Fabric finishes are wet or dry treatments that complete a textile. Some finishes are applied wet, some dry, some are cold and some are heated treatments. Often a combination of methods is used to complete the finish. The average interior design fabric is treated with six finishes in order to be saleable.

The longevity of finishes varies and is categorized into durable and non-durable finishes. A finish that is classified as durable is one that will endure through successive wet or dry cleanings. A non-durable, or soluble finish, is one that will be removed through successive washing or dry cleanings. Standard, chemical or wet finishes augment the textile's durability or ability to perform in a given way. These finishes include antibacterial or antiseptic, anti-static, care-free, flame retardant, insulative, mothproof, soil, and water repellent finishes.

Antibacterial or antiseptic finishes are topically applied in the form of bacteriostats - chemicals that suppress mold and mildew and slow or prevent the rotting process. These finishes are important in healthcare settings.

Anti-static finishes primarily are for carpeting and wall or furniture upholstery. There are two ways anti-static properties can be applied: by adding chemical inhibitors to the manmade fiber viscose solution, or as a topical application after the carpet or fabric is completed. If added to the viscose, the anti-static finish will be durable. If applied topically then it is a soluble or non-durable finish. This finish is for personal comfort (to reduce shocks after walking across a carpet then touching the light switch, for example), and in office settings where computers or other delicate equipment would be protected against damage by reducing the potential static electricity.

Care-free finishes make a textile easier to care for. Bedding and other fabrics that are washed often and upholstery fabrics that receive much use can benefit from a wrinkle-resistant finish. Some wall and drapery fabrics and some upholstery textiles have a permanent wrinkle or pleated appearance. This effect may be accomplished by a permanent press finish. These are topical finishes that are heat-set or calendered into the fabric.

Flame retardant finishes inhibit the rate of ignition, slow flame spread and encourage a fabric to self-extinguish. They are topical applications that are heat-set into the textile and are required for many nonresidential settings in order to meet code. Because of flame retardant finishes, there are far more aesthetically beautiful textiles that may be used in nonresidential settings today than ever before. The durability of finishes may vary, as there are several levels of flame retardant finishes.

Insulative finishes typically are a foam material that is sprayed onto the backs of fabrics to insulate against temperature and noise. They are durable. Lamination or bonding is the process of joining two textiles through the application of heat, pressure, and sometimes adhesives. Vinyl upholstery and clear vinyl laminated fabrics are examples.

Mothproof finishes are topical finishes applied to wool or cellulosic fabrics that may be vulnerable to insect damage. Site location will be one factor in determining the need for mothproofing. The finish may be durable or non-durable.

Soil repellent finishes are available as either durable or non-durable. If the treatment is applied to the fabric when it is manufactured or when it's sent to a fabric finishing company, it is durable. Topical application from a spray can or in the back room of a furniture warehouse is non-durable. Soil repellent finishes hold dirt and oily stains on the surface of the textile for a time so they can be readily removed. It is important to blot the spill quickly, as the soil or spill can work its way into the fibers after a period of time. Soil repellent finishes are very useful in carpeting and upholstery and are desirable in draperies and fabric window shades.

Originally published in: New Cloth Market, August-2010