One of the objects in wool fabric finishing is to dry the fabric only once, thereby saving energy. Drying is the process of removing water from wool via the application of heat energy. The three methods of transferring heat energy from one object to another are conduction, convection and radiation. After drying the wool fabrics must be conditioned to a regain of 14-16% before further processing.

Depending upon the finish required, the wool fabrics may then either be shorn to remove surface fibres or brushed to create a pile of surface fibres. The brushed pile may be shorn to cut the pile fibres to a uniform height or to achieve a sculptured pattern. The wool fabrics are then pressed using either flat, rotary or belt presses to achieve the desired appearance, lustre and handle characteristics.