In many instances these three terms are used to mean the same thing, when in fact each is separate. We'll take a look at each and try to shed some light on just what they mean. It is important that they not get lumped into the same category.

Shading is the easiest to explain, as it can most often be described as a natural characteristic of a cut pile piece of goods. The dictionary definition is to change slightly or by degrees. In essence, shading is a change in the appearance of a textile floor covering due to localized alterations in the orientation of surface fibers. This is not a real change in hue, but a difference in light reflection which can occur as temporary shading or tracking from foot traffic. To further simplify, shading is the alteration in carpet appearance, especially cut pile…more succinctly; better quality cut piles which show footprints and highlights.

Most carpets subject to this condition will have a label on the sample which will make mention of this fact. In most cut pile plush carpets, shading is a natural characteristic, which adds beauty and elegance to the product. This fact must also be noted at the time of sale to prevent complaints for this condition later. The consumer cannot possibly tell from small swatches that a carpet will shade, so must be made aware of this. Some consumers think this is a stylish look; others don’t like it at all. Shading is not a defect of any kind, taken in the context of how I’m explaining it. For most cut pile carpet, it is natural and normal characteristic.

BEING HONEST WILL NOT BLOW THE SALE

Pile reversal is a condition, which occurs in cut pile carpet constructions. In this explanation, the phrase will refer to traffic areas only. This is not to say the condition can’t happen in other areas, but in most instances, it will be in the unalterable traffic lanes of the facility in which the carpet is installed. Pile reversal, caused by the altering of pile fiber lay due to the unalterable traffic flow, creates an appearance of irregular light and dark colorations in the traffic lanes.

The fact yarns in these areas are actually pushed in opposite directions by the force of foot traffic. For example, the traffic flow from a bathroom to a kitchen will create pile reversal in a hallway. This can best be noted by running your hand across the face of the carpet in these affected areas. In one direction, the carpet will stand up, and in the other, it will lay down somewhat like the cowlick in a head of hair. There are certain fibers which are more susceptible to this condition. Once it occurs, it is irreversible.

Though the change can happen in a short period of time and be quite unsightly, it is not a defect. This too is a characteristic of cut pile carpet. Before you jump all over me for saying this, wait a moment and we’ll get to the next term, which will probably describe what many of you are thinking. Remember that we deal in facts here. Though they may be painful at times, they are still the facts.

Pooling, or watermarking (as it is often called), is the phenomenon which the industry is trying desperately to figure out-so far, without any real advancement or knowledge of cause and prevention. It occurs in all types of fibers, mostly cut piles, but on rare occasion can also affect loop pile constructions. Most of the time pooling affects denser, more expensive carpets without regard for construction.

The severity of the change depends on the luster and color of the carpet surface. Glue down installations generally shows the effect sooner. The condition can occur in solid color as well as patterned goods. In appearance, it looks as though someone actually spilled water on the carpet. Thus the term watermarking or pooling.

If a carpet is replaced because of this condition, the replacement is likely to do the same thing. With pooling, wear or use is not so much a factor. The condition will appear away from a traffic lane or when there is no pile reversal, in the middle of a traffic lane.

Pooling often occurs out of traffic lanes and can occur in places where traffic is impossible, such as under a dining room table. Two different carpets of similar construction, by two different manufacturers installed next to each other, can carry through this condition.

On a ship for example, in one stateroom the carpet could watermark while in the adjacent room, there will be no sign of watermarking. When the carpet is replaced and the carpet from the adjoining stateroom is used as a replacement, the watermarking repeats itself. Why? No one knows, but this leads credence to the fact it is not a manufacturing problem.

A number of people have theories as to the cause of watermarking and pooling, from static electricity to reverse polarities, to changes in the earth’s magnetic field, and variations in moisture in the carpet. Manufacturers have tried to make this condition occur to try to determine its cause, with no success.

Yet it is a complaint which continues to plague the industry…. a mystery which negatively affects carpet appearance and the industry. There is still no scientific explanation for its cause.

To prevent this condition from ever taking place, you must use loop pile, frieze, or loose cut pile construction. This is not an answer, for these carpets will not give you the look you’re going for. Everyone must understand the characteristics of the products being made and sold today to insure that proper performance and aesthetics are achieved without problems. This will perpetuate everyone’s interests in this complicated industry. Complicated it needn’t be.

Hey, nobody ever said there was going to be anything easy about the carpet industry. I can only hope to explain and share with you some of the complexities which exist to help you do a better job and eliminate problems.