{"id":125,"date":"2019-03-27T10:03:43","date_gmt":"2019-03-27T10:03:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/?p=125"},"modified":"2020-09-01T14:59:45","modified_gmt":"2020-09-01T14:59:45","slug":"different-printing-methods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/different-printing-methods\/","title":{"rendered":"Printing Methods: What Are They and How Do They Differ?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>There are many different types of fabric printing methods,\nand they all yield different results. The type of textile printing used is\noften based on a number of considerations, from print runs, to durability. We\nhave pulled together some of the most popular, or most commonly used methods,\nand explained them below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Stamp Printing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This one is pretty much what it says it is. A stamp is\ncreated, and that is then used to imprint onto the fabric. Similar to making\npotato stamps when you were a child, to create beautiful paintings. Your design\nis cut into the stamp, which is then dipped into the ink and using even\npressure, you transfer this from the stamp onto your textile. Although we\u2019ve\ncome a long way from potato stamping, the level of detail that you can get from\nstamp printing is limited, so this is not suitable for the more intricate\ndesigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" src=\"https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/potato-671040_1920-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"stamp printing\" class=\"wp-image-327\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>No need for machines<\/li><li>Design is always exact<\/li><li>Great for small runs<\/li><li>Cost effective<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Not very detailed<\/li><li>Can\u2019t make large quantities<\/li><li>Only one design per stamp<\/li><li>Quality is inconsistent<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2>Transfer Printing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Another method is using transfer paper. This is a specialist\npaper which can be bought from most stationers, as well as craft shops and even\nsome supermarkets. You can use a standard household printer to print your\ndesign onto the transfer paper, which you can then print onto your chosen\nfabric by using a standard, household steam iron. This can be upscaled and done\nprofessionally on larger runs however it will leave a shiny film or surface\ntexture on your fabric. It is not a permanent method of fabric printing as it\ncan crack and peel with multiple washes, and often fades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/iron-ttransfer-300x200-1.jpg\" alt=\"transfer printing with iron\" class=\"wp-image-329\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Can print with standard printer<\/li><li>No specialist equipment needed<\/li><li>Great for small runs<\/li><li>Easy to print and transfer<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Leaves a surface texture\/film<\/li><li>Transfers are single use<\/li><li>Peels, cracks and fades<\/li><li>Can suffer from low resolutions<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2>Screen Printing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/silk-screen-1246169_1920-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"silk screen printing\" class=\"wp-image-330\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Amazing image reproductions<\/li><li>Long lasting<\/li><li>Ideal for sharp edges and solid blocks of colour<\/li><li>Cost effective for large runs<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>One colour per screen \u2013 not ideal for multi-coloured designs<\/li><li>Very labour intensive, impractical for small runs<\/li><li>Not great for photos\/graduating colours<\/li><li>Creates a lot of waste<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2>Dye Sublimation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a multi-step process which produces some of the best\nresults of all the printing methods. Designs are printed onto a thermal\ntransfer paper, known as dye sublimation paper. This is then used to create the\nprint on the fabric. Both heat and pressure are used to permanently bond the\ninks to the fibres of the fabric. This leaves your fabric as soft as it was\nbefore it was printed on. The deep infusion technique penetrates specialist\nwater-based inks deep into the textile, which makes your print permanent.\nPerfect for intricate details as well as colours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" src=\"https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/dyesub-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"dye sublimation printing method\" class=\"wp-image-331\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Amazing image reproduction that is permanent<\/li><li>Leaves no texture or residue on the fabric at all<\/li><li>Eco-friendly, water based inks dont fade or peel<\/li><li>Suitable for all size print runs<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Not for use on natural fabrics, only on poly textiles<\/li><li>Requires specialist equipment and dyes<\/li><li>More expensive printing method<\/li><li>Requires in-depth knowledge and experience<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2>Pigment Printing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/waterborne-colour-paste-1883041_1920-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"pigment printing\" class=\"wp-image-332\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Bright printing with permanent colour<\/li><li>Easy to do, good colour matching<\/li><li>Cost effective, no high end machinery<\/li><li>High-speed printing technique<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Not applied directly to the fabric<\/li><li>Uses binders which leave a coating on the textile<\/li><li>Colour lessens when repeatedly used over the same material<\/li><li>Dye sits on top of the fibres rather than embeds<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2>Reactive Printing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Reactive printing is another of the heat activated printing\nmethods. It is done by pre-coating the fabrics and then and using a binder\n(similar to that of pigment printing) and a printing additive. It prints a dye\nor wax onto the fabric, and the heat reaction permanently bonds the image to\nthe textile. Put simply, it is similar to coating the fabric with the design\nand then steaming it to create a reaction which bonds the design to the\nmaterial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"267\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/images.jpg\" alt=\"reactive printing method\" class=\"wp-image-333\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Creates a chemical bond between the ink and fabric fibres<\/li><li>Works amazingly well on natural textiles<\/li><li>Wash-fast and rub-fast<\/li><li>Outstanding colour vibrancy<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Requires pre-treatment<\/li><li>Also requires post-treatment<\/li><li>Not particularly easy to carry out<\/li><li>Not the most cost-effective printing method<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/fabric-swatch-pack\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"825\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/fabric-swatch-pacpoly-k.jpg\" alt=\"100 fabric swatch pack\" class=\"wp-image-357\" srcset=\"https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/fabric-swatch-pacpoly-k.jpg 825w, https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/fabric-swatch-pacpoly-k-300x109.jpg 300w, https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/fabric-swatch-pacpoly-k-768x279.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 825px) 100vw, 825px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/students\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Student-Discount-Banner.jpg\" alt=\"student discount banner\" class=\"wp-image-880\" srcset=\"https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Student-Discount-Banner.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Student-Discount-Banner-300x15.jpg 300w, https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Student-Discount-Banner-768x38.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":334,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"%%title%% %%page%%","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The type of textile printing used is based on a number of considerations; from print runs to durability. 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