What sand washing is
Sand washing is a mechanical wash of the fabric with abrasive and softening agents. The name comes from the sand used originally; today the process uses controlled abrasives and enzymes. The mechanical action raises the micro-fibrils on the surface and creates a very fine veil that dulls the lustre and makes the fabric soft, almost suede-like.
On silk the result is unmistakable. A satin or crepe de chine loses its mirror shine and takes on a chalky, matte and precious look, with a more fluid drape. It is the finish behind many shirts, dresses and pyjamas in contemporary luxury.
What changes in the fabric
Peach-skin touch
A velvety, soft surface that feels good against the skin.
Muted lustre
The fabric becomes matte and textured, with a more natural, less formal look.
More fluid drape
Washing relaxes the structure of the fabric: the garment moves and drapes better.
Softened colour
On dyed or printed fabrics the colour softens slightly, for a controlled vintage effect.
How we work
01
Choosing the base
We review fabric and weight with you: sand washing works best on medium and heavy silks and on fibres with good strength.
02
Dyeing or printing
The fabric is dyed to sample or printed first. Washing comes afterwards, so the colour takes on its final soft look.
03
Wash test
On a test piece we measure weight loss, shrinkage and colour change, and set the intensity and duration of the treatment.
04
Production and inspection
Production washing, drying, stabilising and piece-by-piece inspection.
Suitable fabrics
Silk satin Crepe de chine Silk twill Crepe satin Habotai Viscose Cupro Lyocell Cotton Polyester
We do not recommend sand washing very light silks such as chiffon and georgette, because it weakens the fabric too much. If the base is not suitable, we tell you before we start.
Process sheet
| Finish | Sand washed |
| Effect | Matte, peach-skin, fluid drape |
| Fibres | Silk, man-made, cotton, synthetics |
| Applies to | Piece-dyed and printed |
| Minimum order | Low, to be agreed |
Good to know during development
| What happens | How we manage it | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight loss | The treatment removes a small amount of material | We measure it on the test and choose the starting weight |
| Shrinkage | The fabric shrinks | We give you the measured values for pattern making |
| Colour | Shades become lighter and softer | We dye deeper to reach the right colour after washing |
| Consistency | It is a mechanical process with a living character | We agree a tolerance on the effect from batch to batch |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between sand washing and garment washing?
Sand washing is done on the fabric in the piece, before cutting: the fabric reaches the maker already stable and with known measurements. Garment washing is done on the finished garment and gives a more irregular effect, with more risk to sizing and seams.
Can a printed fabric be sand washed?
Yes, and it is one of the most requested combinations. The print is done first and the wash softens design and colours. With pigment printing the vintage effect is even stronger.
How much does the fabric shrink?
It depends on fibre, weave and treatment intensity. That is why we measure shrinkage on the test piece and share it before production.
How do you care for sand washed silk?
The fabric has already been through a wet treatment, so it is more stable than unwashed silk. Care instructions should still be set on the finished garment, based on construction and trims.
Is there a minimum order?
Minimums are low and we agree them based on fabric and process. To get started, we can begin with a strike-off on your base.
Tell us about your project
Send us your design, base and approximate quantities: we reply with feasibility and price. If you like, we start with a strike-off.
Silk Lab Italy S.r.l. Unipersonale
Phone / WhatsApp +39 339 344 0272
silklabitaly@gmail.com
Via Varesina 3, 22075 Lurate Caccivio (CO)