Why is My New Carpet Turning Different Shades?
There are many types of carpet shading complaints. Carpet shading is a localized alteration in the orientation of the pile. Shading occurs as the result of randomness in pile lay direction. Shading will be seen on both wall to wall carpets and rugs.
The physical cause of shading is due to the difference between light reflection from the greater surface area of the side of the bent fibers. The side of bent fibers appear lighter in color, compared to the greater light absorption and darker appearance of the more vertically oriented fibers.
As a result of this change in light reflection a carpet will often take on an appearance as if a portion of the carpet has changed in hue. When inspection lighting is applied over the shaded area, no actual change will be seen. This appearance can occur as temporary carpet shading, tracking, or pile reversal defined as follows:
Shading as a Characteristic
Shading is a normal characteristic of cut pile carpets, especially those with a smooth pile such as velvets and saxony plush. Carpet shading is considered an aesthetic quality of fine carpet and is not considered a defect. Shading is caused by light reflecting differently off of tufts that bend differently from footprints, vacuuming, etc.
A person that finds carpet shading objectionable should select a carpet with a denser construction, lower pile height, textured yarn. Examples would be textured saxony, frieze, and berber.
Carpet Shading is identified by areas that appear lighter or darker depending upon the direction they are viewed from. Brushing the pile with the hand will result in a change of shade.
Temporary Carpet Shading
A reversible, localized change in orientation of a carpets pile. Temporary shading is often described as a normal characteristic of certain cut pile textile floor covering.
Carpet Tracking
A gradual change in appearance of a carpet from the edge to middle of a narrow band caused by repeated walking over the same area which may result in a localized change in pile orientation and may be irreversible
Carpet Footprints
Footprints are shading marks left by humans and animals walking across the carpet. They may be noticeable for a few minutes or a few days. The texture and resiliency of the fiber are determiners in how long they may last. Most deep-pile and smooth pile carpets will show footprints.
Vacuum Cleaner Marks
These are shading marks left by the brush and/or wheels of the vacuum cleaner. As with foot prints, vacuum marks may be noticeable for a few minutes or a few days. Most deep-pile and smooth pile carpets will show vacuum cleaner marks
Pile Reversal
Pile Reversal (Watermarking, Pooling)
An irreversible, localized change in orientation of a carpets pile. The phenomenon has different names in different countries
Over time, areas of carpet may look as though someone has spilled water on various sections of the carpet, hence, “water marking.” Other names to describe the phenomenon include “pooling” and “highlighting.
Common Identifying Characteristics
- Areas that look as though someone has spilled water on sections of the carpet. Hence the term water marking.
- Areas reverse in shade when viewed from opposite directions.
- Shade will appear to change when brushing with the hand. At the interfaces (edge of perceived change), the pile on either side will be strongly oriented in opposite directions.
- Conspicuous, irregularly shaped serpentine lines or “interfaces” will generally be located in or immediately adjacent to traffic paths.
- The traffic pattern may not precisely follow the flow of traffic. Instead, it will appear to waver randomly throughout the trafficked pile.
Water Marking Claim
While water marking may give a highly objectionable appearance it is considered a characteristic and not a defect. Replacing the carpet with a similar carpet of any fiber will likely develop in the same condition within a few months. The causes of this form of pile reversal have not been conclusively determined. Because it occurs almost exclusively in and immediately adjacent to trafficked areas, traffic appears to be a significant contributing factor; however, several environmental factors, e.g. static electricity, electromagnetic fields have also been advanced as possible contributing factors.
The Carpet and Rug Institute in its manual titled Pile Reversal (“Shading”, “Water Marking”), states……the only conclusion which can be drawn is that pile reversal may develop on the surface of some carpet after it is installed, and that pile reversal is not due to the materials which are used to produce the carpet, the manufacturing process, or any combination of these factors.
Still not sure and believe you are experiencing a carpet failure. Contact The Weinheimer Group, discuss the facts and see if an inspection is warranted. Fill out the request form for a no obligation consultation.
I picked a carpet that is textured so I would not see foot prints and vacuum marks. The carpet was laid down yesterday and I see footprints and vacuum marks. Also the foot prints looks like dark water spots. Anything I can do to help this problem ?
If the carpet is showing footprints there is nothing you can do to keep the footprints from showing. You may be able to reduce the vacuum marks by adjusting the vacuum. The quickest way to get rid of vacuum marks and footprints is by raking the carpet though you will have new marks as soon as someone walks on the carpet. If you can show you made your dealer aware of the fact that you wanted a carpet that would conceal these marks you need to be back in touch with them. If you purchased a carpet that the manufacturer or dealer make a written or advertised claim that it will conceal the marks you should contact them about your concern.
I had a carpet laid in plush pile and it has four lines across the width of the carpet where it obviously wasn’t rolled properly prior to being laid, or the roll has been laying on its side with carpets on top of it. Worse still, 1 month on, the lines are turning into puddling.
What can we do?
The carper company are not helpful and will not do anything about it.
Thanks, Kelly
This may or may not be pooling. Here are a couple of things you can try. Using a spray bottle, mist the carpet with a bit of hot water that you have added a drop or two of dish washing detergent to. Sweep your hand over the carpet next to the area to figure out which direction it is running and sweep the dampened pile in the same direction. Once dry vacuum it. You can also steam the area with a steamer such like the Jiffy steamers they use to steam clothing and this may give you better results. After steam brush as above and vacuum the carpet when dry.
Good luck, Terry
I have just brought this Capet, paid lots for it. Had it fitted and within two days notice random light marks appearing. They look very light against the dark grey it should be, it looks like bleach but no one had spilt anything on it. The shop I got it from are not helping and blaming is. It started as two marks and now within a month there is more then 5, they just seem to appear from no where.
Kalah, the way you describe these spots they could be shading or even a reflection from objects. Unfortunately there is no way that I can tell what they may be just from the description. If you would like, email me a couple photographs and the email address shown in our contact information and I will take a look.
Terry
I purchased astainmaster trusoft bcf nylon plush carpet and underpad for living room dining room stairs and hallway. The laid carpet was professionly done but carpet feels softer than the sample and shows all the footmarks and vacuum marks. My wife and I are seniors -no children or pets and very careful We have had the new carpet one week.
The carpetis stain master tru soft bcf nylon What can be done about color shading and foot marks and vacuum tracks
We are not pleased with the color shading and footmarks -carpet color is green- dk avacado and we have the consumer warranties and payment bills $5485.oo. Should we have this carpet replaced if footmarks problems and shading can’t be remedied-help Thanks so much for advice
Roger, it is unfortunate that you purchased a plush style carpet in a soft yarn when you do not like the look of footprints and vacuum marks. Some people really like the look of footprints and others hate it.
Plush carpets will show footprints and a soft yarn will usually show them even more. There is nothing you can do to eliminate this problem, you either need to live with it or replace the carpet.
If you purchased a carpet with a 30 day warranty that allows you to replace it for any reason, that might be your best bet. Understand that most of those warranties require you to pay the labor.
My carpet has starting getting lines the whole length of the carpet. At first I thought it was my vacuum making markings but they are straight and can’t be smoothed away. This carpet is less then one year old. I have contacted the place that installed it and they are turning into the warranty department to come and take a look. It is very high quality carpet….but these just appeared out of no where?
Note: a link added for photo that was emailed by poster.
https://carpetswalltowall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/lindaimage1-1-e1439061759957.jpg
Linda, it is indeed strange that it has taken nearly a year for these lengthwise bands to show up. They appear evenly spaced as if they either follow a pattern or following gauge rows. This type of concern should show up right away though a lot depends upon the direction the light is flowing across the carpet. Did you change windows or window treatments so that the light is now making them more visible even though they may have been there all along?
Gauge rows are a manufacturer – tufting related concern and pattern lines are a characteristic. This type of claim is usually very controversial. With an inspection we would be better able to identify the problem, see if the yarn is making a change or if it is strictly light related from the yarn within these gauge rows turning a slightly different direction or if they are following a pattern.
Terry W
Cut pile carpets sometimes show a shading effect that appears as light and dark patches due to different pile direction. Areas of pile tufts leaning towards you will appear darker whereas pile tufts leaning away from you will appear lighter. This may give the appearance of a colour change which is in reality only an optical effect. This effect can be exaggerated by such things as room lighting and certain types of traffic across the carpet.
You are absolutely correct with your description of shading!
I installed my carpet and i reversed the pile. It lookes like two different carpets one datker than the other. Do i have to replace the whole carpet.
Linda, Try steaming one side of the reversed panels with a steamer such as a Jiffy Garment Steamer. Not one of the little handheld ones but one of the larger steamers. Examples can be seen at http://www.jiffysteamer.com/. Start at one end and steam the carpet so that the pile is laying in the same direction as the joining panel. As you steam the pile, also brush it in the same direction as the panel you are trying to match. While this will likely not fully restore the carpet it may improve it to the point to where you are able to live with it. Best of luck to you, Terry
Hi
I resently bought a good Quality carpet for my hall. The carpet fitter had problems fitting it as we have so many doors in the hallway. After just a week I noticed like a tide mark the full length of the hall.. It’s not a walk way mark. It’s a thick wiggly line In the middle of the carpet.. It’s very irritating as it’s the first thing you see when you walk in. It looks just like a tide Mark on a beach..
Amanda
About how wide is this mark and does it run the full length or into doorways. Feel free to email us a photo and we will take a look at it.
I just bought new carpet for 3 rooms, bedrooms. This took me about 2 yrs to learn about carpet and mostly to decide. I found a SAMPLE that I thought was prefect for color and no no tracking on sample, feeling good. After installing (seemed good job) the carpet looked grey, dingy,dull and in seeing said is that mine. This is triaxia supposed to be brown like. It looks grey and tracking is very bad.This was not true at sample. Dealer said it tracks at beginning. He thinks it is right color. If they do something (3 days ago) what can I get with true color and the least tracking? thanks Joy
I am having trouble with new 3 dayold carpet is is printing feet prints and does not seem to be right color.
Some carpets will show foot prints and vacuum marks. Unless the manufacturer warrants against them this is not a manufacturing concern. Could be a dealer concern if you can prove they misrepresented the carpet.
My area rug appears to be white in one direction and shows the right color in the other direction.I had many carpets and area rugs and have never seemed this problem before.It almost looks like a film,but I know it is not
Can you give me advice on what too do to correct this?
Carole
Your description sounds like your area rug is a texture that is bending more to one direction. If you sweep your hand across the pile you will be able to tell which direction the pile sweeps. If you have trouble feeling the pile direction, place a piece of writing paper on the rug, place a pencil over the paper and gently roll the pencil back and forth over the paper. As you roll the pencil, you will be able to view the direction the pile sweeps.
Once you know the direction the pile is sweeping, stand up and view the rug again. My guess is, that the rug appears more white while viewing across the pile than looking into the pile.
Sorry, but this is the texture of the rug and there is nothing you will be able to do about it.
Terry
Hi TWG,,
I just bought new carpet for 5 rooms, bedrooms. And in just five month the color has change a little color. I don’t know it was problem is, direct from sun or bad carpet, please advise. Thank you very much.
Minh, the carpet is most likely shading which will make the color look a little different. Brush the pile of the carpet up with your hand and compare the tips to the deeper pile and you should be able to tell if it is fading.
Hi twg
I am currently living ina a rental house which had a carpet 1 year old.
I cant help with what type of carpet, however, there is small marks appearing, they look as if its a wet water mark, however its dry and just a dark shade. Different sized and uneven shapes, only a few have appeared. Any idea what this could be mate
Robbie, based on your description, this sounds like pooling, a shading concern and not something you caused.
Our newly laid carpet changed colour significantly within 3 weeks (we didn’t fully realise the extent of colour change until the doormat made from carpet offcut arrived 2 weeks after fitting) and we have been told that this is due to UV, that there is no fault in the manufacture and that samples (we looked through loads before choosing this carpet) are no reliable indication of what the colour of the carpet will be like once laid. We have ended up with a carpet that isn’t the colour we chose when both the manufacturer and retailer knew that this sort of carpet was susceptible to early colour change (first fading) but didn’t alert us to the fact when we bought it and now looks as though we have absolutely no redress. Why doesn’t the industry do more to warn customers about the unreliability of sample matching?
Ian
If carpet fades from ultra violet light (UV) over a 3 week period, and the carpet is not in direct sunlight for hours each day, you have a defective carpet. That said, it is more likely that you are seeing shading and not an actual color change. If the dealer will not report your concern to the carpet manufacturer, call the manufacturer directly and discuss your concern with them. If you still get no where, find a carpet inspector in your area and have them inspect the carpet and write a report.
You also mention sample matching, which is a different issue. Most manufacturers consider color variations within 10% at either side of their stated color to be within tolerance. They certainly should make that information available to you.
Also see our article Carpet Color Loss
Hi ,I have bought a good quality wool carpet in a mousy brown. Six weeks after fitting, I lifted a waste piece used as a door mat and saw underneath was original colour and elsewhere charge to a more pink shade.
Retailer and manufacturer have suggested natural fading in sun but I say not in 6 weeks. It faces east and doesn’t get sun v much.
They are sending independent inspector but I don’t trust them to say any fault.
Janet
You state that an independent inspector will be checking the color concern. While there are always a few hired guns in any profession, most independent inspectors do not take sides and will tell it like it is. If you are not happy with the results of the inspection, you can hire another inspector of your choice, to check the carpet. Let us know how thing turn out.
Janet,
As a further test, if you have another piece of carpet that has not been used and installed, kept in storage, use that piece to compare with the installed carpet in suspected affected areas near windows and areas away from windows or natural light sources.
Also check the intensity of the color change from the natural light source.
6 weeks is not very long. The dyes may not be stable under ultra-violet light.
Clayton,
Thank you for sharing a really fine method of comparison. This information will not only help a lot of people, it is coming from Clayton Shull, a true floor covering professional. Keep up the good work.
In Canada and looking for an expert flooring inspector, contact Clayton at FlooringClaims.com
Terry
Purchased a 5×7 rug from Lowes, after 2 weeks we noticed it had darkened around the edges. Rubbed it with a clean white cloth moistened in plain water and it was filthy! Returned the rug and got another one. Exact same rug. Beautiful, but 2 weeks later it too was darkening around the edges and again showed filthy on a clean white wash cloth!!!! We have no kids, no pets, and do not walk on the rug. The center area under our table is unchanged in appearance. WTF is going on!?? Could UV light be causing some sort of dye oxidation? This is an Allen & Roth Betancourt Rug. It is gorgeous for about 2 weeks and then AWFUL!
Pete
My reply to your darkening rug edges is no more than an educated guess. It sounds like there is a factory lubricant around the edges of the rug that came off the machine used to finish the rugs edges. Airborne and trafficked soil is being attracted to the lubricant and the edges darkening with the attached soil. If it was me, I would contact the technical department of the manufacturer and ask them about it. If you learn more, be sure to share the information with us.
Good luck!
Terry
Hi from Janet.
Carpet inspector has reported that the change in colour is due to photobleaching, also known as red shifting and is a natural phenomenon and not a fault in the carpet.
You can guess I am not happy with this. They have suggested I remove the mat and all will match .Huh. What I chose is not what I’ve got.
Natural but not satisfactory. Showroom needs a big notice saying chose a darker colour than you want and cross your fingers.
Nothing I can do.
Janet, by your comment, it sounds like you have a wool carpet. AGResearch has a good article on potobleaching of wool carpet .
Yes it’s wool.
My moan is that what I chose isn’t what I’ve got now. I had a beige/pink carpet, replaced by new beige brown and its pink again, all over, even where no direct sun.
I understand that it is frustrating. You might try contacting your states Consumer Protection Agency and asking if they can assist you.
We have a red carpet in lounge & now in the centre of the carpet we have a patch pile reversable , is there anything we can do.
You can often improve pile reversal using a steamer such as a Jiffy Steamer that is designed for clothing and draperies. Steam the area and sweep the pile in the direction that you want the pile to run.
hi ihave had carpets put in my rented flat .I paid 1280 pounds itold the sales man idident want carpet that shaded . he recommended a carpet Hong Kong. and chose good underlay . from day 1 all the carpets are loose and badly shaded they look like ripples in the sand they are horrible carpet fitter came .out .and said they are okay iam upset everyday looking at them what can ido thanks june
What type carpet shows the vacuum lines?
Thick, soft yarn will show vacuum marks the most and a low, tight loop the least.
I have installed new plush carpet. The carpet store precut the carpet and joined pieces together instead of one piece throughout main bedroom. The carpet was laid 90degrees across instead of one long piece running the right way now, the carpet is showing diffrent color like dirty brown marks whilst the same carpet on stairs and study was laid the right direction. Is fine. Is that why there is a colour difference? They did not follow our wishes and lthat was to lay one piece throughout main in right direction. We are very unhapoy with the pile direction and colour difference. There was no need to cut the carpet and lay it across the room. In that direction and consequently two other bedrooms and landing have be laid in same direction. ??
Installation is one of several possibilities as to why your carpet is showing this appearance. There are also manufacturing and possible site related issues that may be the cause. I would encourage you to first call the dealer you purchased the carpet from and ask that they come out and look at the carpet. If this fails you may want to consider hiring an independent inspector.
I just had carpeting put in today in the living room, dining room, steps and hallway. I bought plush carpeting in the past and never had a footprint problem….until today. I blame myself for not doing my carpet homework. Needless to say, I am mortified. I have footprints everywhere and even cat prints. TWG says some people actually like the footprints. They really bother me.
I didn’t notice any marks when I took the sample home and stepped on the sample?
My question to TWG or whoever is reading this with the same problem…….what did you do??? Did you replace the carpeting? Did you get use to the footprints?
I was told by the carpet installer, if I was not happy with the carpeting, there is a 90-day manufacturer satisfaction guarantee on the carpeting I purchased. TWG did you ever hear of that?
Patty
Unfortunately, if the carpet is showing now it will continue to show them. Some carpets do come with a satisfaction guarantee. Most of these are 30 days and not ninety. An example is Shaw’s 30 day that states, “Shaw warrants that we will replace any of its 5-Star carpet styles within 30 days of the date of installation if you are not completely satisfied. The replacement will be of a Shaw carpet of comparable or greater value; the customer agrees to pay the retailer the difference in cost of replacement of products of greater value. All labor charges involved in replacing your carpet, including furniture moving, electrical and data hook-ups, and take-up of your original carpet selection, will be your responsibility.”
Another example is that of Mohawk 30-day satisfaction warranty, “To the original purchaser of products covered under this guarantee: if, within thirty (30) days after installation, you wish to change your new carpet for a different style or color, your Mohawk carpet retailer will replace it free of charge with another Mohawk carpet style or color of equal or lesser value. Should you wish to replace your flooring with a carpet upgrade, you may do so by paying the difference in retail price.’ ‘Replacement includes Mohawk carpet only and does not include labor to remove previous carpet, install the new carpet, move furniture, construct permanent built-ins such as cabinets and bookcases or move or install equipment or electronics.”
We just brought some new carpet and unfortunately I am now learning for the first time about carpet shading. I know there is not a lot I can do but I tried researching if dyeing would work but after my research I don’t see anything about. do you know if it might work or has it already been tried?
I had my carpet professionally steamed cleaned after which I noticed track marks from the cleaning equipment. I gave it two weeks to properly dry and the track marks are still noticeably visible all over the carpet. The company did a redo but the track marks still remain. What could have caused the problem.
Geri, email photos to TWgroupMail@gmail.com. We will take a look at them and get back with you.
Dyeing a carpet will not eliminate carpet shading. Regardless of a carpets color, when the pile changes direction including bending slightly in a different direction is shades as a result of light absorption and reflection variations.
Just had a room carpeted from home depot , 24×24 seem in middle goes n. & s. direction,at seem shading is terrible w. to e. really looks bad. E.to W. Looks much better. They say came from same lot and roll. Not happy with it what to do. Got $1,000.00 dollars in this room low loop ,colwick,sieanna.
While this may be an actual color difference it may also be lighting. Viewing the photo it appears that their is more light on one side of the seam. If there is a peak in the seam, light will be reflected more on one side. Cover your windows and check if you still see a difference. If one side is still lighter with the windows covered you may have an actual color difference. Either way, you should let the dealer know of your concerns.
Hi, I am acutally looking for a carpet that will show every mark, even dents in an extreme manner – one that you can basically draw designs onto. This is for a carpet project (for resale) I am working on. I would like to be able to rake patterns into the carpet similar to a zen sand garden.
We have just had carpet 80/20 wool nylon supplied and laid.. As carpet supplier initially short quoted we were told it would take 3 months for another run of same dye lot. We understood they were ordering the full amount but turns out they only added the missing meterage.
When carpet was laid, lounge and 1 bedroom seem to be one colour with a dark strip showing in lounge and the main bedroom darker and the same colour as the dark strip.
What redress do we have? Even the initial carpet layer advised that the full amount would need to be ordered to avoid this exact issue. The final installer told me that the dark is from the inside of the roll and would fade to match the rest in a few months. There seems to be 2 different shaded rolls to us.
A carpet from the same dye lot would be in stock. Undyed carpet (greige goods) that is being dyed is not the same dye run. As far as what action you should take is more of a legal question. If it was me, I would start by speaking with the dealer and manufacturer.
I bought a Cormar carpet (Primo Ultra – Gemstone) for the stairs and noticed a circle appearing on each step (Photos attached). The retailer & Cormar say this is not a fault but indentations. Surely if the carpet was fitted with these `indentations` that is a fault as nobody can explain how these marks have appeared on one side of the stairs on every step?
I bought carpet from Empire. The sales rep knew it was being installed in high traffic area in my home and I believe he should have told me the plush carpeting was not a good choice for these areas because it would show footprints but he didn’t. . Now I am stuck with carpet which is the most hideous carpet you could imagine. When I asked if it could be replaced at a lower price, I was told it’s what I ordered and they couldn’t help me. I am devastated. I was ridiculed for even saying anything about it.
Linda, it is unfortunate that you had a sales representative that did not explain the advantages and disadvantages of carpet styles. It is also unfortunate that you apparently failed to learn about different styles of carpet prior to making a purchase. If the dealers representative ridiculed you for asking, this is shameful and that person needs to learn to be courteous.
There’s a carpet explicitly made for living rooms, made for bedrooms, made for playrooms, made for offices, and so on. The best way to know which carpet is best suited for a particular space is to find out more about the different carpet styles.
Don, when you refer to a carpet explicitly made for a particular room, a manufacturer or dealer making that statement are only doing it for promotional purposes. I believe what you probably mean is there are carpet that will perform better than others in living rooms, bedrooms, playrooms, offices and so on. You are certainly correct that a consumer needs to learn about different styles. I see you are a carpet retailer and you and other retailers are doing yourself and your customer a favor when you educate them.
Hi
I laid feltex dream shadows carpet for my 4 bedroom house including lounge/living area.
The carpet was a soft plush style carpet. I am ok with the tracking and shading nature of this carpet. But within a year of the carpet installation, the carpet started matting and looking flat. The fibres are not bouncing back. The Feltex company came and inspected the carpet and said there is no manufacturer default on the carpet. It is the inherent nature of these carpets. Is this true that soft plush carpet will matt and get flat within a year? Is this a wear and tear or quantity problem. Can I apply to distrust tribunal under consumer guarantee act?
Attached photo of the original sample on top of the current condition of the carpet. Please advise if this is normal and part of wear and tear within one year of installation of the carpet? Or is there are some quality issues on this carpet