Carpets -Shading
Normal traffic causes the pile of carpet to flatten
slightly, resulting in a shaded effect, especially in
plush carpet. Vacuuming the pile in the same direction
will temporarily correct this situation.
Even though a conscious program of vacuuming is
followed, some change will take place. The changes will
not only be in the traffic areas but in other section
which receive very little traffic. This change is more
noticeable on solid colors and in the better grades of
plush carpet. It may first become apparent as a large
spot, as if something has been spilled. It may look like
a water spot. The spot may be rounded or have a wavy
shape and not really enclosing any area. If the fingers
are run over the spot, it will be noticed that the pile
runs in one direction until the edge of the spot is
reached. The edge of the area will appear rough, or
raised, and then once outside the area, the pile runs in
a different direction from that in the spot.
If an area is observed from one direction, it will
appear to be darker than the adjacent area. Viewing the
same area from another direction, it will appear lighter
than the surrounding area. The reason for the change of
shade is due to the amount of light being reflected from
the area. When the sides of the yarns are viewed, more
light will be reflected and it will appear lighter than
looking at the ends of the yarn.
Shading is a characteristic of a plush carpet, and it
should be expected to develop. It is not something which
the manufacturer can eliminate in a plush or a velvet
type of construction. Shading helps to break up the
plainness or sameness in a solid color, dense, cut pile
carpet. It is a characteristic which occurs in good
quality carpet and should be enjoyed. However, if this
characteristic is not appealing, then another type of
carpet should be chosen.