Industry

Polyester Fabric Dyeing & Finishing

Challenge

A polyester dyeing customer was facing recurring rubbing fastness issues on dark and medium shades.

Even though the shades matched customer requirements, the fabric exhibited undesirable colour transfer during rubbing tests, creating concerns regarding product quality and customer acceptance.

Although the mill wanted to improve rubbing fastness, however they had several operational constraints:

• No modification to the existing dyeing process
• No additional machine cycle
• No separate finishing treatment
• No adverse effect on fabric handle
• Compatibility with the silicone softener already being used in finishing

Ultimately, the customer required a practical solution that could be implemented without increasing production complexity.

Starco’s Approach

After evaluating the customer’s process, Starco recommended Starcotex RFC, a specialised rubbing fastness improving agent designed for polyester, nylon, cellulosic fibres and their blends.

The key advantage was its compatibility with silicone softeners, allowing application within the customer’s existing finishing bath without introducing an additional processing stage.

Solution Implemented

After understanding the constraints and challenges involved, our team at STARCO focused on solving the customer’s problem rather than simply recommending another chemical treatment. Ultimately, the customer implemented the following solution recommended by our team at STARCO:

Starcotex RFC + Silicone Softener into the same finishing bath. Dosage of Starcotex RFC was taken at 40 gpl.

This enabled:

✔ Single-bath application

✔ No additional machine occupancy

✔ No process modification

✔ No additional labour requirement

✔ Easy implementation within existing production parameters

The treatment was applied through the customer’s normal finishing process.

Results Achieved

Following implementation, the customer reported:

• Significant improvement in rubbing fastness performance
• Reduction in colour transfer issues
• Improved confidence in finished fabric quality
• Retention of the desired fabric softness and handle
• No disruption to existing production workflow

Most importantly, the customer achieved the desired fastness improvement without introducing an additional processing step, helping maintain productivity and operational efficiency.

Why the Solution Worked

Unlike conventional approaches that often require process changes or additional treatments, Starcotex RFC forms a protective polymer layer on the fibre surface that helps anchor residual dye and reduce colour transfer during rubbing.

Its compatibility with silicone softeners allowed the customer to improve performance while maintaining a simple and efficient finishing operation.

Product Used

Starcotex RFC

Advanced rubbing fastness improver for polyester, nylon, cotton and blended textiles.

Key Features

• Improves dry and wet rubbing fastness
• Compatible with silicone softeners
• Suitable for padding, dipping and exhaust applications
• Applicable on polyester, nylon and cellulosic fibres
• Easy integration into existing finishing processes

Looking to Improve Rubbing Fastness?

If you are experiencing rubbing fastness issues on polyester, nylon, cotton, or blended fabrics and are looking for a solution that can be integrated into your existing finishing process, contact Starco’s technical team for an evaluation and trial recommendation.