How to Repair Thermal Backing on Drapes

When the thermal backing is damaged, the heat or cold protection that the drapes provide is diminished. Repair the drapes cheaply and easily to save money.

1. Remove the drapes from the drapery rod even if there is only minor damage to the thermal backing. The silicone caulk should not touch the windows or the wall, or it may stick and be difficult to remove. Set the drapes on a table with the backing side to be repaired facing up.

2. Find all of the places on the drapes where the thermal backing needs to be repaired. It's easier to do this job all at once while you have the materials out than to touch up spots later.

3. Put on the rubber gloves and wear them until you are finished working with the silicone caulk, which is nearly impossible to remove. Squirt out a small amount of the caulk at a time into a disposable bowl. Carefully apply a small amount of silicone caulk to each place on the drapes where the thermal backing is missing using a wooden craft stick or a toothpick. Spread the silicone caulk out so it is as flat and smooth with the original thermal backing as possible but thick enough to fill the area.

4. Sprinkle white talcum powder over the silicone, before the caulk dries, to match the original thermal backing.

5. Let the silicone caulk dry completely before hanging the thermal-backed drapes back in the window. Keep children, pets and anyone else away from the drapes while the caulk is drying.