Blackout Acrylic Coating
topic
Blackout coatings apply 3–5 layers of pigmented acrylic (carbon black or titanium dioxide at 15–25% pigment loading) onto woven polyester or cotton substrates using knife-over-roll at 40–80 g/m² per pass. Total add-on of 150–300 g/m² achieves light transmission below 0.01% (Class 1 blackout per EN 14501). Sandwich constructions alternate black and white layers to prevent light bleedthrough and heat buildup. Acrylic binder Tg of -10°C to +5°C maintains flexibility from -20°C to +80°C. FR grades incorporating alumina trihydrate and antimony oxide meet EN 13773 flame retardancy. Blackout fabric cost is $1.50–4.00/m² for hospitality and commercial interiors.
Role
Essential window furnishing material for hotels, hospitals, and home theaters requiring total light exclusion, providing circadian rhythm management, privacy, and energy saving by reducing solar heat gain up to 45%.