[Mike Roper]

On heavy patterned belgium wiltons that are exposed to alot of direct sunlight ie in front of patio doors some coloured tufts disintigrate while other colours withstand it.
Red in particular seems to be badly affected.
Why is this?
Mike

[Dennis]

From the depths of my memory, I seem to remember learning a long time ago that it's something to do with the dyeing process during manufacture. The dark colours need more processing so their fibres become weaker so the blacks and reds are worst affected by the sun's uv light.

I'm sure a guru will be along shortly. 

[Len Gribble]

Always found green to be a problem on Axminters, doesn’t like lot foot traffic.

Len

[Ken Wainwright]

Yes Mike

I had a BW a few weeks ago and Paddy O'Doors let the light through and one darker colour, can't remember which, had worn shorter than others, giving a textured effect locally.

Like Len, I find it also occasionally on Axminsters. Although different colours are affected in different cases, most degredation/damage seems to be on white. Without knowing for certain, my logic tells me that white wool will be bleached rather than dyed, and has been affected by a photochemical reaction.

Safe and happy cleaning
The Ken

[Mike Roper]

The one I saw recently was polyprop wilton which had been affected so much that the woven back was part of the pattern - no tufts left!
Mike

[clinton]

He is right on that