Fabric+Finishes

=What is a Fabric Finish?= A fabric finish is applied to a fabric once it has been made to improve its appearence, feel or other properties. The main types are:
 * Physical
 * Chemical
 * Biological
 * Coated

Why are fabric finishes used?
Fabric Finishes are used to improve the fabric in some way. This could be:
 * improve the appearence - colour, pattern or sheen.
 * change the texture of the fabric - embossing, brushing or smoothing
 * improve the feel - softer, crisper, firmer.
 * improve the drape (how the fabric hangs) - weighted
 * improve wearing qualities - crease resistance, stain resistance, flammability, waterproof etc.
 * modify care requirements - easy wash, quicker drying times, colourfast, less shrinkage.

Fabric Finishes you should know: =Mechanical Finishes=


 * ** Name of Finish ** || ** Fabrics used on ** || ** Method, result ** || ** Disadvantages ** || **Products applied to.** ||
 * **Brushing** || Cotton, wool, nylon, polyester || Fabric passed through wire rollers which brush the fabric to leave it soft and fluffy. || Fabric is weakened, fabric becomes more flammable. || Fleece, nightwear, bedding. ||
 * ** Calendering ** || Cotton || Heated rollers press the surface of the fabric to compact it giving it a shine. || Fabric needs dry cleaning to keep the finish, not a permanent finish. || Furnishing fabric such as Chintz. ||
 * Embossing ||  || Engraved rollers press a relief pattern into the fabric ||   || Dress fabric, furnishing fabrics ||
 * Shrinkage ||  || Fabric is steamed and placed over a vibrating conveyor belt. Reduces the chances of shrinking later on. ||   ||   ||

=Chemical Finishes=

Home
 * **Name of Finish** || ** Fabrics used on ** || ** Method, result ** || ** Disadvantages ** || ** Products applied to. ** ||
 * **Mercerising** || Cotton || A sodium hydroxide solution is added to fibres whilst they are stretched. This makes the cotton stronger, smoother and shinier. This is a permanent change. || Adds cost to the fabric or yarn mercerised. || Sewing thread, dress fabrics and furnishing fabric. ||
 * **Flame Proofing** || Cotton, linen, rayon || Chemicals are applied to the yarn or fabric to slow down or prevent burning. || Stiffens fabric, needs to be washed carefully. || Furnishing fabric. ||
 * ** Water Proofing ** || All fabrics || Silicon based chemicals are sprayed onto fabric to give it a waterproof finish. This is renewable || Wears off. || Outdoor products such as tents, jackets ||
 * ** Stain Resistance ** || All fabrics || A silicon based finish is applied to fabric to stop the absorption of water or dirt. Scotchgard || Often have to pay extra for it to be applied. || Carpets, furniture, shoes. ||
 * ** Easy Care ** || Cotton, viscose, linen || Chemicals added to fabric to make it easier to wash and iron, make it crease resistant and stop shrinking. || Eventually washes out. || Clothing ||
 * ** Anti Static ** || Synthetic fibres, acetate, silk || Chemicals applied to the fabric to stop it clinging and attracting dust. || Eventually washes out. || Carpets and lingerie ||
 * ** Anti Felting ** || Wool || A treatment softens the wool scales to stop them pilling (small balls of fibres) || - || Clothing ||
 * **Moth Proofing** || Wool || Chemicals applied to the fabric make them inedible to moths. || Eventually washes out. || Blankets, clothing ||