Burnout, or etched printing, is a method in which chemicals are used to “burn out” part of the fabric through a chemical reaction that creates a semi-transparent pattern or writing in contrast to the more densely woven fabric [1].
The method is used on blended materials that combine protein-based fibres, such as silk, with cellulose-based fibres, such as cotton or viscose. The chemical dissolves the cellulose, leaving the protein-based fibres unaffected [2]. This method is standard on velvet as the pile of the fabric remains raised, and the burnt-out writing or pattern is submerged [1].
Sources
November 2023, TÄNKOM | Revised March 2024 RETHINK
