Solvent Resistance
Solvent resistance is a property that indicates how resistant buttons and other trims and materials are to discoloration, changes in gloss, cracking, deformation, and similar effects when exposed to the solvents used in dry cleaning.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Solvent resistance is a quality characteristic that indicates how resistant something is to changes in appearance or performance caused by contact with solvents. In apparel, it is especially assumed for the effects of dry cleaning, and is also called dry-cleaning resistance or dry resistance.
For buttons, this is checked not only for the main body but also including the colored layer, paint, plating, and bonded areas. Even if a button has solvent resistance, this does not mean it will remain unchanged under every cleaning method, solvent, or processing condition.
Relationship to Button Materials and Construction
Solvent resistance cannot be determined by the button material name alone. In addition to base materials such as resin, metal, and shell, the way changes appear in solvents differs depending on specifications such as dyeing, painting, plating, printing, and bonded decorations.
Buttons with holes such as two-hole, four-hole, and cat's-eye types concentrate friction and force from sewing thread around the holes. Shank buttons are checked at the base of the shank, and ring shank and tunnel shank types are also checked at the attachment area. It is important to evaluate solvent-related deterioration separately from the load during use.
- Clouding, peeling, or discoloration of paint or plating
- Detachment of bonded pearls, rhinestones, and similar items
- Cracking, splitting, warping, or tackiness of resin buttons
- Cracks around the holes or base of the shank, or looseness in the attachment area
Applications and Checks When Selecting
For apparel that is labeled or expected to be dry cleaned, such as suits, jackets, coats, uniforms, and formalwear, buttons with confirmed solvent resistance are required. The more visible the buttons are, such as on the front opening or cuffs, the greater the impact of any change in appearance.
When selecting, check the product's care label, the handling of surrounding materials such as the outer fabric and fusible interlining, and the button's material, finish, and color together. Before mass production, preparing washing tests or check samples with the actual accessory combination to be used makes it easier to reduce defects caused by differences in finishing.
Size Notation and Handling Notes
Solvent resistance is a quality characteristic, not a notation indicating button size or shape. Button size is generally expressed in lignes or mm, and together with hole size, shank shape, and thickness, it is used to consider compatibility with the buttonhole and ease of sewing.
Even buttons suitable for dry cleaning may crack or discolor due to high-temperature ironing or pressing, strong impact, or excessive tightening. Do not apply a hot iron directly with strong pressure, and during sewing, use a button foot wrap or similar method to leave an appropriate space between the button and the fabric, so as not to place undue force on the button.
Differences from Similar Terms
Solvent resistance is a property related to solvents, and the object being evaluated is different from impact resistance or button attachment strength. Impact resistance refers to the ability to resist damage from drops or blows, while button attachment strength refers to the strength that prevents the button from coming off after sewing or attachment.
Dry-cleaning fastness is a term mainly used when evaluating color change, fading, or staining to other materials in textile products. For button solvent resistance, not only color but also cracking, changes in gloss, and damage to the coating or bonded parts are checked.
Frequently Asked Questions
If a button has solvent resistance, is it safe for home washing or ironing too?
Solvent resistance mainly indicates resistance to dry-cleaning solvents, so it must be checked separately from resistance to home washing, bleaching, drying, and ironing. In particular, buttons with paint, plating, or bonded decorations should be checked for changes in appearance and whether anything comes off for each processing method.
Can the solvent resistance of a button be determined from the material name alone?
No, it cannot be determined from the material name alone. Even with the same resin or metal, resistance changes depending on pigment, paint, plating, adhesive, molding conditions, and other factors. When adopting a button, it is important to check the actual item including the finish, and if necessary, confirm test results that comply with the product specifications.
