Rug Backing & Fringe Replacement

Rug Backing & Fringe Replacement for Oriental Rugs

Although Oriental rugs are often valuable, they do not have to be pampered like fine china. The sheer endurance of Oriental rugs has earned their magical reputation. When they are soiled, Oriental rugs can be cleaned. When they are injured, they can be repaired. They do require a little attention and a congenial atmosphere to combat some natural enemies such as moisture, carpet beetles, moths, and sunlight.

Fringe Replacement

Edges and ends are frequently the first parts of rugs requiring attention. Maintaining good condition is critical. Small problems can soon lead to expensive problems. Oriental rug fringe typically begins to show wear in the first 10 to 15 years.
On hand woven rugs, fringe tassels are the rug warps. The strands are usually cotton. Silk or wool pile is twisted and tied around the strands into knots to create a rug. The tassel strands run from one side, through the middle, to the opposite edge of the rug. They are the skeleton of the rug. Fringe has little impact on the value of a rug. It is a by-product of the weaving process. However, when it begins to wear off, tear, or untie, the knots can pull away and unravel. Knots, in bad condition, do impact a rug’s value.
Fringe that is frayed, thinning, or worn can be replaced. Experts examine the rug to determine the materials needed based on the construction of the rug. Fringe is added as an after fact to machine woven rugs. They are either glued or sewed on. When it gets damaged or dirty, the old is torn off and replaced with new. Power fringing is the preferred method to replace machine made Oriental rug fringe. The process does not take as much time as hand woven rug fringe.
The fringe tassels of hand woven rugs are the foundation of the rug. That fringe is not as easy to repair. Rug edges that are hand knotted need to be rewrapped. Close attention is given to the structure and color of the rug. It is a meticulous and elaborate process done by hand. When the goal is to change the fringe completely, a wide variety of fabrics and colors are available.

 area rug fringe repair

Rug Backing Replacement

If a rug has backing, it is probably a machine-made rug. The backing was applied by the manufacturer with a latex adhesive material. The latex is used to hold the backing to the rug, add weight, and anchor tufts.
The worn-out or old backing on any machine-made, hooked, or tufted rug can be replaced. New backing protects and maintains the rug. It extends the life of the rug and helps to secure any scrim, fringe, knots, and tufts.
Before gluing the backing, the rug is cleaned, sanitized, and dried to be made free of any soil. Many types of fabric are used as backing. Burlap, jute, canvas, and Swedish linen are frequently used options. The original backing material may be difficult to find.
Two methods are used to apply backing. Either glue is applied over the entire rug, or glue is applied in sections. A pressing tool is used to press down newly placed backing to distribute the glue evenly and press the backing material into the rug. Every inch of the back is covered and pressed, except a half inch along the edges. The border will cover the perimeter.
Professionals should replace backing. Missed spots will bubble when the glue is completely dry. Globs of glue ruin a consistent, even appearance of the rug.