Continuous Pad Dyeing Basics for Cellulosic Blend Fabrics
Continuous pad dyeing of cellulosic blends requires precise wet pickup control, anti-migrant chemistry, and strict thermal limits to prevent shade listing.
Rubbing Fastness
Fabric Property
The resistance of dyed or printed textiles to color transfer when rubbed against another surface is a primary quality indicator for finished garments. The rubbing fastness of a fabric is tested under both dry and wet conditions using a standardized crockmeter. This test measures the stability of the dye-fiber bond and the presence of loose pigment on the surface.
Test Method
The testing procedure uses a calibrated crockmeter to rub a dry and a wet white cotton test cloth against the dyed fabric surface with a controlled force and number of cycles. After the test, the intensity of the stain on the test cloth is evaluated against a standard grey scale. In this evaluation, a rating of five represents no color transfer, while a rating of one indicates severe staining.
This procedure is repeated for both the warp and weft directions of the fabric to detect any structural variations.
Commercial Standard
Garment brands specify minimum ratings for this property to ensure that color does not transfer to the wearer’s skin or undergarments. For most apparel, a dry rubbing fastness of four and a wet rating of three are required. These requirements are stricter for dark shades because they contain higher concentrations of dye.
The test is a gateway for shipping authorization.
Finishing Impact
Chemical finishing treatments can alter the fabric surface and improve this property. Softeners and fixing agents are applied to the fabric to reduce surface friction and bind the loose pigment particles.