Waterproof finishing and water repellent finishing

Waterproof finishing and water repellent finishing

1. Waterproof finishing

A waterproof, water-insoluble continuous film is applied to the surface of the fabric. This finishing method is called waterproof finishing. The fabric after finishing is generally used to make outdoor products such as tents, raincoats, and transport cover fabrics. It is generally not suitable for making fabrics. Finishing usually uses a coating (such as a rubber coating) to achieve this waterproof effect.

2, water repellent finishing

Unlike waterproof finishing, it does not change the original comfort and appearance of the fabric. After finishing, the fabric is waterproof and breathable. It is suitable for making garment fabrics such as windbreakers and certain sportswear.

In daily life, we usually do not strictly distinguish between the two sorts of finishing concepts. Generally speaking, the waterproof finishing of textiles (garment fabrics) often refers to water repellent finishing.

Water repellent finishing can be divided into two categories, durability and durability. Some printing and dyeing factories say that "super-waterproof finishing" is actually the durability of water repellent finishing; and general waterproof finishing refers to the durability is not good enough water repellent finishing, after washing the water repellent effect is narrow and quickly deteriorated. Finished printing and dyeing products after durability and water repellent finishing are tested according to AATCC 22-2005 standard. After 30 times of washing, the watering test can still be rated as 80 points or more. Cotton, polyester-cotton blended and hemp-like fabrics after this sort of finishing can meet the requirements of this standard.

The early water repellent finishes were many in variety and have different effects, because the durability is poor or not environmentally friendly. Nowadays, water repellent finishes used on fabrics for printing and dyeing factories are generally silicone-based chemicals. The catalyst component can then chemically react with the fiber's radicals and fix it on the fabric, resulting in better durability and good handling of the finished fabric.