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RE: rug underpads
In working with contemporary carpets and rug underlays, I think the most
important consideration for historic rugs is a rug that is relatively flat.
There are many underlays to choose from and price is usually a good
indication of density and weight. Many contemporary rug underlays are
shaped to give a luxurious feel when walking. This is exactly the opposite
of what one wants with an historic carpet.
I find that carpet sales people aren't necessarily well informed about
different performance characteristic of underlays. (Most people want the
cheapest underlay that will give the most bounce.) If you ask for an
underlay that is designed for very high traffic areas, you will be shown
underlays that are very flat and dense. An example would be underlays that
are used in high traffic areas on stairs. They will also be relatively
expensive.
It's very hard not to have some slippage in use between a carpet and an
underlay.
Dr. Elizabeth Richards
Professor Emeritus, Department of Human Ecology
337 Human Ecology Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
T6G 2N1
Phone: 780 - 492-9480 Fax: 780-492-4821
-----Original Message-----
From: Lucie_Thivierge@xxxxxxxxx [mailto:Lucie_Thivierge@xxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Friday, September 07, 2001 2:45 PM
To: TEXCONS@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: rug underpads
Historic rugs are displayed in an historic house and the layout of the rooms
necessitates people walking over the rugs. Runners, shoe covers and rug
underpads are being investigated.
In the preprints of the Textile Symposium 97 - Fabric of an Exhibition: An
Interdisplinary Approach, Ottawa, Canada, Steven Pine, conservator at Bayou
Bend
Collection and Gardens, mentions a pad formed from a 3 mm (1/8 in.)
needle-punched polyester felt with an application of a silicon rubber, Dow
Corning 732 RTV clear. This pad is manufactured by Rogers Corporation, 2300
East Devon Avenue, Elk Grove, Illinois 60007-6120, phone : 800.237.2068 /
fax:
847.640.3838. The price varies from $8.50/square foot (900 square feet per
release) to $9.75/square foot (225 square feet minimum per release).
The quality of the underpad is really good but it is costly. I am presently
looking at other commercial rug underpads. Any ideas, comments and sources
would be appreciated. Thank you! Lucie Thivierge