| Abstract: | Abstract In a 3·2·2 factorial experiment in three replicates, Ghanaian cotton prints (Real Wax, Real Java, Batik) were studied. Specimens were hand washed in soap solution, rinsed in clean water and dried in shade or sunlight twice a week for 3 weeks. Unwashed specimens were similarly sun-dried or aired. All specimens were exposed to a total of 42 h in the sun or shade. Colour loss was measured by means of a grey scale. The specimens lost significantly more colour (P < 0·01) when dried in the sun (3·96) than when dried in the shade (4·09). Irrespective of the drying method, washed fabrics lost significantly more colour (P<0·01) (3·96) than unwashed ones (4·09). There was no significant interaction effect (P > 0·01) between method of drying and fabric type. However, there was a significant interaction (P<0·01) between fabric type and washing or airing. The grey scale mean for washing was 4·03 for Wax, 3·81 for Batik and 3·75 for Java. For airing, Batik, Wax and Java had means of 4·22, 4·19 and 4·17 respectively. Thus, Real Wax was the most stable when washed, whereas Batik was the most stable to airing. It is suggested that drying or airing of these fabrics be performed in the shade to preserve their colour. |
