Finishes of Fabric

Sejal Machhale
INTRODUCTION
TO FABRIC
FINISHES
Fabric finishes are processes applied to
textiles to enhance their performance,
appearance, and usability. These
treatments can be mechanical, thermal,
or chemical in nature. Finishes modify
properties such as feel, color, strength,
water resistance, and wrinkle recovery,
among others. They are crucial in the
textile industry for producing fabrics that
meet specific consumer needs and
market demands.
 METHODS
OF
APPLICATION

Several techniques are used to apply chemical finishes to fabrics. The most common method
is padding, where the fabric is immersed in a solution and then squeezed to remove excess.
Other techniques include spraying, printing, foam application, and vapor deposition. Some
finishes are even added to the spinning bath before man-made fibers are formed. Proper
wetting and uniform distribution of the finish is essential for effectiveness.
 Aesthetic &
Comfort
Finishes
These finishes enhance the visual appeal and comfort of textiles.
Optical finishes brighten or dull the fabric's appearance without
altering its color. Delustering reduces the sheen of synthetic fibers by
altering their surface or adding light-scattering agents like titanium
dioxide. Fluorescent brighteners are colorless dyes that absorb UV
light and emit blue light to mask yellow tones, giving a brighter
appearance.
Bleaches
Bleaches remove color centers to brighten
fabrics and are categorized into oxidizing and
reducing agents. Chlorine bleaches like
sodium hypochlorite are strong but can
damage fibers and dyes. Oxygen bleaches
such as hydrogen peroxide are gentler and
preferred for delicate fibers like wool.
Reducing bleaches like sodium dithionate are
used to strip dyes from fabrics. The choice of
bleach affects both the appearance and
integrity of the fabric.
Hydrophilic & Soil
Release Finishes
These finishes improve a fabric’s ability to
absorb water and release soil during washing.
Common in synthetic textiles like polyester,
hydrophilic finishes use surface-active agents
and hydrophilic polymers to enhance moisture
transport. Though they improve absorbency,
they cannot fully mimic the natural absorbency
of fibers like cotton and wool. These finishes
also aid in maintaining hygiene and cleanliness
of garments.
Softeners &
Abrasion
Resistance
Softening finishes improve the texture and
comfort of fabrics by making them more pliable
and less harsh. They also reduce static and
friction between fibers, enhancing durability.
Examples include emulsions of oils, waxes, and
polymers like silicones or polyacrylates. These
agents form a lubricating layer on the fabric’s
surface, making garments more comfortable
and extending their lifespan through better
abrasion resistance.
Stiffening &
Weighting
Agents
These finishes alter the hand and weight of fabrics. Temporary stiffeners include starches and
gums that wash out easily, while permanent agents use synthetic resins or emulsions.
Weighting agents, such as metal salts like stannic chloride, are particularly used in silk to
enhance drape and body. However, excessive use of metal salts can cause brittleness and
reduce the life of the fabric due to photochemical degradation.
 Laminating“Their testimonial after

Agents purchasing and using

Laminating involves bonding two layers of textiles to form a composite with enhanced properties such as insulation,
water resistance, or strength. Adhesives like acrylics, polyurethanes, and hot melt polymers are commonly used.
These adhesives must withstand mechanical stress and laundering. Some contain reactive groups that form covalent
bonds with fabric fibers for added durability, making them suitable for performance and protective wear.
Crease Resistant &
Stabilizing Finishes

These finishes improve the wrinkle recovery of textiles, especially cellulosic fibers like
cotton and rayon. They work by cross-linking cellulose molecules using agents such as urea-
formaldehyde and melamine resins. Wool requires special treatment due to its complex
structure, often involving reduction of disulfide bonds and resetting with functional reagents.
Thermoplastics like polyester are heat-set for crease resistance. These finishes also
improve dimensional stability and reduce yarn slippage.
Summary

Fabric finishes are critical in modern textile manufacturing, influencing both functionality and
aesthetics. From improving absorbency and softness to providing crease resistance and
enhancing appearance, finishes play a vital role. A deep understanding of chemical and
physical treatments helps in developing textiles that are not only fashionable but also
durable and functional. The choice of finish must align with the end-use and performance
expectations of the textile product.