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Finishes: definition and classification sheet
10-mark answer frame

Define finishing. Explain the purposes and classification of finishes.

How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.

  1. 1 · Open in two lines. A finish is any mechanical or chemical treatment given to fabric (or fibre or yarn) to improve its appearance, hand or performance. Unfinished cloth is called grey goods.
  2. 2 · Purposes.
    • Clean and whiten.
    • Improve lustre, smoothness, softness or body.
    • Control shrinkage and wrinkling.
    • Add special functions; increase saleability.
  3. 3 · Draw a classification chart. [Chart: Finishes → by permanence (permanent, durable, semi-durable, temporary), by method (mechanical, chemical), by purpose (general, aesthetic, functional)]
  4. 4 · By permanence. Permanent (mercerizing), durable (resin finishes), semi-durable (some glazes), temporary (starching).
  5. 5 · By method. Mechanical: tentering, calendering, napping, sanforizing. Chemical: scouring, bleaching, mercerizing, sizing.
  6. 6 · By purpose. General: scouring, bleaching, tentering. Aesthetic: calendering, napping, sizing. Functional: sanforizing, mercerizing, water- and flame-resistant finishes.
  7. 7 · Daily-life link. Choose permanent finishes (Sanforized, mercerized) for hospital and kitchen textiles; starch is only temporary.
  8. 8 · Close in one line. Finishing turns grey goods into useful, attractive, easy-care fabrics.

Scoring tip: One chart with three branches and two examples under each class carries most of the marks.