What is a PVC tablecloth fabric?
PVC fabric for tablecloths are usually printed cotton fabrics coated with a PVC plastic finish. Often confused with oilcloths, PVC tablecloths are popular for many reasons. A perfect choice for kitchen, craft, play and outdoor tables, the coated fabric protects the surface of your table from water, liquid and scratch damage.
In the summer months PVC tablecloths (or oilcloths) are popular for outdoor tables. They can add colour and decoration to garden events and gatherings. These wipe clean tablecloths will protect wooden tables from spillages and stains.
You can also buy a table protector which goes underneath the PVC or oilcloth fabric to protect the table.
We would generally advise to allow for an additional 20cm to hang over either end of the table, so add at least 40cm to the table size when ordering.
What is the difference between oilcloth and PVC?
PVC tablecloth is a plastic fabric. Oilcloth tablecloths are printed cotton fabrics that have a vinyl plastic (PVC) coating. Traditionally oilcloth fabric was fabric that was coated in linseed oil.
Our PVC tablecloth fabric is sold by the metre and delivered on a roll to prevent creasing. Oilcloth fabric will drape more like a traditional cloth tablecloth over your table. It comes in a wide range of colours and patterns; animal designs such as the Harriet Matt, floral designs like the Hedgerow and ever popular spots like the Full stop Matt.
An oilcloth is more durable than a PVC tablecloth because of the cotton base fabric. PVC tablecloth fabric doesn’t fray at the edges so there is no need for it to be hemmed and it can be cut to fit your table.
Oilcloth fabric can also be used to make other items that need to be wipeable, such as bags or change mats.
What is Acrylic Tablecloth?
We also have a selection of acrylic tablecloths which is a great practical choice. The fabric is cotton, linen or poly/cotton that has been coated with acrylic. Acrylic tablecloths are durable but also give a more natural feel. They can also be sewn, making it great for crafting projects and are machine washable at 30.
The Vintage Maps Acrylic Aqua fabric is a playful tablecloth design, we also have the seasonal Glam Holly Spruce Acrylic fabric and the colourful JF Geo Acyrlic fabric plus many other acrylic tablecloths to choose from.
How to clean PVC tablecloth?
Plastic tablecloths or oilcloths can be wiped clean. They will protect your table from stains, but some items will stain the tablecloth, such as pen, shoe polish and nail varnish. It is important to wipe some sauces up immediately to prevent staining. PVC or oilcloth tablecloths usually can’t be washed in a washing machine; however we do have a number of acrylic PVC fabrics which can be washed.
Which is better, PVC or vinyl?
A PVC tablecloth is a plastic cloth that is often cheaper than oilcloth but the cotton fabric base of an oilcloth means that the fabric will drape better on your table. Some oilcloths come with a matt finish that makes the tablecloth even look like a cotton fabric. PVC tablecloth fabric and vinyl tablecloth are essentially the same.
