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What is blockout fabric

Author: Release time:2026.02.03

Blockout fabric is widely used in digital printing, signage, curtains, and soft signage displays. It is designed to prevent light from passing through the material, making it suitable for double-sided printing and applications where light control is required. This article explains what blockout fabric is, how it is manufactured, its applications, and how to choose the right type for your business.


Blockout Flag Fabric


What Is Blockout Fabric?

Blockout fabric is a multi-layer textile material designed to block light transmission. It is usually made from polyester textiles with a black or opaque layer in the middle, which prevents light from passing through the fabric.

In printing and signage industries, blockout fabric is often supplied as a Blackout Fabric Roll for large-format digital printing and industrial processing.


How Is Blockout Fabric Made?

Blockout fabric is typically manufactured using a three-layer structure:

  • Front printable polyester layer
  • Middle blackout layer (often black)
  • Back polyester layer

The layers are laminated or coated together to ensure opacity and dimensional stability. This structure makes blockout fabric suitable for double-sided printing without show-through.


Types of Blockout Fabric

1. Printable Blockout Fabric

Designed for dye sublimation or UV printing, commonly used in soft signage and banners.

2. Curtain Blockout Fabric

Used in home textiles, hotels, and commercial interiors to block sunlight and improve privacy.

3. Industrial Blockout Fabric

Used in projection screens, partitions, and technical textiles where light control is required.


Key Features of Blockout Fabric

Light Blocking Performance

Blockout fabric prevents light transmission, allowing double-sided graphics without image interference.

Smooth Printing Surface

The printable surface supports high-resolution digital printing for signage and displays.

Dimensional Stability

The layered structure reduces shrinkage and distortion during printing and finishing.

Durability

Blockout fabric is designed for repeated use in exhibitions, retail displays, and advertising installations.


Common Applications of Blockout Fabric

  • Double-sided fabric banners
  • Trade show displays and backdrops
  • Retail hanging banners
  • Curtains and blinds
  • Projection screens
  • Indoor signage systems

In signage production, blockout fabric supplied in Blackout Fabric Roll form is widely used in large-format printing machines.


Blockout Fabric vs Regular Fabric


FeatureBlockout FabricRegular Polyester Fabric
Light BlockingYesNo
Layer StructureMulti-layerSingle layer
Double-Sided PrintingYesLimited
WeightMedium to HeavyLight to Medium
Typical UseBanners, curtains, signageApparel, flags, displays


Blockout Fabric in Digital Printing

Blockout fabric is commonly used in dye sublimation and UV printing for soft signage. The blackout layer prevents show-through, ensuring clear images on both sides of the banner. This makes it suitable for retail stores, exhibitions, and indoor advertising displays.


How to Choose Blockout Fabric

When selecting blockout fabric, buyers should consider:

  • Fabric weight (GSM)
  • Roll width and length
  • Printing method (sublimation, UV, latex)
  • Surface finish (matte or satin)
  • Fire retardant standards if required

For industrial buyers, blockout fabric is typically purchased as Blackout Fabric Roll for bulk production.


FAQs About Blockout Fabric

What is blockout fabric used for?

Blockout fabric is used for double-sided banners, curtains, retail displays, and projection screens where light blocking is required.


Can blockout fabric be printed on both sides?

Yes, blockout fabric is designed for double-sided printing without image show-through.


What is a Blackout Fabric Roll?

A Blackout Fabric Roll is a bulk roll of blockout fabric supplied for large-format printing and industrial processing.


Is blockout fabric suitable for dye sublimation printing?

Yes, many blockout fabrics are developed for dye sublimation printing and UV printing applications.


What is the difference between blockout fabric and regular polyester fabric?

Blockout fabric has a multi-layer structure with a blackout layer to prevent light transmission, while regular polyester fabric allows light to pass through.


Conclusion

Blockout fabric is a multi-layer textile material designed to block light and support double-sided printing. It is widely used in signage, curtains, retail displays, and digital printing applications. Supplied as Blackout Fabric Roll, it is suitable for industrial printing, exhibitions, and commercial interiors where opacity and dimensional stability are required.