Mercerisation
Mercerisation is treating cotton yarn or cloth with caustic soda under tension. It swells and rounds the fibre permanently, which raises lustre, dye uptake and depth of shade, and increases strength. Mercerised cotton looks slightly sheened and takes brighter, more saturated colours than untreated cotton.
It is a wet-processing step, done by the dye house or a specialist, not on the loom. It adds cost and is usually specified for shirting, sateen and premium home textiles where lustre and colour brilliance matter. Heavy duck, canvas and workwear are rarely mercerised — the effect is wasted on a matte utility cloth.
When you order from a mill
Mercerisation is arranged through our processing partners when a spec calls for it. Tell us at RFQ so it is priced and the lead time reflects it.