Proeflapje

Proeflapje is a Dutch term meaning a small test patch or sample swatch. It refers to a tiny piece of material—such as fabric, leather, paper, wood, or another substrate—used to test or preview a treatment, dye, color, finish, or cleaning method before applying it to a larger piece.

In the textile industry and fashion, proeflapjes are cut from the same material as the final product to evaluate dye absorption, color accuracy, and fiber compatibility. They allow designers and manufacturers to predict how a full-length garment or large fabric piece will look and behave after processing, washing, or aging.

In painting, coatings, and wallpaper, a proeflapje is used to preview color, sheen, or texture under representative lighting conditions. In restoration and conservation, professionals use proeflapjes to test solvents, cleaning agents, or consolidants on a sample before treating valuable or delicate material.

Creating a proeflapje typically involves cutting or selecting a small sample from the material or a matching substitute, labeling it with project details, and conducting tests under conditions that mimic the intended use. The results help guide decisions, prevent damage, and reduce waste by forecasting potential problems on a larger scale.

Although the concept is simple, the proeflapje plays a key role in quality control across crafts and industries. The term is commonly used in Dutch-speaking contexts and is equivalent to what English speakers refer to as a swatch or test patch.