Stability of agent and finish was studied during the various steps in durable press processing of cotton fabrics. Determinations of formaldehyde release from the fabric at different stages of treatment were used to assess stabilities and decompositions. These determinations were supplemented with information gained from measuring transport of free formaldehyde from some of the solutions used. The influences of agent and catalyst types, concentrations, presence of excess formaldehyde, inclusion of scavengers or additives, as well as variations in treatment conditions, were investigated. The results provide further clarification of the relationships between stability/decomposition factors and formaldehyde release along pathways of durable press processing. -- AATA