15 Types of Fabric Coatings
Coated fabrics undergo a specialized process that forms a uniform layer of adhesive material on the surface. This process endows the fabric with functions such as waterproofing, wind resistance, and breathability.
1. PA Coating
PA coating, short for Polyacrylate, refers to a type of fabric coating made with polyacrylic adhesives. It is also known as AC coating or acrylic coating. This is the most common and widely used type of coating. After application, it enhances the fabric’s texture, adds wind resistance, and provides a draping effect. PA coatings are frequently applied for purposes such as down-proofing, texture improvement, and color or sand fixing. Variants include acrylic and solvent-based acrylic coatings, which are suitable for high water-pressure resistance applications and are slightly more expensive than standard AC coatings.
Advantages:
Good resistance to sunlight and weathering: It resists yellowing effectively.
High transparency and compatibility: Ideal for producing colored coated fabrics.
Excellent washability: Maintains durability through multiple washes.
Strong adhesion: Ensures the coating firmly adheres to the fabric.
Cost-effective: It is relatively inexpensive.
Disadvantages:
Poor elasticity: The coating is prone to creasing.
Low surface smoothness: May lack a polished finish.
Difficult to adjust feel: Achieving the desired texture can be challenging.
2. PU Coating
PU was first synthesized in Germany in the 1970s. In the 1950s, PU began to appear in Europe as a textile finishing agent, primarily in solvent-based products for dry coating finishes. In the 1960s, with the rise of environmental awareness and new environmental regulations, water-based PU coatings were introduced. These quickly gained traction in the 1970s and have since become widely used in textile applications. By the 1980s, significant advancements were made in PU research and application technologies. Compared to global trends, China’s research on PU textile finishing agents began relatively late. Today, polyurethane coatings are among the most actively developed types of coatings.
Advantages:
Soft and elastic coating: Provides a smooth and flexible finish.
High coating strength: Suitable for creating very thin layers.
Porous structure: Allows for breathability and moisture permeability.
Durable: Resistant to wear, moisture, and dry cleaning.
Disadvantages:
High cost: More expensive compared to other coatings.
Poor weather resistance: Prone to degradation under adverse conditions.
Hydrolysis issues: Susceptible to breakdown when exposed to water, heat, or alkalis.
3. Down-Proof Coating
This coating is designed to prevent feathers and down from escaping through the fabric, making it ideal for down jacket materials. Nowadays, any PA coating with water pressure resistance is also referred to as a down-proof coating.
4. PA White Coating
A type of down-proof coating that prevents down leakage, suitable for down jacket materials. Similar to the general down-proof coating, PA white coatings are commonly applied where water pressure resistance is required.
5. PU White Coating
This involves applying a layer of white polyurethane resin to the fabric’s surface. Its primary function is similar to that of PA white coating, but PU white coating offers a fuller texture, greater elasticity, and better durability.
6. PA Silver Coating
This coating involves applying a layer of silver-white adhesive to the fabric surface, granting it light-blocking and anti-radiation properties. It is commonly used in curtains, tents, and garments.
7. PU Silver Coating
While its primary functions are the same as those of PA silver coating, PU silver-coated fabrics exhibit better elasticity and durability. They are more suitable for high-water-pressure applications like tents, outperforming PA silver coatings in such cases.
8. Pearl Coating
This coating gives the fabric a pearl-like luster, available in silver and various colors. Fabrics with pearl coatings are visually stunning and ideal for apparel. Both PA pearl and PU pearl coatings exist, with PU pearl coating offering a smoother, shinier finish and a stronger film-like texture. It is often praised as having a “pearl leather-like film” effect.
9. Glossy Oil Coating
This coating creates a smooth, glossy surface, making it ideal for everyday household use, such as tablecloths and placemats.
10. Silicone High-Elastic Coating
Also known as paper-feel coating, this is suitable for lightweight cotton fabrics, such as shirt materials. It provides a full, crisp texture, high elasticity, and excellent rebound properties, along with strong wrinkle resistance. For heavier fabrics, it enhances elasticity and durability.
11. Leather-Like Coating
By applying a coating and pressing the fabric surface, this creates a leather-like film, completely transforming the fabric’s style. The coated surface typically serves as the garment’s exterior, mimicking the look of leather. It comes in matte and glossy finishes and can include various colors to produce vibrant, leather-like films with an appealing aesthetic.
12. Flame-Retardant Coating
This treatment involves padding or coating the fabric to impart flame-retardant properties. The surface can also be finished in colors or silver. Common applications include curtains, tents, and garments.
13. Teflon Triple Protection
Using DuPont Teflon treatment, this coating provides fabrics with water-repellent, oil-resistant, and stain-proof properties.
14. UV-Resistant Coating
This treatment gives fabrics the ability to block ultraviolet rays, preventing UV penetration. Light-colored fabrics are more challenging to treat effectively, while darker colors are easier to meet the standard. Examples include fabrics used for sun umbrellas and sun-protective clothing.
15. Specialized Cotton Coatings
This category includes various coatings such as color-scraping coatings, paper-feel coatings, vintage wash coatings, hidden-pattern coatings, oil-wax coatings, and colorful leather-like coatings, each offering unique aesthetic and functional qualities.