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Short answer
A coated blackout is a fabric with a light-blocking layer applied to its back, usually foam, acrylic or silicone. A 3-pass coating has three layers, white, black and white, so it blocks light fully and looks pale from outside. Coated blackouts are the most opaque option and cut some heat, but they are stiffer than woven blackouts and the coating can crack if washed hot or folded hard.
What are the types of blackout coating?
| Coating | Feel | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foam or acrylic | Firm, slightly rubbery back | Common and economical; most prone to cracking with age and hot washing |
| Silicone | Smoother and softer | Generally more flexible; drapes more like normal fabric |
| 3-pass (white, black, white) | Depends on the coating | The black middle layer blocks light; the white faces look clean inside and out |
In the JOTEX range, TEKUSU MIDORI is 100% polyester with a silicone backing, about 400 gsm and 280 cm wide. See Blackout Curtains.
Good to know
Coatings are one of three ways to make a curtain blackout. Woven blackouts build opacity into the weave, and any fabric can be made dark with a blackout lining. See Curtain Lining.
Coated vs woven vs lined blackout
| Coated | Woven | Lined | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opacity | Highest | High; check for pinholes | High |
| Drape | Stiffer | Like normal fabric | Fuller, two layers |
| Back of the curtain | Coated, often white | Fabric on both sides | The lining |
| Washing | Cool and gentle; coating can crack | Usually easier | Detachable linings wash separately |
How do you check a coated blackout?
- Hold it against a bright window: look for pinholes or thin patches.
- Fold it sharply and unfold it: a good coating shows no white crease lines.
- Feel the back: a soft, flexible coating drapes better.
- Smell it: a strong chemical smell on a new coating usually fades with airing. See Why Do Curtains Smell?
How do you care for coated blackout curtains?
- Wash cool and gently, or as the care label says; hot water and tumble drying crack coatings.
- Never iron the coated side. Steam the face lightly instead. See How to Steam and Iron Curtains.
- Avoid sharp folds in storage; roll or fold loosely. See How to Store Curtains.
- Keep the coating off wet glass; trapped condensation can mark it.
JOTEX blackout collections
Blackout fabrics and linings in the JOTEX range, updated from the catalogue. See the blackout fabric page.
AKARI
ALHAMBRA
AMAYA
BARCELONA
BASIC- CALAZO
CHAD
DARKNESS
DORA
HANAKO
HAYDEN
KANO/Leida%20S-07%20Silver.webp)
LEON
LINER
MADRID
MIDORI
POLNA
PORTO
RINA
SADAKO
SEVILLE
TAKARA
TOUCH
VALENCIA- ZURI
ZURICH
Frequently asked questions
What is a coated blackout fabric?
A fabric with a light-blocking layer, usually foam, acrylic or silicone, applied to its back.
What does 3-pass blackout mean?
A coating applied in three layers, white, black and white, which blocks light fully and looks pale on both sides.
Why is my blackout curtain cracking?
Hot washing, tumble drying, ironing or sharp folds can crack the coating. Wash cool and gently and fold loosely.
Is silicone or foam blackout better?
Silicone coatings are generally softer and more flexible; foam coatings are common and economical but more prone to cracking.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.