STEPS TO WET PROCESSING
Garment Evaluation
Depth of shade, construction, type of stitches, type of thread, metal in buttons and zippers, warp sizes (starch, PVA), and pocket bags.

Preparation
Selection of scouring, bleaching, desizing or various combinations of several preparation techniques that usually include lubrication, wetting, scouring, chelation, and anti-redeposition products.

Metal Protection
A chemical coating used to prevent or repair oxidation and corrosion by re-coating buttons, zippers, rivets, studs or any metal accessories that may be damaged during wet processing.

PROCESSES
Garment Rinse
A process done to remove rigidity for consumer comfort.
Steps: Desize (to remove all non-fibrous materials added during the slashing process). Soften (to impart the final hand or feel of the garment).

Bleach Down Wash
A process using sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, or sodium hydrosulfide to remove or reduce the amount of colorant on the fabric.
Steps: Desize, Bleach/Neutralize, Soften.
Note: Bleaching is a complex process with many issues and variables. Consistency is the key to successful bleaching processes. For more information on issues methods and procedures for bleaching, request Chemical Technologies' Bleaching System Buyer's Guide.

Stone Wash
Process used to accelerate the abrasion or fading (color loss) and softening of garments (usually jeans) by using stones in the wet processing cycle. The stones can be natural (pumice) or synthetic. The rock ratio, size, and hardness of the stone are very influential in the look achieved during this step of wet processing.
Steps: Desize, Rinse, Stones in wash cycle, Rinse, Clean-up (to remove any dye stuff that has redeposited onto the pockets and/or the abraded area in either the desize or stone wash step), Rinse, Soften, Extract (to enhance the contrast of the white-to-blue abrasion or to modify the hand), Dry.

Enzyme Wash
A process using cellulase enzymes instead of or in conjunction with stones to achieve a desired abraded effect.
Steps: The steps are the same as in stone washing.

Sand Blasting
A process using, at one or more steps of wet processing, a sand blasting machine to abrade garments to simulate natural wear patterns. Localized Abrasion - A form of sand blasting (or done through chemicals) for localizing the abraded look on a particular area of the garment.

Garment Tinting
A special process for adding color to natural, indigo dyed denim and other cellulosic fabrics.

Garment Dyeing
A process for coloring finished garments sewn in a greige fabric which was prepared in advance to be dyed.

Garment Overdyeing
A process for coloring garments which were previously dyed in fabric or garment form.

OTHER AVAILABLE WASHES AND DESCRIPTIONS
Aged
A form of wet processing that results in an accelerated aged look and softer hand by extending the abrasion cycle until the look is achieved.

Antique Wash
A finish achieved through sand blasting and washing.

Acid Wash
A particular look achieved by soaking porous pumice stones in bleach and using their abrasive power to decolorize indigo in a sharp contrast random pattern or overall smoothness.

Authentic or Vintage Wash
Wet process using stones or enzymes with or without bleach for an old worn look.

Super-Stone-Wash
Prolonged stone washing.

Destruction Wash
An extended or heavily abraded stone wash with enzymes and bleach that leaves the hems frayed and many nicks on the garments.