Dalton—Going the distance in finding solutions that ease the demands on designers, specifiers and end users, Durkan Patterned Carpet has developed ColorShield, a “revolutionary” stain protection technology being incorporated into the company’s full line of print carpets. “ColorShield represents a first for print broadloom. The critical advantage of ColorShield is,” explained Steve Hillis, Durkan’s senior vice president of sales and marketing, “it safeguards the custom color and custom pattern, yielding similar properties of solution dyed nylon. Essentially, this means that any ColorShield protected products, particularly custom designs, can be specified with confidence because the color will be locked in, assured of being stain resistant. There are no limitations on color or pattern.”

The antidote for any spills or stains on a ColorShield product is water; just a light blotting with a damp clean uncolored cloth will take the spill away and leave the color and pattern intact, he noted. “In fact, just about all spills will wick away easily with water. The exception is oil-based stains, which should be allowed to dry, but will clean up easily with a mild detergent and water.” Hillis cautioned, however, that consistent and proper ongoing maintenance also is integral to the ultimate protection and longevity for any broadloom. A steady regimen of vacuuming and cleanings is optimum. “ColorShield represents the convergence of new 21st century technologies, including new fiber technology plus advances in the chemical components involved in the production of the carpet,” he said.

Moreover, Hillis credits Durkan Patterned Carpet’s use of Duralon attached cushion backing with moisture barrier for contributing to the benefits of ColorShield. “It helps trap the stain on the surface of the carpet, preventing it from seeping through the backing. Duralon, which has been a vital feature of Durkan Patterned products for 14 years, adds significantly to the comfort and can double the life of the broadloom.” ColorShield, which is exclusive to Durkan Patterned Carpet, is available in three base grades that cover the gamut of products: cut, loop, and cut and loop texture. A lifetime warranty guarantees protection against anionic stains (acid type including cof fee, fruit punch, wine, tea, soda, food spills, etc.); color transfer (wet/dry); and, color or water bleeding.

“ColorShield is not topical, it is part of the fiber,” explained Hillis. “It is a new fiber technology we are launching which is built into the fiber. It is available on three of our print bases. With this new technology we can do custom color on print and, for the first time ever, have the same stain-resistance as solution-dyed nylon. So, it is a real breakthrough in printed carpet technology. “The warranty is guaranteed for the lifetime of the carpet,” he added. “Again, it features stain protection and you can clean stains out with just clear water. The process is patented, available only from Durkan and was developed in conjunction with Solutia, through a partnership with the fiber company.” The introduction of ColorShield comes only a few months after the brand’s woven and tufted siblings in The Mohawk Group family have gained similar stain protection benefits by use of the newly developed EverSet Fibers by Mohawk.

“We’ve entered a new era of performance and are redefining the life of commercial carpeting,” said Sam Bracken, vice president of marketing for The Mohawk Group. “It is our constant quest to keep improving and perfecting the products, raising the bar. This truly has been a milestone year for us with the development of EverSet and now ColorShield. Our end goal is always to help ease the job of the designers, specifiers and end users, and with these innovations, I think we’ve achieved this.” ColorShield will be unveiled at the 2004 International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show, Nov. 14 to 16, at the Jacob Javitz Convention Center in New York in booth #3520. For more information on Durkan Patterned Carpet featuring Color-Shield, visit www.durkan.com. —Louis Iannaco