The use of finishes 1.4

Advantages

* Some disadvantages of fabrics can be cancelled out by applying finishes
* Can improve performance and aethetic of a garment
* Improve easy-care performance

Disadvantages

* iIs an additional process and can cost extra money
* Some finishes are semi-permanent
* Application can effect health and well being of factory workers

Mechanical finishes

Modify a fabrics surface using dry processes

Brushing/ raising

* Hooks tease the end of individual fibres making them stand up, brushing is permanent and weakens fabric
* Gives fabric a nap (Hairy) appearance and improves fabrics ability to trap air
* Examples include brushed cotton nightwear and polyester fleece garments

Calendaring

* Fanric is rolled through rotating heat rollers, by rotating at different speeds it can create different degrees of lustre
* Moiré effect- a distinctive watermark pattern
* Produces a smooth and lustrous appearance, makes the fabric less penetrable by air and water
* Used for furnishing fabrics like cotton chintz

Embossing

* Pattern stamped into fabric, finish is permanent when heat set into thermoplastic fibres
* Creates raised, sunken textures and patterns
* Thermoplastic fabrics, polyester, polyamide

Heat-setting

* Fabric stretched to correct dimensions and heat chamber sets the fabric in place, after being set the fabric retains its shape and size
* Stops fabric shrinkage and creasing
* Thermoplastic fabrics, polyester, and blend containing at least 60% polyester

Stone and sand washing

* Garments and lengths of fabric are placed in industrial washing machines with stones and sand, stones and sand buff the fabric, permanent finish that can weaken fabric
* Adds worn, aged appearance
* Denim for jeans or interior products

Chemical finishes

Improved the functionality of fabrics by modifying a fibre’s structure or fabric’s surface, involves wet processes involving chemicals, heat and occasionally water

Flame retardancy

* Chemicals like Proban or Purovatex modify fibres
* Flame-retardency finishes make fabric stiffer and reduce strength
* Cotton, lined, viscose, rayon

Water resistance

* Two finishes Scotchgard and Teflon
* Scotchgard is silicone based
* Teflon PTFE-based and does not affect the breathability or handle of fabrics
* All fabrics

Crease resistance

* Synthetic, resin-based chemicals are used to modify the fibres
* Treated fabric is stretched in a heat chamber
* Cotton, linen, viscose

Shrink resistance

* Synthetic, resin-based chemicals are used to modify the fibres
* Cotton, linen, viscose

Moth proofing

* Impregnating the wool fibres with Mitin or Dielmoth makes the wool fibres inedible to moths
* Wool

Anti-pilling

* Polymers or solvents can bind fibres into the surface of a fabric to prevent them from becoming loose
* Biopolishing removes protruding fibres from a fabrics surface
* Wool,cotton,viscose,blended fibre fabrics

Hygienic

* Anti-microbial chemicals are added directly into the spinning process or to the surface of the fabric
* Anti-bacterial finishes are useful for sensitive skin and allergies
* Cotton fabrics can be treated with odour-reducing finishes
* Synthetics, regenerated fibres, fibre fabrics

Mercerisation

* Chemical treatment makes cotton shinier, stronger and more absorbent
* Caustic soda chemicals cause the fibres to swell and become smoother and more rounded.
* Cotton

Anti-felting

* Teflon coating can be applied to the surface of the fabric
* Synthetic polymers can be used to coat the surface of fibres, making them smoother so they can lock together easily.
* Wool, cashmere, angora, mohair