PFD (Prepared for Dyeing)

PFD, or Prepared for Dyeing, refers to fabric that has undergone a complete sequence of preliminary finishing processes to make it fully suitable for dyeing. This preparation ensures optimal dye uptake and color consistency across the entire piece, which is essential for achieving uniform, reproducible results in production.

The PFD preparation process follows a specific sequence of treatments. Singeing burns off protruding surface fibers to create a smoother hand feel and cleaner print surface. Desizing removes the sizing agents applied during weaving to strengthen warp threads. Scouring cleans away natural oils, waxes, and other impurities that would interfere with dye penetration. Bleaching whitens the fabric to provide an even base for color application, eliminating natural pigments that could shift the final shade. For cotton fabrics, mercerizing—a treatment with caustic soda under tension—improves luster, strength, and dye affinity, though this step is optional depending on the desired fabric characteristics.

PFD fabric exhibits distinctive characteristics that confirm proper preparation. The appearance is clean and uniformly white. Absorbency is consistent across the entire piece, ensuring even dye uptake. The fabric is free from oils, waxes, and sizing residues. The pH level is stable and neutral. The material is ready for immediate dyeing without further treatment.

Quality requirements for PFD fabric are typically specified numerically. Whiteness index should reach 80 or higher on the CIE scale. pH should fall within the neutral range of 6.5 to 7.5. Absorbency, measured by the water drop test, should show penetration in under three seconds. Residual chemicals should be absent or below detectable limits.

While PFD and RFD are often used interchangeably in trade, a technical distinction exists. PFD specifically indicates that the fabric has been actively prepared through chemical and mechanical processes, whereas RFD may simply indicate the fabric is in a state suitable for dyeing without specifying how it reached that condition. PFD fabric is commonly used for custom dyeing operations, garment dyeing where the assembled product is colored, piece dyeing of finished fabric lengths, and as a base for printing.