You must have a different one over there. Here it is noticibly different one side shiny the other like batting.

the side with the silvery flecks is the side that should be put toward the hot object-----------ie the top.

The info that comes with the insulbrite says to put the silvery side toward the hot!------------ie toward the top.

Did your store not give you the info strip?

Well as usual, I did not read the directions. Thank goodness for this board AND thank goodness I finally found out how to navigate it as well!!!

I just checked the internet and found out there is no wrong or right side does not make any difference

I just bought 3 yards of it and you can see the shiney on both sides fairly easy, well not effort really.

I'm glad you asked this question as I didn't know there was a difference. Like I tell my friends, I learn something new here just about every day.

Thanks for all the answers!

thank you for the info Jacquie. I had wondered but just used it however. Hope it worked.

The "shiny" side of Insulbrite is the side with the mylar coating. Here's a picture of both sides. You can see that the mylar coating side is rolled into the bolt.

We sell quite a bit of Insulbrite and with each sale we include the following advisory, which is taken from the manufacturer:

Important Notes: When using in table runners or placemats, put the
silver side up. When using for potholders or oven mitts, put the silver
side toward the heat, and use an extra layer of cotton batting such as
Warm n’ Natural under the Insulbrite to provide additional protection
to hand or table. Insul-brite is heat-resistant, not heat-proof!
When machine quilting with Insul-Brite, your needles may wear more
quickly and may break. To prevent this from happening, quilt
SLOWER than usual and have spare needles available! Do NOT use in the microwave!

http://www.sierranevadaquilters.com/pics/insulbrite.jpg