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Short answer
A finish is a treatment applied to fabric after it is made, to add a property such as stain resistance, water repellency, antibacterial activity or fire retardancy. Finishes can wear or wash off over time, unlike properties built into the fibre. Ask what each finish does, which test it was checked to, and how cleaning affects it.
How is a finish different from a built-in property?
| Property | Applied as a finish | Built into the fibre or yarn |
|---|---|---|
| Fire retardancy | Treated FR: can wash out | Inherently FR: lasts the life of the fabric |
| Colour | Piece-dyed or printed on the surface | Solution-dyed: colour through the fibre |
| Antibacterial | Applied finish | Agent added to the fibre |
| Water and stain resistance | Applied finish | Partly from a tight weave and polyester's low absorbency |
See Fire-Retardant Fabric and Outdoor Fabric: Solution-Dyed Acrylic.
What do the common finishes do?
| Finish | What it does | What it does not do |
|---|---|---|
| Stain-resistant or soil-release | Slows spills soaking in, so you can blot them; helps soil wash out | Make fabric stain-proof |
| Water-repellent | Makes water bead on the surface for a while | Make fabric waterproof |
| Antibacterial or antimicrobial | Reduces certain bacteria on the fabric, when tested to a standard | Replace cleaning, or protect people |
| Fire-retardant | Slows ignition and flame spread, when tested to a standard | Make fabric fireproof |
| Coatings, such as blackout foam | Block light and add body | Survive hot washing or ironing |
See Water-Repellent vs Waterproof Fabric and Blackout Coatings Explained.
How long do finishes last?
- Washing and cleaning gradually remove many finishes, faster with hot water, strong detergents and solvents.
- Rubbing and wear take finishes off the surface first on arms and seat fronts.
- Sun breaks down some finishes over time.
- Follow the care label; it is written to protect the finish as well as the fabric.
Watch out
Do not apply a home re-proofing spray to a fire-retardant or coated fabric without checking with the supplier. It can affect the existing treatment.
What should you ask a supplier about a finish?
- What exactly does the finish do, and on which side of the fabric?
- Which test standard was it checked to, and can you see the report for this fabric?
- How many washes or cleans does it last, according to the test?
- Which cleaning methods and products should be avoided?
See What Is Performance Fabric? for checking upholstery claims, and Hospital Cubicle Curtains for how antibacterial testing is reported.
Do you need a finish at all?
Often the fabric itself does most of the work. A tight weave, polyester's low absorbency and a mid-tone colour resist stains and wear without any treatment. A finish helps on top of that, but it never replaces regular vacuuming, prompt blotting and proper cleaning. See Sofa Stain Removal.
Frequently asked questions
Do fabric finishes wash out?
Many do, gradually. Inherent properties built into the fibre, such as inherent fire retardancy or solution-dyed colour, last longer.
Is stain-resistant fabric stain-proof?
No. It slows spills soaking in so you can blot them, but stains can still set if left.
Is antibacterial fabric self-cleaning?
No. It reduces certain bacteria on the fabric when tested to a standard, but it still needs regular cleaning.
What is the difference between treated and inherently fire-retardant fabric?
Treated fabric has a finish applied that can wash out; inherently FR fabric has the property in the fibre, so it lasts.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
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