What is Oilcloth?
Original oilcloth was once made by treating canvas or linen with linseed oil and block printed with beautiful decorative designs. The original techniques have become rare and commercially obsolete with the introduction of non-cracking plastics and rotogravure printing process.
Modern “oilcloth” is a printed vinyl bonded and supported with a woven cotton blend mesh. Characterized by shiny wipe-clean surface, lightweight flexible texture, brilliant colors, and fabulous nostalgic prints. Fabric is PVC vinyl with poly/cotton backing.
How to use Oilcloth
Ideal for tablecloths, table toppers, and table mats
No need to hem tablecloths although the fabric sews up nicely
Easy clean up, just wipe off when messy
How to determine the right size tablecloth
The accepted standard measurement for a tablecloth allows a 6"-12" drop or overhang from the table-edge on all sides of the table. Using this standard will give you a nice fit to your table without looking skimpy and also without a lot of excess draping. Measure your table width and add 6"-12" for one side and 6"-12" for the opposite side. Do the same math with the length of your table. This is the minimum size that will fit comfortably. Of course sometimes we have to make a little adjustment, because nothing in life is perfect! Here is an example for your table that is 36" x 60". Add 36+6+6 for the width (48") and 60+6+6 to get the length (72"). Then look for a tablecloth that measure 48x72 and you will find that it fits just right.
The 48" x 48" tablecloth is ideal for you tables that measure 24"x24" or 24"x36" or 36"x36". Or use it a topper on a larger table.
You can also layer a small square tablecloth over another larger tablecloth (often a print over a solid). This works nicely on a round table or angled over a square table. Layering allows you to use a smaller "topper" tablecloth that just covers the table top with a very small overhang or no overhang at all. Enjoy your oilcloth tablecloth!
What to expect when you buy Oilcloth
Because of the methods used in manufacturing our oilcloth you will find VARIATIONS such as SQUIGGLES, SPECKLES, WRINKLES & OFF REGISTER PRINTING which are NORMAL, INHERENT, and MAY OCCUR. These will not affect the quality & durability of the fabric and should not be considered cause for return. Backings and color lots may vary.
Safety Guidelines
The recent Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) prohibits oilcloth garments such as bibs and aprons or toys for children under age 12.
This is due to the level of phthalates (a softener present in all vinyl) in the PVC vinyl of which oilcloth is made.
There are no heavy metals in oilcloth.
The fabric has been tested and passes the National Fire Protection Agency 701 classification for commercial and residential use.
Care and Cleaning of Oilcloth
Recommended cleaning for oilcloth fabric is with a warm, soapy sponge or soft cloth. Never machine wash. Dry with a softcloth. Store folded or rolled, clean and dry. The fabric is waterproof as well as stain and soil resistant.
If your tablecloth becomes wrinked or creased from storage, spread it out in the sun or a warm area to soften and relax folds.
Fading may occur under intense direct sunlight for extended periods as oilcloth does not contain a UV inhibitor. Take care with extreme exposure to long term sunlight.
Oilcloth tablecloths are wipe clean only – not machine washable. Do not put in dryer! Do not iron
