Trade Show Display Fabric Care

1. Wash your hands prior to handling your exhibit fabric, or better yet, wear a pair of white gloves when doing so.
Even hands that appear clean can transmit natural oils present on the skin, and once this gets on your fabric, it can attract dirt.

2. Determine if your fabric can be ironed or steamed and/or whether it will likely need such a treatment prior to each show.
Packing-related wrinkles may simply “fall out,” i.e., disappear, within a few hours after the fabric is hung, and steaming is a viable option for most exhibit fabrics. But if you need to iron the fabric, use a permanent-press setting and place a sheet of paper that’s free of ink and wax between the iron and fabric. Keep the iron in constant motion and away from silicone edging materials.
3. Inspect and clean your exhibit fabrics before you dismantle your exhibit and fold the fabric.
Not only will you ensure that your fabric is ready for the next show, but stains can often bleed through many layers of fabric.
4. Talk to your fabric supplier about proper washing and drying methods, as some fabrics will practically disintegrate in a washing machine.
However, most synthetics can safely be machine washed with mild detergents, no bleach, and a cold water setting. Lightweight mesh fabrics should be laundered in net bags to prevent abrasion to the fabric. Also, unless specified by your supplier, avoid machine drying your fabric, which can scorch or melt many materials.
5. Ensure your fabric is completely dry before it’s stored.
Just as wet towels grow mold, so, too, will damp fabrics.
6. Fold fabrics so the graphics face inward.
That way, the back side of the fabric will face out, preventing the “good” side from being stained or damaged during transport.
7. Store fabric in a dry room where the temperature remains between 40 and 80 degrees.
Some fabrics become brittle or meld together when exposed to extreme low or high temperatures, and 40 to 80 degrees is optimal.
View EXHIBITOR magazine – Article: Fabric: Warped, Biased, & Ripped