WOOL PRODUCTS
Metal zippers may change colors when they are sewn into bleached, knit wool products. Generally, wool products are bleached using oxidizing bleach, such as hydrogen peroxide, or a Reducing bleach, such as sodium hydrosulfite. Some wool products are also treated with chlorine oxidizers for a shrink-resistant finish.

If sufficient washing or neutralization has not taken place after treatment, especially when sodium hydrosulfite or chlorinating agents were used, gasses such as chlorine gas or sulfur dioxide gas may be emitted. These reactions can also occur if the metal zipper components are exposed to the chemicals in humid conditions, which can occur if treated wool products are put into sealed bags directly after processing. Certain chemicals and gasses may cause the metal components of zippers to change colors. Be sure to observe the following precautions when using zippers in wool items:

- Use only wool fabric which has been completely washed and dried

- Before wrapping wool products, allow sufficient time for them to cool after pressing

PROTECTION OF ZIPPERS AGAINST SPECIAL PROCESSES AND TREATMENTS

- The zipper must be in the fully closed position with the slider in the locked position before all washes

- Open End zippers (with pin and retainer box): ensure that the pin is fully inserted into the base of the retainer box.

- Two-Way Open End zippers: the pin must be firmly inserted together into both the top and bottom slider and the entire zipper must closed.

- A small piece of cloth should cover each slider. This cloth can be secured by a temporary stitch.

- For styles that have the zippers that are not completely covered by a welt or placket, the welt or placket should be closed by temporary stitches, or tacked at short intervals.

- The slider must remain in its pouch if the garment is subjected to potassium permanganate (PP) or bleach spray. A strip of water resistant adhesive tape or wax coated paper tape can be used to protect the teeth of the zipper during the application of the spray. Once spraying is complete, the slider pouch should be used. Both the garment and the zippers should be rinsed and washed as soon as possible after spraying to avoid any saturation of chemicals that could affect the zipper.

- Do not allow the slider pouch to be left on the zipper after a PP or bleach spray. The spray will soak through the pouch fabric and cause the metal finish to discolor or corrode.

- The metal zipper can corrode and/or the metal finish can degrade during processes where PP or bleach are added to the wash . This can occur even if fabric is used to cover the zipper teeth and sliders, since the bleach or PP can seep through to the metal . Every effort should be made to thoroughly rinse the garments after such processes, and the garments should not be stored wet for an extended length of time before being rinsed and dried.

- Despite these guidelines, some variations in the zipper finish, tape or zipper color still occur under certain processes. This is unavoidable consequence of many special garment treatment processes.

THE SLIDER
Sliders are made of brass or die cast zinc alloy. Alkaline baths are used to electroplate sliders for antique brass and nickel finishes.

Plated sliders are susceptible to oxidizing, particularly when exposed to washes that include acids (citric acid, acid enzyme, etc.) During this process, some debris build up can occur on different parts of the slider.

It is recommended to use flip lock sliders on bottoms since the slider can be difficult to cover. However, even if the slider is not covered, immediate neutralizing or sensing must be done to minimize oxidation –garments should be put in the dryer and dried as soon as possible.

The sliders, top stops and bottom pins and boxes should all be covered in heavy fabric (such as fleece, twill, denim, etc.) prior to these washes.

It is important to store unused zippers in a cool and dry environment to prevent oxidation of any part of metal zipper components. Zippers stored longer than 60 days should be thoroughly inspected by the garment factory prior to use.

pre-production stage, it should be brought to the attention of AVANT before placing bulk zipper orders.

LOSS OF COLOR ON TEETH AND METAL COMPONENTS
Colors of the zipper teeth are achieved using chemical plating (by controlled oxidation) and are more vulnerable to color loss during acidic or alkali washes.

Antique nickel and dark antique nickel are the most durable finishes; they are the most capable of withstanding heavy washes and maintaining the integrity of the finish.

Antique brass and dark antique brass fall into the category of mid-range durability, and are at slightly higher risk of failing to

maintaining its color fastness.

Black oxidized finish has a limited ability to withstand heavy washes and is the least capable of maintaining its color fastness.

Hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, potassium permanganate and sodium hydrosulfates will all react with the different metal components of the zipper. These reactions can cause color changes. Neutralizing/rinsing garments in cold water immediately after contact with these chemicals can minimize color change.

The garment factory must conduct pre-production tests on zipper products in order to test the specific treatments and wash methods that will be used in bulk production. If there are any problems at the pre-production stage, it should be brought to the attention of AVANT before placing bulk zipper orders.

TEETH COLOR MIGRATION
It is important to avoid contact between the me tal parts and the fabric until the garments are completely dry. Follow the instructions below to achieve the best results:

- Heavy washes can cause physical abrasion of the metal components of the zipper and debris from abrasive material can build up on the surfaces of the zipper teeth, all of which can lead to staining.

- This type of fabric soiling can be washed off using water and detergent through a high-pressure gun, or it can be rubbed off with a dilute alcohol solution. However, both of these processes can affect the final finish color. For the best results, pre-production testing should also test both of these methods.

- Dark teeth colors, such as dark antique nickel and dark antique brass, may cause soiling on light color fabrics even prior to washing. To prevent this, a light piece of fabric should be inserted between the teeth and the welt/placket at the time the garment is produced.

- Under no circumstances should zippers treated with black oxidized finishes be used on light color garments, since color migration can occur onto the fabric both before and during washing.

COTTON "PFD" (PREPARED FOR DYE) TAPES
The 100% cotton raw material of our dyeable tapes may be affected by exposure to the harsh chemicals (such as bleaches) and special treatments and process used in garment dyeing. The effects of these chemicals and processes may include:

1. Loss of the lateral strength of the teeth when the zipper is closed.

2. Teeth and sliders may stain the cotton tape and/or the garment fabric.

3. The use of acids or bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide or sodium hypochlorite can seriously damage the zipper tape, causing the teeth to become loose.

4. Cotton tape is subject to the greatest shrinkage. Pre-production tests are required for determining shrinkage rates, since the temperature of the wash can affect the tape differently. Shrinkage will be between five and seven percent at 60C (140F). Improper temperatures and handling can damage the zipper.

5. The temperature and length of the garment dyeing and/or washing process can help to determine the nature of the damage and/or staining. However, the degree of the damage or staining is not predictable.

6. AVANT has developed two types of tapes for our customers' consideration which may perform better that 100% cotton in many applications:

a. TID0001 Soft Tape –This is a 100% polyester tape woven to have an especially soft feel in order to imitate the feeling of the cotton tape. This tape will not accept the cotton dyes used in garment-dye applications.

b. 50/50 Poly-Cotton Tape –This is a blend of 50% polyester and 50% cotton woven in a herringbone pattern which gives the feel of a cotton tape, but has a higher strength in teeth element. The cotton fibers of this tape will accept the dyes used in garment-dye applications.

CHEMICAL REACTIONS BETWEEN DYESTUFFS AND BRASS
The color of some reactive dyes can be changed by a chemical reaction upon contact with copper alloys, such as brass. Wet or damp garments are more susceptible to this type of chemical reaction. This reaction can be accelerated by heat, or by a non-neutral pH that may exist in fabrics of garments which are not thoroughly rinsed after washing or souring.

Garments must not be stored wet or damp after laundering, especially in hot, humid climates. Garments should be thoroughly rinsed to neutralize pH, then immediately and thoroughly hanger dried and stored in a cool, dry environment.

The addition of chelating agents, such as Sandocorin, to any wet garment processing can help reduce the severity of this problem. Dye manufactures may also be able to recommend dyes which are more resistant to this type of discoloration.

The use of zippers with Coil or Molded plastic teeth, instead of brass zippers, should be considered for garments made of fabrics colored with reactive dyes.

AVANT should be notified immediately upon observing such discoloration during the garment pre-production stage; however, since fabric is dyed and processed in different lots, it is possible that such discoloration will only occur in some production lots of garments.

This type of fabric soiling can be washed off using water and detergent through a high-pressure gun, or it can be rubbed off with a dilute alcohol solution. However, both of these processes can affect the final finish color. For the best results, pre-production testing should also test both of these methods.

- Dark teeth colors, such as dark antique nickel and dark antique brass, may cause soiling on light color fabrics even prior to washing. To prevent this, a light piece of fabric should be inserted between the teeth and the welt/placket at the time the garment is produced.

- Under no circumstances should zippers treated with black oxidized finishes be used on light color garments, since color migration can occur onto the fabric both before and during washing.

EASING SLIDER OPERATION
The zipper teeth can be damaged by forcing a slider that does not open or close smoothly. Apply paraffin wax or special zipper lubricants (such as a “ZIPPER EASE” crayon or the lubricating spray “ZIPPYCOOL”) to the front and back sides of the elements. Move the slider up and down several times to work in the lubricant, allowing the slider to run smoothly. Never tr to force a zipper to operate.

OVERLOADING
Trying to forcibly close the zipper of an overfilled bag will cause an excess load on the elements. This stress may cause the elements to slip off of the tape, ruining the zipper. The zipper should be closed only after holding the two sides close to each other, relieving the load so that the slider can operate more easily.

SLIDER CAUGHT ON GARMENT FABRIC
The slider may catch on thread or fabric when opened or closed. Attempting to free the slider by force will only worsen problem. Pull the slider back, removing the trapped thread or cloth. If the slider bites deeply into the cloth, do not force it back but work it back gently. When sewing zippers on garments, be sure to allow adequate space between the zipper teeth and any seams in order to avoid the possibility of the zipper getting caught on the garment fabric.

OPEN ZIPPER FULLY WHEN DONNING OR REMOVING CLOTHING
Clothing should be put on or taken off only after completely opening a zipper. When closing the zipper, the slider will move more smoothly if the hook or the top button is fastened beforehand. If the slider is left midway along the length of the zipper, excessive stress can be placed on the elements, bottom stop or the slider itself and may cause damage. The same attention should be given to zippered boots, gloves and accessories in order to reduce damage their zippers.

IRONING GUIDE
Using proper heat for the material b eing ironing is necessary not only for clothing, but is also applicable to zippers. Zippers will remain attractive and functional when treated with consideration for the materials of which they are made and ironed with the proper heat. A zipper should always be closed before ironing, with the slider fixed in the proper position and the zipper covered with a piece of cloth, regardless of the material from which it is made. The pull tab of the slider should never be ironed when erect or in the reversed position. Regardless of the ironing temperature, it is important to make sure that the iron never comes in direct contact with the zipper teeth. This is important for all zippers, but critical for zippers with coil elements or molded plastic teeth.

CLEANING ZIPPERS
A zipper should be closed and the slider fixed before cleaning. Left open, the tip of the slider may damage the fabric or the tape may become stretched or may shrink. Strong alkaline detergents or chlorine bleaching agents used to remove oil or stains dissolve paraffin or oily film and must be used with care. If a zipper does not work smoothly after cleaning, use paraffin wax (or special zipper lubricants such as a "ZIPPER EASE" crayon or the lubricating spray "ZIPPYCOOL"). Work the slider up and down several times until it runs smoothly.

Please find the below footnote for the detailed care instruction:

GUIDE TO USE “AVANT” ZIPPERS
All components of “AVANT” zippers are made from the finest quality materials. Various types of zippers are developed for different purpose use. Different kinds of zippers have their own features, so special attention should be paid when selecting zipper for your end-use. At the same time, special care should be taken at the time before, processing and after fixing zippers onto your garment.

Color change of Metal zipper
1) Zippers are made of Brass Alloy (including Nickel, Copper and Brass) When zippers are used on Metallic or woolen products, oxidation of the metal cause zipper teeth turn black. This phenomenon is resulted from the reaction between the metal zipper teeth and the chemical residue left on the surface of the products.

2) Chemical reaction occurs in Metal zippers under acidic or alkaline solution. Special attention should be paid in garment wash. Chemical agents used in garment wash may cause oxidation of metal zippers. To prevent the unnecessary problems occur, it is recommended to do the own test before in order to ensure the selected zipper is suitable for your intended use.

3) Rubber bands contain sulphide, which will oxidize the metal zipper teeth and cause the teeth turning black.

Color fading occur on Slider
Most zipper sliders are made of Zinc Alloy. Then they have to go through electro-plating or enamel paint process to get the required color of coating. The thin layer of coating would be peeled off or damaged under strong friction or collision.

To prevent such a damage, please avoid the slider and puller to collide or impact with hard surface especially during garment wash. Under tumbling force, the strong collision force would cause the slider coating peel off.

It is recommended to turn the garment inside out before washing, or to wrap up the sliders with fabric for protection purpose.

Slider or puller broken occur after garment wash

Slider crampers and pullers have their endurance to pull-off and twisting. When a certain force applied exceeds the slider cramper and pullers which could resist, the slider will be broken.

Occasionally, broken sliders were found after garment wash. The major reason of damage is the slider puller which is inserted into the drain hole of washing drum during washing. Under strong tumbling force, the slider cramper and puller would be damaged.

To avoid this damage, it is recommended to perform the garment wash by zipping up the garment and turn inside out before wash, or using laundry bag during washing.