Quick Dry Merino is described by Woolmark as a finish applied to clean fabric during final wet processing. Padding or exhaustion places the treatment on the material, and drying and curing fix a polymer to the fibre surface. The goal is reduced drying time after wetting.

Drying Performance Can Be Altered During Final Wool Finishing

That processing example explains why two wool fabrics need not behave identically when washed or caught in rain. Construction, weight and treatment can all matter. A quick-drying claim remains separate from permission to use a hot dryer; the finished garment's care instructions still determine suitable drying conditions.