| |
| Stardust Soft Sheer Vertical Installation and Care Guide |
 Soft
Sheer Vertical Blinds represent a design breakthrough
in style, efficiency and function. The unique fabric
structure and hardware system are designed to provide
years of reliable service when properly installed.
Please take a few minutes to read through these
instructions before beginning.
Options
Soft Sheer Verticals are available with two different
top treatments - valance or wood fascia. Soft Sheer
Verticals may be ordered with the vane color facing
the right or the left. They may be ordered with
the vanes preassembled or with unassembled DIY (Do
It Yourself) vanes. Tracks may be side stack or
split stack. Determine which options you have before
beginning installation by reading the packing list.
Additionally, color right vanes will be labeled
with orange, gray, pink, and blue tags. Color left
vanes will be labeled with red, yellow, lavender,
and green tags.
A
few simple tools are required:
- Measuring tape
- Power drill, drill bits
- Hex head and/or Phillips driver bit
- Pencil
Additional
fasteners other than those sent with your blind
may be required depending on the mounting surface.
Wallboard and plaster require the use of anchors
such as expansion or toggle bolts. Brick, tile or
stone need special plugs and drill bits. Remember
to always pre-drill holes in wood to avoid splitting.
Outside Mount Bracket for Blinds with Valance |
Inside Mount Bracket for Blinds with Valance |
Extension Bracket (used for Side Mounting) |
1 1/4" Flat Head Wood Screw |
1 1/4" Hex Head Metal Screw |
3/4" Round Head Tensioner Screw |
| B.
Blinds with Wood Fascia |
Outside Mount Bracket for Blinds with Fascia |
Inside Mount Bracket for Blinds with Fascia |
Extension Bracket (used for Side Mounting) |
1 1/4" Flat Head Wood Screw |
1 1/4" Hex Head Metal Screw |
3/4" Round Head Tensioner Screw |
Basics
 Choose the appropriate mounting option
for your application. End brackets should
be located with centerlines 4" in from each
end. Additional brackets should be spaced
no more than 30" apart.
 The
mounting surface must be level for the vertical
to operate correctly. The brackets may need
to be shimmed for out of level windows. |
|
 |
1.
Inside Mount
The
back of the mounting bracket must be 1/8"
from any obstruction. Temporarily rotate mounting
clip to install second screw. When repositioning
the clip, make sure that the rivet used to
attach the clip is all the way to the back
of the slot. |
 |
2.
Outside Mount
A mounting surface of at least 1 3/4"
is required for an OB or wall mount. Assemble
the mounting bracket with the wing nut and
bolt provided. |
 |
| Rotate
the bolt and wing nut, if necessary,
so that the wing nut does not interfere
with the mounting clip. |
 |
|
 |
Position
the top surface of the mounting bracket at
the desired height. Secure bracket to the
mounting surface with two screws. Make sure
that all brackets are aligned and level. If
mounting above a molding or other possible
obstructions, loosen the wing nut and adjust
the bracket to project the mounting bracket
beyond the obstruction. This will ensure that
the sheer fabric and vanes do not hit or rub
the obstruction. Brackets will adjust to project
the blind up to 1 3/4". |
 |
3.
Side Mount
Bolt an inside mount bracket to an extension
bracket as shown. |
 |
1.
Inside Mount
The back of the mounting bracket must be 1/8"
from any obstruction. Temporarily rotate mounting
clip to install second screw. When repositioning
the clip, make sure that the rivet used to
attach the clip is all the way to the back
of the slot.
2. Outside Mount
A
mounting surface of at least 1 3/4" is required
for an OB or wall mount. Assemble the mounting
bracket with the wing nut and bolt provided. |
 |
Rotate
the bolt and wing nut, if necessary, so that
the wing nut does not interfere with the mounting
clip. |
 |
Position
the top surface of the mounting bracket at
the desired height. Secure bracket to the
mounting surface with two screws. Make sure
that all brackets are aligned and level. If
mounting above a molding or other possible
obstructions, loosen the wing nut and adjust
the bracket to project the mounting bracket
beyond the obstruction. This will ensure that
the sheer fabric and vanes do not hit or rub
the obstruction. Brackets will adjust to project
the blind up to 1 3/4". |
 |
3.
Side Mount
Bolt an inside mount bracket to an extension
bracket as shown. |
 Insert
the front groove of the track into the front
of the mounting clip, then push the back of
the rail up to snap into the back of the mounting
clip.
|
| V
CORD TENSIONER INSTALLATION |
The
cord tensioning device is necessary for child safety
and for proper operation of the blind. The cord
may droop from the track if the tensioner is not
installed.
1)
Choose the best mounting location for the specific
installation. The tensioning device may be mounted
to the sill, to the jamb or to the wall.
 |
2)
Fully extend tensioning device. Lock into
extended position by rotating the post 45
degrees. |
| |
3)
Hold the cord tensioner at the desired mounting
position with the cord taut and the cord tensioning
device in extended position. Screw the tensioning
device to the mounting surface. If the specific
installation requires that the cord tensioning
device be placed in a position so that there
is not tension on the cord, the cord length
will need to be adjusted (see Cord Adjustment
on page 9).
|
 |
4)
Rotate and release cord tensioning post. |
| VI
CORD LENGTH ADJUSTMENT |
If
the cord droops from the track or if the cord is
not taut when the tensioning device is installed,
the cord length will need to be adjusted.
To
reduce cord length on Side Stack:
 1)
Operate the track so that the carriers are in the
stacked position.
2) Locate 1/2" cord tail in front of lead carrier.
 3)
Loosen adjusting screw, just enough to be able to
pull the cord. If loosened too much the other cord
may slip out of position.
4) Pull cord tail until the cord has the proper
tension.
5) Tighten adjusting screw. Make sure to tighten
enough to prevent the cords from slipping.
6) Cut excess cord.
To
reduce cord length on Split Stack:
 1)
Place the carriers in the closed position.
2) Locate cord tails in front of lead carrier on
the side of the track opposite the control.
3) Loosen adjusting screw, just enough to be able
to pull the cord. If loosened too much the other
cord may slip out of position.
 4)
Select a 1/2" cord tail and pull slightly. If any
carrier movement is observed stop. Select
the other cord. Caution - cutting wrong cord will
cause irreparable damage.
5) Pull the cord tail until the cord has the proper
tension.
6) Tighten the adjusting screw. Make sure to tighten
enough to prevent the cords from slipping.
7) Cut excess cord.
| VII "Do it Yourself" Option (DIY)
VANE ASSEMBLY |
If
Vanes have been pre-assembled skip to section VIII.
1) Work on a clean surface, long enough for the
full length of the blind.
2) Find the tube labeled "End Vanes." The end vanes
have special instructions for installation. Keep
them separate from the rest of the vanes in the
blind.
3) Start to unwrap the plastic until the bottoms
of the vanes are free. Roll the vanes out.
4) Remove the inserts from inside the tube and unroll.
 5)
Next, refold the inserts using the enclosed creasing
tool. Fold the top end of the insert (the punched
end with rounded corners) and feed into the slot
of the creasing tool.
6)
Holding the tool in one hand; pull the insert with
other hand completely through the tool.
 7)
Measure the angle of the insert fold against the
guide on the creasing tool. If the insert has a
smaller angle than minimum, spread the insert to
an acceptable angle by pushing along the inside
of the fold.
8)
Repeat steps 5, 6, & 7 for all the inserts in the
tube.
9)
Lay the vane on a flat surface.
 10)
Slide the slotted end of the plastic insert (rounded
corners) into the bottom of the pocket of the fabric
sleeve. The opening of the ĀV" needs to face the
sheer fabric.
11)
After the plastic insert is slid all the way in,
make sure the punched holes in the fabric sleeve
stiffener and the hole in the plastic insert match-up.
12)
Once the Vane Assembly is complete, put these end
vanes aside, and repeat the above steps 9 - 11 for
all rolled tubes of vanes.
Vane
Insert Removal
The Vane Inserts can only be removed when the full
Vane is unattached from the carriers (see Section
IX). Lay the full Vane on a flat surface. Gently
slide the plastic insert out from the bottom of
the fabric sleeve pocket.
| A.
Vane Color Facing Right |
INSTALL
VANES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, REGARDLESS OF CONTROL
POSITION OR WHETHER BLIND IS SIDE STACK OR SPLIT
STACK.
If
removal of the vanes are necessary during the installation
process see section IX for the proper removal procedure.
| 1.
Side Stack |
VANE
CONFIGURATION - Top View
To
avoid confusion:
Do not remove vanes tags until you are
ready to install |
|
Fabric
Sleeve & Sheer Carrier Attachment:
 |
1) Start vane installation at the carrier
furthest to the left. Remove the vane
with the ORANGE tag labeled "left vane"
from the box. Only attach the fabric sleeve
to the carrier. DO NOT ATTACH THE SHEER PORTION
OF THE VANE TO THE CARRIER AT THE END. |
 |
Attach
the fabric sleeve by sliding the stiffener
on the uncolored/ unfinished side of the fabric
sleeve, together with one side of the
plastic insert into the carrier. Make sure
that the holes in the stiffener and plastic
insert are both captured by the carrier hook. |
 |
Insert
the stiffener on the sheer portion of the
vane into the next carrier. |
 |
2)
Remove an intermediate vane from the box.
Attach the fabric sleeve by sliding the stiffener
on the uncolored/unfinished side of the fabric
sleeve, together with one side of the plastic
insert into the carrier with the sheer portion
from the previous vane. Attach all intermediate
vanes until the very right end is the last
to install. |
 |
3)
Remove the vane with the GRAY tag labeled
"right vane" from the box. Roll the sheer
portion around the fabric sleeve. Match the
stiffener at the top of the fabric sleeve
with the stiffener at the top of the sheer
and insert into the last carrier along with
the sheer from the previous vane. |
 |
Vane
to Sheer Bottom Attachment:
Match the pieces of Scotch-mate at the bottom
of each vane. There is one piece of Scotch-mate
at the bottom of each fabric sleeve, and sheer.
The sheer should be pulled taut to ensure
a smooth sheer face without wrinkles or dimples. The sheer should be taut but not stretched. The sheer on the LEFT and RIGHT vanes does
not extend all the way to the back of the
fabric sleeve. The Scotch-mate should be set
with the sheer approximately 1/2" from the
edge of the fabric sleeve. On all other vanes
the Scotch-mate should be set so that the
edge of the sheer is near the edge of the
fabric sleeve. The Scotch-mate pieces may
need to be offset in the vertical direction
(A) slightly to ensure a smooth sheer face.
Repeat
this step all the way across the width of
the blind at every vane until entire blind
looks smooth and even. Rotate vanes to the
closed position. Check to see that the vanes
consistently overlap each other without large
gaps. If gaps do occur readjust Scotch-mate
in the horizontal direction (B). |
| 2.
Split Stack |
 VANE
CONFIGURATION - Top View
To
avoid confusion:
Do not remove vanes tags until you are
ready to install |
|
Vane
& Sheer Carrier Attachment
Left Panel: Always start vane installation
at the carrier furthest to the left. Remove
the vane with the ORANGE tag labeled "left
vane" from the box. Attach fabric sleeve following
the procedure described in Step 1 of Side
Stack installation. Attach all intermediate vanes
following Step 2 of Side Stack installation,
until the very left end of the Left Panel is the
last one to install. Remove the vanes with the BLUE
tag labeled "center vane (left panel)" from
the box. Follow Step 3 of Side Stack Installation
for attachment procedures, except use the vane with
the blue tag.
 Right
Panel: Follow the same procedure as for
the Left Panel. The first vane will have a PINK
tag labeled "center vane (right panel)", the
last vane will have a GRAY tag labeled "right
vane". Note: that the "center (right panel)"
vane will install the same as an intermediate vane.
Fabric
Sleeve to Sheer Bottom Attachment:
Follow bottom attachment procedures for Side Stack
blinds.
| B.
Vane Color Facing Left |
INSTALL
VANES FROM RIGHT TO LEFT, REGARDLESS OF CONTROL
POSITION OR WHETHER BLIND IS SIDE STACK OR SPLIT
STACK.
If
removal of the vanes are necessary during the installation
process see section IX for the proper removal procedure.
| 1.
Side Stack |
VANE
CONFIGURATION - Top View
To
avoid confusion:
Do not remove vanes tags until you are
ready to install |
|
Fabric
Sleeve & Sheer Carrier Attachment:
 |
1) Always start vane installation at the carrier
furthest to the right. Remove the vane
with the RED tag labeled "right vane"
from the box. Only attach the fabric sleeve
to the carrier. DO NOT ATTACH THE SHEER PORTION
OF THE VANE TO THE CARRIER AT THE END. |
 |
Attach
the fabric sleeve by sliding the stiffener
on the uncolored/unfinished side of the fabric
sleeve, together with one side of the
plastic insert into the carrier. Make sure
that the holes in the stiffener and plastic
insert are both captured by the carrier hook. |
 |
Insert
the stiffener on the sheer portion of the
vane into the next carrier. |
 |
2)
Remove an intermediate vane from the box.
Attach the fabric sleeve by sliding the stiffener
on the uncolored/unfinished side of the fabric
sleeve, together with one side of the plastic
insert into the carrier with the sheer portion
from the previous vane. Attach all intermediate
vanes until the very left end is the last
to install. |
 |
3)
Remove the vane with the YELLOW tag labeled
"left vane" from the box. Roll the sheer
portion around the fabric sleeve. Match the
stiffener at the top of the fabric sleeve
with the stiffener at the top of the sheer
and insert into the last carrier along with
the sheer from the previous vane. |
 |
4) Vane to Sheer Bottom Attachment: Match
the pieces of Scotch-mate at the bottom of
each vane. There is one piece of Scotch-mate
at the bottom of each fabric sleeve, and sheer.
The sheer should be pulled taut to ensure
a smooth sheer face without wrinkles or dimples. The sheer should be taut but not stretched. The sheer on the RIGHT and LEFT vanes will
not go all the way to the back of the fabric
sleeve. The Scotch-mate should be set with
the sheer approximately 1/2" from the edge
of the fabric sleeve. On all other vanes the
Scotch-mate should be set so that the edge
of the sheer is near the edge of the fabric
sleeve. The Scotch-mate pieces may need to
be offset in the vertical direction (A) slightly
to ensure a smooth sheer face. Repeat this
step all the way across the width of the blind
at every vane until entire blind looks smooth
and even. Rotate vanes to the closed position.
Check to see that the vanes consistently overlap
each other without large gaps. If gaps do
occur readjust Scotch-mate in the horizontal
direction (B). |
| 2.
Split Stack |
VANE
CONFIGURATION - Top View
To
avoid confusion:
Do not remove vanes tags until you are
ready to install |
|
Vane
& Sheer Carrier Attachment
Right
Panel: Always start vane installation
at the carrier furthest to the right. Remove
the vane with the RED tag labeled "right vane"
from the box. Attach fabric sleeve following the
procedure described in Step 1 of Side Stack
installation. Attach all intermediate vanes following Step 2 of Side Stack installation, until
the very left end of the Right Panel is the last
one to install.
Remove
the vanes with the LAVENDER tag labeled "center
vane (right panel)" from the box. Follow Step
3 of Side Stack Installation for attachment
procedures, except use the vane with the lavender
tag.
| Left
Panel: Follow the same procedure as
for the Right Panel. The first vane will have
a GREEN tag labeled "center vane (left
panel)", the last vane will have a YELLOW
tag labeled "left vane". Note: that the
"center (left panel)" vane will install
the same as an intermediate vane. |
 |
| IX
REMOVAL OF VANES FROM CARRIERS - "LIFT&
PULL" |
(This
step is needed only if a vane needs to be repositioned
during install or for cleaning, or replacement)
1)
First, hold the 2-stiffeners (1 from the fabric
sleeve, 1 from the sheer), between your thumb
and pointer finger.
2) Slide the stiffeners straight-up (LIFT)
within the carrier to release the clip (fig.
2).
3)
Slide the stiffeners away from the carrier
or towards yourself (PULL) (fig. 3). Now the
hole in the stiffeners should be free from
the carrier.
4)
Slide the stiffeners straight down and out
of the carrier (REMOVE) (fig. 4)
|
 |
A.
VALANCE
Do
not remove protective film until installation is
complete. Install the track and vanes before attaching
the valance
 |
1.
Assembly
If valance comes with returns, snap the return
labeled Right onto the right end of
the valance. Snap the return labeled Left onto the left end of the valance. |
 |
2.
Installation
Hold valance in front of the Soft Sheer Vertical
and position where desired horizontally. The
back of the flat-top of the valance will be
inserted into the front of the bracket. Once
the valance is aligned properly insert the
edge into the bracket and press firmly until
the edge of the valance is all the way in. |
 |
B.
Wood Fascia
Install
the track before attaching the fascia.
Hold
the fascia in position. Press the Dual-Lock
pieces on the back of the Fascia to the Dual-Lock
on the track. |
The
sheer fabric may temporarily appear wrinkled upon
initial installation. Although we package the vanes
carefully, wrinkles sometimes occur during shipping.
The wrinkles will dissipate over a short period
of time. If you do not see an improvement after
24 hours, or the wrinkles are severe, you can steam
the sheer. When steaming, the head of the steamer
may come in contact with the sheer for up to 3 minutes.
All
parts of the Soft Sheer Vertical can be cleaned
with a feather duster or a standard vacuum. We recommend
doing either of the two regularly to keep your Soft
Sheer Vertical looking new.
Spills
and stains can be lightly blotted with a cloth or
damp sponge. More difficult stains may require gentle
washing in water with mild soap. For this, remove
the vanes from the carriers (see section IX), remove
the inserts from the vane pocket (see section VII)
and submerge, soak and rub lightly. Lay flat to
dry or place back in window.
To
iron or fully wash the vanes, remove the vanes from
the carriers (see section IX). Remove the plastic
inserts from the pocket of the fabric sleeves (see
section VII).
The
sheer fabric and the colored fabric sleeve can be
ironed if they become wrinkled. Remove the plastic
vane insert from the fabric sleeve pocket before
ironing the vane. Iron the sheer fabric and
the vane at level 2, or the "silk" setting
on a household iron.
Soft
Sheer Verticals can be ultrasonically cleaned.
Problem: Sheer is wrinkled.
Repair: Remove wrinkles by steaming the sheer
or by ironing. When steaming, the head of the steamer
may come in contact with the sheer for up to 3 minutes.
Iron the sheer at level 2 or the "silk" setting
on a household iron.
Problem: Sheer looks wavy when vanes are in the open position.
Cause: Scotch-mate at the bottom of the
vane is not set correctly.
Repair: Un-attach scotch-mate. Pull the sheer
taut, but not stretched and reattach scotch-mate. Do Not over stretch sheer.
Problem: When the vanes are closed, some vanes do not overlap
at the bottom of the blind.
Cause 1: The vane insert is not seated
fully in the carrier.
Repair 1: Make sure that the punch hole
in the vane insert is fully engaged in the carrier.
Cause 2: Scotch-mate at the bottom of the
vane is not set correctly.
Repair 2: Readjust Scotch-mate in the horizontal
position. See Fabric Sleeve to Sheer bottom attachment
of vane installation (Section VIII).
Problem: The bottoms of the vanes are not lining up.
Cause: The vane is not seated fully in
the carrier.
Repair: Make sure that the punch holes in
the vane and in the vane insert are fully engaged
in the carrier.
Problem: When the vanes are closed they slant.
Cause: The headrail is not level. 1. The
inside mount mounting surface may not be level.
2. Wing nuts are not allowing the headrail to
sit properly in the mounting clip. 3. Mounting
clips slid out of position during bracket installation.
Repair 1: Level mounting surface with shims.
Repair 2: Rotate bolt and wing nut so that
the wing nut does not interfere with the mounting
clip.
Repair 3: Slide mounting clip as far forward
as it will go in the bracket. The rivet used to
attach the clip should be at the back of the slot
in the clip.
Problem: Traverse cord is drooping from the track when
the vanes are stacked.
Cause: Traverse Cord is too long or Cord
Tensioner is not set correctly.
Repair: Move cord tensioner down to create
more tension or shorten traverse cord. See cord
adjustment section (Section VI) for instructions
on adjusting cord length.
|
|
|
Standard 2 7/8" Vane Fabric Inserted Valance (does not include sheer overlay).
