Fabric and plastic tablecloths are both very common items in society today. Whilst both can look great, plastic cloths are rapidly overtaking their plain fabric counterparts in the popularity stakes due to a combination of factors, as outlined below.

 

Waterproof

A traditional fabric cloth may look nice, but that is as far as it goes. It provides no protection for the table below as spillages can simply seep through the fabric and damage the surface underneath, causing stains or causing wood to warp, for example. The tablecloth (transparant tafelzeil) itself may also face the same fate, with many stains such as wine or tomato sauce proving to be permanent despite multiple washes.

A plastic cloth on the other hand, is coated with a clear, impermeable layer of vinyl which is completely waterproof, meaning that not one single drop of liquid will get through to damage the table below. The vast majority of spillages will also not leave a mark. Particularly strongly colored drinks or foods may leave a stain but this will only be on the plastic cloth itself and not the table below and it’s cheaper to replace if needed.

 

Easy to Clean

It is much easier to clean, as liquids simply sit on the surface rather than permeating deep into the fabric. All you need to do is wipe it with a damp cloth to remove any spills, a fabric cloth would actually need to be put in the washing machine.

 

Long Lasting

The vinyl coating not only makes it waterproof but also adds durability and sturdiness to the fabric, making it harder to damage so that it stays looking great for longer. It is extremely hard to tear a plastic tablecloth and even if you are using it as a waterproof play mat for children to do crafts on, it will be even more difficult to cut it with scissors too.

 

Cost

Plastic tablecloths typically cost less than their non-plastic counterparts, yet last much longer making them much more cost efficient in the long run. Unlike fabric table covers that need to be hemmed and finished around the edges, a transparent cloth (transparant tafelzeil) can simply be cut from a large roll and will not fray. This means that retailers can buy one large roll and cut pieces off individually for each order, keeping their costs down and passing this saving onto their customers.

 

Many Designs

Thanks to developments in laser printing, transparent plastic tablecloths can now be printed with very high-quality designs that are sharp and clear no matter how intricate they are. Of course, simpler designs are also available right down to plain transparent see-through tablecloth (transparant tafelzeil). So, whether you want dots, stripes, stars or flowers you will most certainly find it.

 

Hygiene

Plastic cloths are much more hygienic than fabric ones. Food and drink do not penetrate into the fabric so bacteria are not given a chance to breed.