As a textile professional, do you know all these 15 coating types?

Coated fabric is a type of fabric treated with a special process. It forms a uniform layer of coating compound on the fabric surface to achieve functions such as waterproofing, windproofing, and breathability.

Coating, also known as rubber coating, includes acrylic coating, which is the most common type of coating.

As a professional in the apparel and textile industry, you must know these 15 coatings. How many do you know?

PA coating (Polyacrylate, also called AC coating / acrylic coating) is the most widely used coating at present. After coating, it improves handfeel, provides windproofness and drape.

Commonly used for down-proofing, handfeel adjustment, color fixation, and sand fixation.

Acrylic and solvent-based acrylic coatings are suitable for water-pressure-resistant coatings and are slightly more expensive than AC coatings.

Advantages:

a. Good light and weather resistance, not easy to yellow;

b. Good transparency and compatibility, suitable for colored coated products;

c. Good wash resistance;

d. Strong adhesion;

e. Low cost.

Disadvantages:

a. Poor elasticity, easy to wrinkle;

b. Poor surface smoothness;

c. Difficult to adjust handfeel properly.

PU coating (Polyurethane) gives fabrics a full, elastic handfeel and a film-like surface.

PU is a polymer containing -NHCOO- units formed by the reaction of isocyanate and hydroxyl groups.

First synthesized in Germany in the 1970s, PU appeared as a textile finishing agent in Europe around 1950, mostly solvent-based for dry coating.

In the 1960s, water-based PU coatings emerged due to environmental regulations.

Since the 1980s, breakthroughs have been made in PU research and application.

Advantages:

a. Soft and elastic coating;

b. High coating strength, suitable for ultra-thin coatings;

c. Porous structure, good moisture permeability and breathability;

d. Wear-resistant, wet-resistant, dry-clean resistant.

Disadvantages:

a. High cost;

b. Poor weather resistance;

c. Hydrolyzes in water, heat or alkaline environments.

PU coatings are classified as:

Polyester-based PU, Polyether-based PU, Aromatic isocyanate-based PU, Aliphatic isocyanate-based PU.

By medium: solvent-based and water-based.

Prevents down from escaping, ideal for down jacket fabrics.

PA coatings with water pressure requirements are also called down-proof coatings.

White acrylic coating, mainly used for down-proofing and white opaque effects on fabrics.

White polyurethane coating. Similar to PA white coating, but with fuller handfeel, better elasticity and fastness.

 

Silver-white coating on fabric surface, providing shading and anti-radiation functions.

Widely used in curtains, tents and garments.

Similar to PA silver coating, but with better elasticity and fastness.

Preferred for high water-pressure applications such as tents.

Creates a pearl-like luster on the fabric surface, available in silver and colors.

Divided into PA pearl and PU pearl. PU pearl is smoother, brighter, with better film effect, known as “pearl skin film”.

Provides a smooth, glossy surface. Commonly used for tablecloths.

Ideal for thin cotton shirting fabrics: full handfeel, crisp, elastic, wrinkle-resistant with high resilience.

For thick fabrics: excellent elasticity and fastness.

Calendering and coating form a leather-like film, completely changing fabric style.

Used as the face of garments for a leather look. Available in matte and glossy, and can be colored.

 

Imparts flame-retardant properties via padding or coating. Can be colored or silver-coated.

Used for curtains, tents, garments, etc.

DuPont Teflon treatment provides waterproof, oil-proof and stain-proof functions.

 

Blocks ultraviolet radiation.

Easier to achieve on dark fabrics; harder on light colors.

Used in sun umbrellas, sun-protective clothing.

Including: cotton pigment coating, paper-like coating, vintage-wash coating, embossed coating, oil-wax feeling coating, colored skin film coating, etc.