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polyester vs. vinyl solar shades

13 years ago

What are the pros and cons of polyester vs. vinyl solar shades. Many companies on-line seem to offer both types but don't state the qualities that might make one a better choice than the other in any given situation. Are there differences other than cosmetic or cost? I'd love to hear your experiences. Thanks.

Comments (5)

booboo60
13 years ago
I have vinyl solar shades and have been very happy with them. You can just use a damp cloth to wipe them off( fingerprints, dog slobber, etc.) I purchased the kind that you can still see through but they do filter the sun. I got some of them through J.C.Pennys and some from blinds.com. The ones from blinds.com are a little more tightly woven and are also more expensive. I would assume the polyester may be more "dressy" but not sure.
flseadog
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks, twotogo. I like the idea of being able to wipe off fingerprints, etc. Does anyone out there have polyester solar shades? These shades will be going in our great room and we'll be looking at and using them every morning because of all the east facing windows. So, what I'm trying to get is a combination of something that is easy care as well as attractive for the long haul. Thanks.
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cat_mom
13 years ago
We have Hunter Douglas Designer Screen Shades (Roman style) in two bathrooms and in our office (so far, plan to get more as we finish working on some of the other rooms). I don't know whether ours are nylon or polyester--we chose the three we have because the color and/or sheerness of each worked for each individual window location.

We love them. They finish off the rooms and allow light in, without looking frou-frou or fussy.
flseadog
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks, cat mom. I've been looking on the various brand web sites and am really surprised at the dearth of facts on their products. Right now I have a Home Depot solar shade taped up on an east facing window. It has a 15% openness and seems to be vinyl but the label doesn't say. It cuts glare but is extremely unattractive. I don't know whether this is a function of the type of material or the fact that it is just rock bottom inexpensive. Your Hunter Douglas shades sound fabulous so maybe it just depends on the brand selected.

When I searched the web for general info nothing much turned up there either. Maybe I'm not using the right search terms. If anyone knows how to search for fact based info on solar shades I'd appreciate your advice. Thanks.
cat_mom
13 years ago
Check out the Hunter Douglas site to see the different colors and "fabric" offerings. Materials should be listed on the site.

FWIW, the one we used in the MB looks like a somewhat open weave linen-type fabric, but it's definitely PVC or vinyl. Not chintzy looking at all.

Here is a link that might be useful: Hunter Douglas

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