2.3.3 h finishes and surface decoration

Question 1

Special finishes are applied to textile fabrics to:

Answer 1

• prolong the fabric life
• enhance aesthetic qualities
• improve the functionality of the fabric.
  Special finishes are applied mechanically or
  physically, chemically or biologically.

Question 2

Felted fabrics

Answer 2

• Flame retardancy
  This finish prevents fabrics from burning or burning
  too quickly. Cellulosic fibres burn quickly, whilst
  synthetic fibres tend to melt. Fabric can be treated
  with the chemicals Proban® or Pyrovatex® which
  reduces their ability to ignite and burn.
• Moth proofing
  Wool is susceptible to attack from moths and their
  larvae who feed off the keratin found in wool fibre.
  This chemical finish repels the moths and their
  larvae. Mitin® and Dielmoth® are examples of moth
  proof finishes.
• Stain resistance
  This chemical finish prevents stains from
  permanently discolouring and spoiling fabrics.
  It allows for products to be used for longer.
  Scotchguard® and Teflon® are both stain resistant
  finishes.
  This finish also extends the aesthetic appeal of
  fabrics as they are not spoilt through staining.

Question 3

Finishes that enhance aesthetic qualities

Answer 3

• Colouring and surface decoration
  Colouring and surface decoration are physical
  finishes that change the appearance of a fabric.
  Fabrics can be dyed or printed including sublimation
  printing or painting.
• Calendaring/embossing
  Fabric is passed through heated rollers which
  smooth and flatten the fibres, giving it a more
  lustrous appearance. This mechanical finish is not
  permanent.
  Embossing is the same process as calendaring,
  but engraved rollers are used instead and leave
  an engraved design on the fabric. This is not
  a permanent finish, unless the fabric contains
  synthetic fibres which can be heat-set.
• Mercerising
  This is a chemical finish where the fibres or fabric
  are soaked in caustic soda which cause the fibres
  to swell and shrink, leaving a lustrous smooth fabric
  that is better at absorbing dye. This can only be
  applied to cellulosic fibres.
• Glazing
  Stiffeners or resins are added during this chemical
  process. It is similar to calendaring but is more
  permanent.
• Brushing
  Fabric is exposed to a series of wire brushes
  during this mechanical process which gently
  teases and raises the fibres, resulting in a fluffy soft
  appearance. Insulation is also improved.

Question 4

Finishes that improve functionality

Answer 4

• Water proofing
  Silicone sprayed onto fabric prevents water from
  penetrating through it, although it is not permanent.
  Applying a fluorochemical resin is more effective
  and makes the fabric wind resistant. Teflon and
  Scotchguard® are also water-repellent finishes.
  Coating fabrics with PVC, PVA or wax makes them
  moisture resistant.
• Shrink resistance
  Some fabrics shrink if not washed with care. In the
  case of wool, the scales on the fibres lock together
  which ‘shrinks’ the fabric. Wool can be treated
  with a chlorine-based chemical which prevents this
  from happening. Cotton can be compressed into
  its ‘shrunken’ size and then dried to avoid further
  shrinkage.
• Crease resistance
  Fabric is first passed through a liquid resin, then it is
  held flat and heated to cure the resin. This prevents
  the fabric from creasing and makes it easier to care
  for - limited or no ironing. It does, however, reduce
  the fabric’s ability to absorb moisture.
• Anti-static finish
  Some fabrics, particularly synthetic fabrics and
  silk, can give off an electrostatic charge triggered
  by friction. When this happens, fabrics cling to the
  body and some ‘crackling’ might occur. Applying
  a chemical-based product to the fabric stops this
  happening. It can also be used on nylon carpets.