Do Faux Wood Blinds Turn Yellow From the Sun?

Composition

• Inexpensive faux wood blinds are made of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. These are strong and durable, and impervious to humidity. Of higher quality, composite faux wood blinds blend wood particles, vinyl and PVC to create a lighter but not quite as durable product. Composite blinds are more likely to show wear and tear and may react to moisture in extreme humidity. Composite faux wood blinds cost more than PVC blinds. Both options are significantly less expensive than true wood blinds.

Sun Damage

• The ultraviolet rays from the sun cause a reaction with PVC, as well as vinyl and wood. This process is known as photoyellowing and it occurs when the material is exposed to ultraviolet light over long periods. The rays break down the molecules and leave the PVC and vinyl brittle and discolored. Without any chemical treatment, faux wood blinds will turn yellow from the sun.

Ultraviolet Inhibitor

• During the manufacturing process, titanium dioxide is added to the polyvinyl mixture to create UV-resistant blinds. Titanium dioxide acts as a shield, protecting the blinds from the damaging effects of the sun's rays. This UV inhibitor is good for the life of the blinds, and keeps them from deteriorating and discoloring. The amount of titanium dioxide added to the PVC or composite mixture affects the cost -- the treatment generally adds to the overall price of the faux wood blinds, and the greater percentage of UV inhibitor, the more expensive.

Considerations

• When you are shopping for faux wood blinds, pay careful attention to UV inhibitor information from the manufacturer. Very cheap PVC faux wood blinds may not have any type of ultraviolet protection, which means the blinds will most likely show signs of yellowing in the long run. Look for faux wood blinds with good UV inhibitors included in the composition of the product rather than as a glaze applied after manufacturing for best resistance to deterioration.