Starch is used in the textile finishing operation to change stiffness, feel or handle of the fabrics, to modify the appearance by filling the interstices of the weave and to add weight. Since the finish provided by starch is temporary, its use is generally confined to relatively inexpensive fabrics or to materials such as shade cloth or book binding cloth that are not washed. Fabrics finished with starch alone are quite stiff and the finishing solutions usually contain a relatively large amount of film modifying materials. Starch is also used in conjunction with thermoplastic or the thermosetting resins to obtain permanent finish. The composition of solutions used to modify the hand of fabrics varies considerably with fabric construction and fabric properties desired. A typical formula for light weight goods

Back filling is the process of applying a mixture of starch or starches and filler such as chalk or clay to the back of fabrics, without obscuring the weave on the face of the fabrics. This type of finish increases the stiffness and the capacity of the fabric by filling the interstices of the weave with starch mixture. Fabrics thus prepared are used in window shades and in binding for books. A typical formula for back filling :

Maize Starch 115 lbs. Talk 100 lbs. Tallow 45 lbs. Water 100 gallons