN range. These are totally synthetic with a base polyester or polypropylene mesh or felt laminated onto a printed pvc. The American market tends to use a felt base while the Europeans generally use a mesh. They are suitable for Home use. ECOTEX signifies Phthalate free.
- A pvc coated cloth similar to our PREMIER range. The base cloth can be 100% cotton , 100% polyester or a blend of the two. This cloth is then coated with pvc. These cloths are more suitable to heavy use as in a restaurant and are stain resistant to a wide range of foodstuffs. These are the modern version of oilcloths that originally were treated on one side with a drying oil or synthetic resin.