Devoré, also known as burnt-out printing, is a fascinating textile technique that allows designers to create patterns with varying degrees of transparency by selectively dissolving fibers from a fabric. This guide provides an overview for anyone looking to delve into devoré fabric design and production. The beauty of devoré lies in its ability to transform ordinary fabrics into intricate, multi-textured masterpieces, making it a favorite for apparel, home furnishings, and art textiles.


The first critical step in devoré production is fabric selection. For the technique to be successful, the fabric must be a blend of at least two different fiber types, where one is cellulosic (like cotton, rayon, or viscose) and the other is non-cellulosic (like polyester, silk, or nylon). The cellulosic fibers are the ones that will be removed, creating the transparent effect. Common blends include cotton/polyester or silk/rayon. For instance, achieving optimal results on a cotton polyester blend often requires specific chemical formulations that ensure precise fiber degradation.


Once the fabric is chosen, the design is applied using a chemical paste or ink. This paste contains an acidic agent that carbonizes the cellulosic fibers when subjected to heat. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. offers advanced textile devoré printing chemicals that are formulated for excellent performance. For example, our MF-20 burnt-out powder for cotton polyester blends is highly effective in carbonizing cotton fibers during the baking process, which are then easily washed away to reveal the desired transparent pattern.


The application process typically involves screen printing the devoré paste onto the fabric. Precision in application is crucial to ensure clean edges and consistent patterns. Following application, the fabric is dried and then subjected to heat treatment (baking or steaming). This heat activates the chemical, causing the cellulosic fibers in the printed areas to become brittle and eventually disintegrate. Careful temperature and time control during this stage are paramount to prevent over-burning or incomplete results. After heat treatment, the carbonized fibers are removed through a washing process, often with the aid of soda flakes to neutralize any residual acid and improve carbide removal.


The final outcome of a devoré fabric can vary significantly based on the fiber composition and the applied chemicals. Fabrics with higher cellulosic content will result in more transparent areas, while higher synthetic content will retain more structure. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. is dedicated to providing high-quality chemical solutions that empower designers and manufacturers to achieve diverse and stunning fabric effects with confidence. From the initial design concept to the final wash, our products are engineered to support every stage of the devoré process, ensuring both creative freedom and technical excellence.