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If you’re looking for protective clothing, you’ve probably read about a PU coated jacket against rain and water, or a Proban® finish on your workwear. It starts to get even more complicated when we talk about laminates. And no, we don’t mean the laminate flooring in your bedroom.

It is thus not insurmountable if you mix up these concepts. They really do look-a-like and that’s why they are confusing to most of us. But in reality they all have their specific function and protection.

So don’t worry, we’ll explain how they work out in practice.

Coatings

In the textile industry you will recognize a coating as a visible layer, which looks like plastic. During the production process, the coating gets directly applied to the main fabric.

Coatings are being applied to the outside or to the inside, depending on the garment. When on the outside, it’s pretty hard to see as it is coloured in mass. On the inside, they look white or grey-ish.

In practice, most coatings used for your protective clothing are PVC or PU based. Some are breathable because they pass through water vapour (sweat), others are not, because of their closed structure.

Whilst sewing, a needle is continually lancing the coating. Should you wear such a garment, it would get pretty wet down there because of all the holes and pinches. This is the reason why seams are taped or welded.

Laminates

You’ll find laminates at the inside of your garment, but they look like coatings. The difference is the production process. First, a very thin layer is being made separately during production. Later, they fix this layer to the fabric (inside).

Laminates are the perfect solution if you’re looking for extreme breathable garments, because they are usually thinner than coatings. The only disadvantage is high price tag.

Finishes

When we’re talking about invisible finishes, we don’t use terms like coatings or laminates. The most well-known finishes for your protective jackets, trousers are coveralls are fluorocarbon and Proban®. They have a direct effect on the protection level of your garment.

A fluorocarbon finish is used for repelling chemical liquids off of your garments. After every washing cycle, fluorocarbon has to re-applied. Repairing such a finish is an expert job.

Proban® is a well known brand. It is most used to make your cotton or cotton-rich garments flame retardant. There are several opinions about how long it protects the wearer.

One of the most doubting questions is after how many washing cycles, the garment with Proban® finish retains its flame retardant properties. Some say 40, some say 50. The answer is it depends. Everything hangs down to wear and tear and dirt.

Do you have any questions about laminates, coatings or finishes? Send us an e-mail.

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