PILE REVERSAL/SHADING

According to the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Technical Bulletin: Pile Reversal – Watermarking Shading (April 19, 2018 ) Pile Reversal – Watermarking Shading Technical Bulletin (carpet-rug.org)
 
Pile reversal and shading are a common phenomenon that can occur to any carpet with a cut pile element, however, it is most likely to be observed in smooth surfaced, densely constructed, plush style carpets. This phenomenon is difficult, if not impossible, to predict or prevent. Pile reversal creates a permanent change in the carpet’s appearance caused by the difference in the way light reflects off the sides and tip of a yarn as the pile lays in different directions. Shaded areas appear lighter in color from one direction and darker from another direction.

POOLING

Pooling or watermarking are other terms this phenomenon can be called and can occur in trafficked or untrafficked areas. Pooling or watermarking may develop on a carpet made with any fiber(s) or manufacturing process. Once the condition has developed, it cannot be removed permanently.

WATERMARKING

A carpet exhibiting watermarking may look as though water has spilled on sections of the carpet, hence, the term “water marking.” While it looks like something has spilled on the carpet, water has nothing to do with it, it is a phenomenon with no known cause or permanent fix. Why the carpet pile, which lays uniformly in one direction when installed, changes direction permanently, is often a mystery. It also appears the carpet has lost color in the affected areas, but after close examination and testing, no color loss has occurred.

TRAFFIC RELATED PILE REVERSAL

In many installations, the pile reversal direction is predictable from the pattern of foot traffic. Carpet pile is pushed away from turning traffic and toward the sides of a corridor.
 
When any form of pile reversal takes place, there is little which can be done to return the carpet to its original appearance. Pile Lifting, steaming, brushing, or vacuuming may create some temporary appearance change; however, this change is only at the top portion of the tufts and the pile will return to the reversed position.
 
All of these phenomenons are a characteristic of a textile floorcovering, they are not manufacturing or installation related.