Q. What is the difference between a VELCRO® blackout and an easyblackout?
In both cases, it is necessary to attach self-adhesive hook Velcro® around the window frame. In the case of the Velcro® blackout kit, it is necessary to attach self-adhesive loop Velcro® around the blackout material. With the easyblackout kit, there is no need for this step as the blackout material has an extra layer on one side which attaches directly to the hook Velcro® on the window frame so you can press the easyblackout material against the hook Velcro® on the window to hang your blackout. This extra layer is all over one side of the material, so it can easily be cut to size, and any part of the material will attach.
Q. What is a Stick-On kit?
This is the latest addition to our range. We wanted to produce a white, lightweight, effective blackout product that can be carried around for use when visiting or on holiday. It has also proved successful for photographic darkroom purposes!
The kit consists of 2 pieces of flexible plastic blackout sheet, each measuring 1m x 1.35m and 50m of double-sided adhesive tape. Once applied to the blackout sheet, one side of the tape remains attached to the sheet, whilst the other side has a repositionable adhesive so that it can be applied and re-applied a number of times. This is similar to the way a post-it® note works. Once this property is lost, the tape can be replaced from the 50m roll inlcuded.
The plastic blackout sheet is the lightest available with total light-blocking properties in white. The double-sided tape has been developed for use on windows and so can be used on the glass and is effective in strong sunshine, cold conditions and with condensation.
Perfect for travelling, each kit weighs approx. 550 grams. We think this is a bargain at £9.95 plus p&p!!
Q. How do I know which size kit to buy?
The material supplied should be cut or trimmed to be slightly larger than the shape and size of the window in question. Measure your window, including frame, and select the smallest kit into which your dimensions will fit. In each kit there is sufficient Velcro® to make an easyblind of the maximum size. If you wish to cut the material to make more than one blackout, you may require additional Velcro®, please make sure you order both hook and loop as these must be added individually to the basket.
'Stick on' kits are currently available in one size only online - these include 2 pieces of blackout sheet, each measures 1m x 1.5m, and 50m of double-sided tape.
Q. Why would I need to buy additional VELCRO®?
Each Velcro® easyblind and easyblackout kit has sufficient Velcro® to make up one easyblind of the maximum size. Additional Velcro® is available for two reasons.
Firstly should you wish to purchase one kit to cut to make more than one blind, additional Velcro® may be required, depending on the dimensions. When covering a large window, it can be more convenient for frequent use to assemble individual blinds for sections of the window, particularly an opening section. The blind will work perfectly well if large, but it can be more convenient to remove a small section, rather than a very large blind, to allow some light in when required or to open the window. To determine the length of Velcro® required, simply measure around the frame. Additional Velcro® is available to purchase by the metre. Please make sure you order both hook and loop as these must be added individually to the basket.
Secondly, you may wish to use your easyblind on another window, for example when changing bedrooms. Once applied to the window frame, the hook Velcro® cannot be removed and used again. To use your easyblind on another window, you would need to use a new length of hook Velcro® for the frame. This can be ordered at 95p per metre plus p&p. Please make sure you order both hook and loop as these must be added individually to the basket.
Q. Which measurement is the width, and which is the drop?
Our blackout materials can be used in either direction - vertically or horizontally.
Q. To which side of the material should the VELCRO® be attached?
The self-adhesive Velcro® can be attached to either side of the material, however we recommend attaching the Velcro® to the coated side of the material so that the uncoated side faces in to the room. This is for aesthetic reasons.
Q. If the material becomes creased when I fold my easyblind when not in use, can it be ironed?
Creases should fall out of the material when hung, however if the material is very creased, it can be ironed with a cool iron on the uncoated side.
Q. Is this blackout material washable?
The material is machine washable, however the adhesive on the Velcro® is not. Once a Velcro® easyblind is assembled, the blackout material can be wiped with a damp cloth or sponge. If you wish to wash the easyblind, the Velcro® should be stitched in place, the easyblind can then be machine washed at 40°, and ironed with a cool iron on the non-coated side only. Please note, however, that stitching the Velcro® to the material will leave small stitching holes and these can let some light through.
Q. When I have completely finished using my easyblind, is the Velcro® on the window frame easily removed?
The Velcro® can be pulled away from the window frame. There may be some residue from the adhesive left behind. This can be removed using standard bathroom silicone sealant remover (available from most hardware and DIY shops) or acetone-based nail polish remover.
Please note that where used on painted or varnished window frames, the Velcro® could pull paint or varnish away, particularly where the finish is not sound. It may be necessary in this case to touch up the paint or varnish.
Q. If I wish to, can I move my easyblind to another window?
Once applied to the window frame, the hook Velcro® cannot be removed and used again. To use your easyblind on another window, you would need to use a new length of hook Velcro® for the frame. This can be ordered at 95p per metre plus p&p. Please make sure you order both hook and loop as these must be added individually to the basket.