The coated textiles have been widely used in sectors like outdoor equipment, workwear, everyday clothing, and so on because of their good water resistance, good mold resistance, and other good performances. The market research shows that in 2021, the global market of coated textiles reached about 199.767 billion US dollars, and its CAGR has remained at 5.1%. It is expected to continue to rise until 2031. On the one hand, this growth trend
However, the popular application of coated textiles brought unprecedented challenges to the laundry industry. Complicated types of coating and different washing tolerance have been a professional project that laundry shops must face. Improper treatment may easily cause the coating to peel, harden, or bubble. This directly affects the service life and appearance of the clothes. As a result, correctly identifying the coating and matching scientific washing solutions are the core links that laundry shops use to improve the service quality.
Current Condition of Coated Textile Market
The fast development of the coated textile market is pushed by two major factors. On the one hand, the population of outdoor activities brings the requirements of functional clothes. The activities of hiking, camping, and mountain climbing improve breathability. On the other hand, the professional development of the attire market also pushes the requirements of the functional coating. From the establishment to the medical industry, from construction sites to the medical industry, from transportation to emergency rescue. Different industries have refined requirements for the uniforms’ performance.
In addition, the integration of modern industry and functions has also made a new market for coated textiles. Designers have introduced coated fabrics, which traditionally focused only on functionality, into the field of everyday fashion. They created products that are both beautiful and practical, further expanding the application scope of coated fabrics.
Mainstream Coatings
- Rubber-plastic coatings
They have excellent rainproof performance but are completely impermeable to air. They are mainly used in products such as raincoats, tents, and luggage, and are rarely applied to daily wear. With a relatively thick texture, these coatings are easy to identify. During cleaning, dry cleaning and stain removal with organic solvents should be strictly avoided. Only professional water washing is allowed.
Improper cleaning may make the coating brittle and crack. This seriously affects its service life.
- PVC coating (polyvinyl chloride coating)
It is completely impermeable to water and air. Its base fabric is mostly synthetic fiber, so it will not shrink. This type of coating can be washed with water, but dry cleaning with tetrachloroethylene must be avoided. Otherwise, the coating will harden and crack.
Identifying PVC coating is simple: it is difficult to twist when folded. A typical example of PVC coating on the market is the PVC-coated polyester pongee.
If brittleness, cracking, or blistering occurs after dry cleaning, you can repair it with artificial leather softener, but the performance after repair will be a little reduced.
- PE coating (polyethylene coating)
It has poor air permeability. Its base fabric is usually a synthetic fiber, and only water washing is allowed. Dry cleaning will cause the coating to peel, blister, and fall off. Even after repair, the clothes will lose their original stiffness and harm their appearance and functionality.
- PU coating (polyurethane coating)
It is one of the most widely used coating types currently, including full PU, semi-PU, water-based, and other variants.
With good waterproof and breathable performance, PU coating can withstand four to five dry cleaning cycles with tetrachloroethylene. It is widely applied in down jackets, sportswear, industrial workwear, and other products.
However, the coating may still harden after multiple dry cleanings, so the dry cleaning frequency must be controlled, and people can alternate it with professional water washing.
- PA coating (polyacrylate coating)
It is divided into solvent-based and water-based types.
Solvent-based PA coating: water resistance and water pressure resistance
Water-based variant (also known as AC glue coating): not resistant to high temperatures or intensive washing. It tends to melt and peel off, so it needs strict control of water washing conditions.
- PVAL coating (polyvinyl alcohol coating)
It has high water solubility and easily dissolves, becomes sticky, blister, and wrinkle during water washing, so it is almost unwashable and is one of the coating types with the poorest laundry compatibility.
Laundries must be extremely cautious to clearly inform customers of the washing risks when accepting such clothes.
Professional Equipment Support for Coated Textiles Washing
Most coating fabrics choose water washing first, but they need professional equipment to ensure the washing quality. Modern professional washing machines’ multi-stage water level adjustment, gentle rotation mode, and precise temperature control can effectively prevent the coating from being damaged during washing. It ensures the stability of the coating and the shape of the fabric.
- Take the Kingstar washing machineSHS-2025P as an example, its unique “coating care” programs can ensure safe washing by the following technologies:
Precisely control the water temperature below 30 degrees Celsius to avoid the high temperature from harming the coating.
Use short-time and low-spinning dehydration programs to reduce the damage to coatings caused by mechanical forces.
These professional functions help protect the service life of the coated textiles.
In addition, professional drying equipment is also needed in coating care. Some pieces of high-end equipment are also equipped with professional coated textiles care programs to reduce washing risks.
Identification and Test Detection Methods
Since the washing performance of some coated fabrics is difficult to judge from the surface, laundries need to establish a test and inspection process for unknown coatings. Common testing methods: visual inspection, hand feel touch test, bending test, small-scale solvent test…
It is recommended that laundries establish a coating sample library to collect various common coating samples for employees to learn identification. Meanwhile, for clothes with uncertain coatings, people can do a small-scale test in an inconspicuous area (such as the inner seam) and observe the coating’s reaction to the washing solvent before making the overall cleaning plan.
For high-value clothes, professional testing methods such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis can be used. This helps accurately determine the chemical composition and provides a scientific basis for choosing washing method.
Conclusion
The rapid development of the coated fabric market is a challenge and a chance. Only by adapting to this trend and improving service levels through professionalization, standardization, and technological advancement can laundries stand out in the fierce market competition.
