Application of insect resist finishes

Insect resist finishes are most commonly applied during dyeing. The best light fastness and wet fasmess properties are obtained when the finish is able to fully penetrate the fibres. When applying insect resist finishes to wool/nylon blends, care must be taken in the choice of the particular finish used. Chlorphenylid derivatives exhaust preferentially to nylon, leaving the wool fibres unprotected, whereas permethrin-based products distribute themselves more uniformly between the two fibre types. 

A third approach to the application of insect resist finishes is to combine the finish with spinning lubricants and then to apply the combination to loose wool prior to spinning. This method of finish application produces yams with only a superficial treatment with much lower fastness than applications made during dyeing or scouring. 

Chemical cleaning of wool textiles as smaller carpets, wall hangings, upholstery fabrics, furs or uniforms can easily be combined with the application of insect resist finishes. Dip and cautious spray application is used for the protection of wool and silk textile exhibits in museums. 

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