Printing Methods: What Are They and How Do They Differ?

There are many different types of fabric printing methods, and they all yield different results. The type of textile printing used is often based on a number of considerations, from print runs, to durability. We have pulled together some of the most popular, or most commonly used methods, and explained them below.

Stamp Printing

This one is pretty much what it says it is. A stamp is created, and that is then used to imprint onto the fabric. Similar to making potato stamps when you were a child, to create beautiful paintings. Your design is cut into the stamp, which is then dipped into the ink and using even pressure, you transfer this from the stamp onto your textile. Although we’ve come a long way from potato stamping, the level of detail that you can get from stamp printing is limited, so this is not suitable for the more intricate designs.

Pros

No need for machines
Design is always exact
Great for small runs
Cost effective

Cons

Not very detailed
Can’t make large quantities
Only one design per stamp
Quality is inconsistent

Transfer Printing

Another method is using transfer paper. This is a specialist paper which can be bought from most stationers, as well as craft shops and even some supermarkets. You can use a standard household printer to print your design onto the transfer paper, which you can then print onto your chosen fabric by using a standard, household steam iron. This can be upscaled and done professionally on larger runs however it will leave a shiny film or surface texture on your fabric. It is not a permanent method of fabric printing as it can crack and peel with multiple washes, and often fades.

Pros

Can print with standard printer
No specialist equipment needed
Great for small runs
Easy to print and transfer

Cons

Leaves a surface texture/film
Transfers are single use
Peels, cracks and fades
Can suffer from low resolutions

Screen Printing

As we move towards the other end of the scale, we start to see methods which are used more and more commonly within the professional world of textile printing. Silkscreen printing is most common within the business. This method of printing uses a stencil and a nylon mesh to create the print design. A material which is waterproof will be used to block out the spaces that you want your design to appear on, and then those blocked out spaces are flooded with ink. Due to the way that this method is carried out, you can only use one colour for each screen, however, it does produce fantastic replications.

Pros

Amazing image reproductions
Long lasting
Ideal for sharp edges and solid blocks of colour
Cost effective for large runs

Cons

One colour per screen – not ideal for multi-coloured designs
Very labour intensive, impractical for small runs
Not great for photos/graduating colours
Creates a lot of waste

Dye Sublimation

This is a multi-step process which produces some of the best results of all the printing methods. Designs are printed onto a thermal transfer paper, known as dye sublimation paper. This is then used to create the print on the fabric. Both heat and pressure are used to permanently bond the inks to the fibres of the fabric. This leaves your fabric as soft as it was before it was printed on. The deep infusion technique penetrates specialist water-based inks deep into the textile, which makes your print permanent. Perfect for intricate details as well as colours.

Pros

Amazing image reproduction that is permanent
Leaves no texture or residue on the fabric at all
Eco-friendly, water based inks dont fade or peel
Suitable for all size print runs

Cons

Not for use on natural fabrics, only on poly textiles
Requires specialist equipment and dyes
More expensive printing method
Requires in-depth knowledge and experience

Pigment Printing

Pigment printing is one of the most popular printing techniques for use on cellulose fibres, making them ideal for use on natural fabrics. It is one of the printing methods which can be used on synthetic materials as well, which makes it pretty versatile. It is a localised technique which involves applying the dyes to the part of the fabric that you want your design to be seen. This is done over and over and slowly builds up the colour.

Pros

Bright printing with permanent colour
Easy to do, good colour matching
Cost effective, no high end machinery
High-speed printing technique

Cons

Not applied directly to the fabric
Uses binders which leave a coating on the textile
Colour lessens when repeatedly used over the same material
Dye sits on top of the fibres rather than embeds

Reactive Printing

Reactive printing is another of the heat activated printing methods. It is done by pre-coating the fabrics and then and using a binder (similar to that of pigment printing) and a printing additive. It prints a dye or wax onto the fabric, and the heat reaction permanently bonds the image to the textile. Put simply, it is similar to coating the fabric with the design and then steaming it to create a reaction which bonds the design to the material.