GUIDE
What “100 Washes” Really Means: How HTV Wash Durability Is Tested
How wash ratings are produced, why conditions matter, and how to run your own test before you switch suppliers.
A rating is only as good as its conditions
A wash rating states how many domestic wash cycles a pressed sample survived without cracking, peeling or losing surface before the evaluator called it a fail. The number depends on temperature, detergent, drying method and the fabric under the film. SHINHAN ratings are produced in our lab at 60 °C with tumble drying on low, on cotton and polyester.
Current ratings by film
Glitter: 100+ washes at 60 °C
TPU: 100+ washes at 60 °C
PU: 80+ washes at 60 °C
Flock: 80+ washes at 60 °C
Puff: 30+ washes at 60 °C
Foil: good resistance; test per fabric
What fails first
Edges lift before centres, and thin lines fail before solid shapes. Under-pressing is the most common cause, followed by a warm peel and washing within 24 hours of application.
Run your own 20-wash test
Press two identical samples on your production fabric with the settings card.
Keep one as the reference and wash the other at your customer’s real temperature.
Photograph both after 5, 10 and 20 washes under the same light.
Score cracking, edge lift and surface loss; compare with the film you use today.
Third-party reports
For retail programs we can arrange wash-fastness testing at an accredited laboratory to the method your buyer specifies. Ask when you request samples.
