Cross-Machine Direction (Width) Shading / Texture Variation (Resilient Sheet Vinyl)

Floor Detective® Claims and Conditions Guide

Summary

Cross-machine direction (CMD) shading or texture variation in resilient sheet vinyl is an appearance-related condition in which visible shading, gloss, texture, or reflectivity differences occur from one side of the sheet width to the other. The condition originates during manufacturing and commonly reflects variation in coating application, embossing pressure, calendering, print alignment, surface texture development, or cooling behavior across the width of the material. Because the variation develops across the sheet width rather than along the machine-production direction, the resulting appearance commonly presents as broad lanes, side-to-side shading, texture variation, or reflectivity differences extending throughout the installation. Visibility may increase under directional lighting, low-angle light, reflective light, or long sight lines, particularly in open areas or large uninterrupted installations. The pattern is typically continuous and repeatable rather than isolated or random. Proper evaluation requires distinguishing manufacturing-width variation from substrate irregularity, adhesive influence, lighting distortion, traffic wear, or localized contamination. The condition reflects material variation and does not independently establish installation deficiency or substrate-related influence. See also Gloss Variation Resilient Plank, Telegraphing, and LVT and SPC Floor Problems for broader context.

Please subscribe to see all content

Subscribe Login