Textile Finishes

Aero/Airo Finish - A process using air to “thrash” the fabric until soft to the hand.

Anti Microbial Finish - This finish developed for the health care industry and provides protection from yeast, fungi and bacteria developing and settling into fabric. It also resists blood, urine and protein stains.

Chintz - A heat pressure using a resin finish to create a polished surface.

Curing - This process helps set pigments.

Deglazing - This process removes as much glazing as possible from a chintz fabric.

Emerize - A process using a cylinder covered with emery to even raised nap and enhance luster.

Enzyme Finish - Commonly applied to a ground cloth prior to dyeing, printing or finishing. This process is used to accelerate a chemical reaction.

Enzyme Wash - The use of a cellulose enzyme to produce a stone washed look without damaging fibers. This process also softens the hand of a treated fabric.

Flame Resistant Fabric - A fabric that has been treated and/or holds natural properties to self-extinguish when exposed to an ignition source. Prolonged exposure, will lead to charring, burning and ultimately ignition.

Flame Retardant - A chemical application designed to increase a fabric's resistance to flame spread. Although a treated fabric may char when exposed to an ignition source, it will be less likely to flame up and/or burn. Of course, no flame retardant will protect absolutely and its effectiveness diminishes commensurate to the duration and intensity of exposure to heat and flame. Two types of processes can be employed: water soluble and insoluble. Both compounds may affect the hand and sometimes the appearance of a fabric, however, they are unlikely to compromise its quality and durability. In many cases, FR can prolong the life of a fabric. A water insoluble compound is the desired specification for an installation expected to receive repeated cleaning. For those who intend to apply both FR and Nanotex, the FR must be applied first.

Flocking - The application of pulverized wool or felt to the reverse side of a fabric to create a black out lining.

GreenShield - GreenShield is a nano-particle-based innovation that reduces the health and environmental impact of stain resistant finishes by dramatically lowering the amount of fluorochemicals and selecting components that have a clear and established safety record. GreenShield is the only finish certified by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) as a Low Fluorocarbon treatment product. GreenShield is a multi-functional technology providing water and oil repellency and stain resistance in a single finish with greater efficiency than each function delivered separately.

Mildew Resistant - This provides a mildew inhibitor and fungicide for fabrics exposed to damp climates.

Moth Resistant - This aids in deterring moths from attacking and damaging fabric.

NanoTex - Nano-scale molecules are bound to fabric at the microscopic level, permanently introducing liquid and stain repellence and enhancing abrasion resistance while maintaining the natural hand, comfort and breathability of the fabric

Polyester Acrylic Binder - A face coating that prepares fabric to be painted upon.

Polyurethane Coating - A polyurethane coating is applied to the face of a fabric when additional protection is needed. It is particularly effective in protecting dark colors. It can also be applied to fabrics that for technical reasons cannot by vinylized

PreShrinking - A non-chemical method designed to minimize shrinkage. To prevent further shrinkage it is recommended that the fabric be dry cleaned rather than laundered. Not to be confused with pre-washing.

PreWashing - The process of washing a cloth to set dyes, reduce stiffness and soften the hand prior to offering for sale. Pre-washing does not necessarily result in pre-shrinking.

Stain Resistant - Several processes are available under this category. Some work better than others and all can ultimately break down with repeated washing and/or dry cleaning.

Teflon - A stain resistant, water repellent fluorocarbon finish trademarked by the DuPont Company. There are several stain resistant finishes known to perform similarly.

Vinyl Coating - Vinyl coating is available in both a matte and polished finish. Stains can be wiped clean with a clean cloth, mild detergent and water. Vinylizing provides long lasting protection. It does not make fabric weatherproof and should not be used outdoors or in areas of high humidity. When used for upholstery, it should only be used over firm cushions. To vinylize a fabric for the walls, one must have it paperbacked. Acrylic backing cannot be used at all because the chemicals will not work together correctly. Colors are subject to minor shade changes.

Water Repellent - Various chemical compounds are available to make it difficult for water to seep through the surface of a treated fabric. No woven fabric is completely impervious to water, and prolonged exposure can lead to a breakdown of the surface tension between a liquid and the treated fibers. There are varying degrees of repellency that can be specified depending on the fabric's use.