T-Shirt Forums - View Single Post - Any one know of a list of the different types of washes and finishes (enz,miner,etc.)

highstyleinc · April 10th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by highstyleinc


	The three main washes for t-shirts are enzyme, sand, and garment wash. There are several others as well, but these washes below are mainly for t-shirts to soften. Enzyme wash- to soften and create a "worn" look and feel. Silimar to sand wash but less expensive. Sand wash- the abrasion of the sand removes a layer from the print to give it a softer feel. Also removes some of the color for the shirt. Garment washing- This is a finishing process used by manufactueres to control skrinkage. Also softens overal product, but not like sand and enzyme washing. Silicone washing- similar to enzyme washing. Some other terms used in finishing t-shirt productions: Combed (or semi-combed)- A process for removing all short fibers and impurities from cotton that has been carded. Combed yarn is superior to carded yarn in that it is more compact and has fewer projecting fibers. The finest cottons are made from combed yarns. (My favorite. I use 100% combed cotton for my production runs unless client asks for something else.) Brushed- A finishing process for knit or woven fabrics in which brushes or other abrasive devices are used to raise a nap on fabrics or create a novelty surface texture. (Used a lot with baby clothing, or the inside of sweat pants to get that extra soft feel) Mercenizing- (Used for high quality polos mainly-expensive) A finishing process used extensively on cotton yarn and cloth consisting essentially of impregnating the material with a cold, strong, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) solution. The treatment increases the strength and affinity for dyes and if done under tension the lustre is greatly increased. This is not a complete list, so if anyone wants to add to it, please feel free.

Just wanted to add:

Rain Wash- For a "vintage" look. Another chemical wash.