Paper Press
Paper Press is a finishing process that presses textile with paper during the finishing stage to create a smooth surface, elegant luster, a silky feel, and firmness.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Paper Press is a type of finishing performed during the post-weaving finishing process. By pressing the textile with paper in between, it evens out the surface and brings out a smooth, refined appearance while making use of the material’s natural texture. It is not the name of a weave structure or fiber, but a finishing method used to adjust the final hand.
Texture and Appearance Characteristics
After processing, surface fuzz and unevenness become less noticeable, and a subdued sheen may be achieved. Another characteristic is that, in addition to a smooth feel often described as a supple touch, the fabric tends to have a sense of firmness and resilience. The final result varies depending on the material, weave, dyeing, and processing conditions.
It is not a process that simply adds strong shine; it is used to balance sheen, smoothness, and resilience. In particular, for fabrics that emphasize a premium feel, it is treated as one of the finishing methods used to highlight the qualities of the raw material and weave.
Main Applications
It is used for garment fabrics that require an elegant surface feel and appropriate tailoring appearance. In general, it is suitable for refined items such as jackets, suits, slacks, skirts, and dresses. Because it is not a process that directly adds warmth or breathability, seasonality is determined by the fabric’s raw material, thickness, and weave structure.
Selection and Handling Notes
When selecting fabric, check the appearance of the sheen, stiffness, and drape not only on swatches but also on bolt fabric and sewn samples. Even with the same Paper Press description, the hand differs depending on the raw material and processing conditions, so it is important to confirm whether it matches the required drape and dimensionality for the intended use.
Surface feel and sheen may change due to washing, friction, and pressure during wear. Whether home washing is possible depends on the material and product specifications, and shrinkage and washing tests should be performed in advance. In sewing, avoid glossing caused by excessive pressing or over-ironing, and check the seams and pressing conditions on offcuts.
- Before mass production, check shrinkage, dimensional change, and changes in surface sheen.
- Use a pressing cloth for ironing, and adjust temperature, steam, and pressure to suit the textile.
- If interfacing is used, check for changes in hand and fading caused by the adhesive conditions.
Differences from Similar Terms
Calendering is a finishing process that presses the textile with heated rollers or similar equipment to smooth the surface and give it sheen and density. Paper Press is similar in that it also improves surface feel, but the term specifically refers to a pressing process that uses paper. The actual process and finish may differ depending on the finishing mill.
Ciré finish is mainly used as a finish that gives strong sheen to synthetic fibers and similar materials. In contrast, Paper Press is used in contexts that aim for natural, refined luster, a supple feel, and firmness rather than excessive shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does fabric that has undergone Paper Press shrink when washed?
Whether it shrinks and to what extent depends not on Paper Press itself, but on the raw material, weave structure, pre-shrink treatment, washing method, and other factors. Because the surface feel from the finish may also change after washing, shrinkage and washing tests for each material are necessary before production.
Does Paper Press fabric require special care during sewing?
The basic sewing method depends on the fabric material and thickness, but on fabrics with a smooth surface, glossing or fading from ironing or pressing may become noticeable. Use a pressing cloth and check the sewing conditions, interfacing adhesion conditions, and final pressing conditions on offcuts in advance.
