All fabrics lend themselves for processing on rolling calendars for gloss, compaction and hand and on the silk finishing calendar for light luster and with high cotton fiber content to obtain a mercerized or "hard hand" linen look. On a Ciré calender, a high gloss or shine can be obtained, but in this case a high content thermoplastic fiber must be used. Fabrics can be processed on a compaction type calender to reduce coverage or obtain a suede look and reduce caliper or thickness of a fabric to a desired level after napping.

Calendering is not an exact practice, but in many ways, an art or science. It is like many other textile processes where at times a theory presents the possibility, but experience is always the best teacher. The utilization of University and Manufacturer's development laboratory Equipment is strongly suggested.

Reprinted with Permission from Standex Engraving Group