Surface Treatments & Finishes For Textiles (AQA GCSE Design & Technology): Revision Note
Exam code: 8552
Printing on textiles
Textile printing places patterns or images on the fabric surface
Screen, transfer, sublimation, block, rotary and digital methods may be used
Prints are normally dried or heat fixed
Printing adds decorative or functional graphics
Colourfastness and repeat alignment are checked
Worked Example
State one reason for applying printing to a product.
[1 mark]
Answer
Adds decorative or functional graphics. [1]
Dyes
Dyes colour fibres by penetrating and bonding with them
The fibre type determines the dye and fixing process
Fabric is dyed, rinsed and dried after controlled exposure
Produces colour throughout the fibres rather than only a surface layer
Stain protection
Stain protection applies a finish that reduces liquid and dirt absorption
The fabric is sprayed, padded or coated with a repellent treatment and then dried or cured
Makes furnishings and garments easier to clean, though environmental impact and durability must be considered
Examiner Tips and Tricks
In your revision don't forget about the preparation stage. The specification expects you to describe how the fabric is prepared as well as how the finish is applied. For textiles this typically means washing out the manufacturing "size" (a stiffening paste), scouring to remove grease, and pre-shrinking the fabric taut on a tenter or stenter frame before printing, dyeing or stain protection begins.
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