How to Replace PVC Strip Curtain Strips — Complete Guide

How to Replace PVC Strip Curtain Strips

Individual strips wear out before the rail does — through UV exposure, forklift contact, chemical exposure, or simply age. The good news is you don't need to replace the entire curtain. Individual replacement strips are available by the metre in every grade and colour.

Signs a Strip Needs Replacing

• Cracking or crazing — especially at fold points (common in cold environments with wrong PVC grade)
• Discolouration or yellowing — UV degradation
• Tears, cuts, or holes — from forklift or pallet truck contact
• Stiffening — strip no longer returns to position after contact
• Chemical fogging or opacity — solvent or chemical attack

Step 1: Identify Your Strip Grade

Match the replacement to your existing strips. Check the original order or inspect the existing strips:

• Clear standard — general purpose, most common
• Polar/Freezer Grade — slightly milkier, remains flexible in cold areas
• Ribbed — horizontal ribbing visible on surface
• Frosted — semi-opaque, privacy application
• Solid colour — black, red, or white opaque strips
• Welding grade — dark green or red, slightly opaque

Step 2: Measure the Strip Length

Measure from the bottom of the hook-on plate (or where the strip exits the rail) down to where you want the strip to end — typically brushing the floor with 20–50mm overlap. Order strips at this length plus 50mm to allow for trimming.

Step 3: Order Replacement Strips by the Metre

All our strip materials are available by the metre in 200mm width. Order only what you need — there's no minimum quantity on most grades (some require a 2m or 10m minimum). Strips arrive as a continuous length which you cut to your required drop.

Step 4: Fit the Hook-On Plate

Each strip requires a hook-on plate at the top. If your existing plates are undamaged, transfer them to the new strip. If plates are damaged or missing, replacement hook-on plate sets are available in stainless and galvanised steel.

To attach a plate: fold the top of the strip around the plate (with the fold on the rail side), insert into the slot, and press firmly. Some plates use a bolt-through fixing — use an M8 bolt through the pre-punched hole at the top of the strip.

Step 5: Hang and Adjust

Slide the new plate and strip onto the rail. Position alongside adjacent strips, checking overlap matches the rest of the curtain. Trim the bottom if required for floor clearance.

How Long Do Replacement Strips Last?

Order replacement PVC strips by the metre →

Related Guides & Products

• Hook-On PVC Curtain Strips
• PVC Strip by the Metre