Printing on textile is one thing that has been there for many years. With the help of technology, different textile printing methods have been introduced. However, not all methods will give you amazing results. That is why we have created this guide to show you some of the best textile printing techniques.
1. Hand-block Textile Printing
This is the oldest yet easiest way to do textile printing. It has been there for decades and has gone through some significant improvements. You can use this technique to create many patterns on fabrics and end up with mind-blowing results.
To use this method, you will need a wooden block that is three inches thick. You will then engrave that wood with your desired patterns, dip it in ink, and then press it on the textile. Note that if the print has many colours, then the block must be pressed on the textile many times.
It is an easy technique, but you need to be careful when pressing the prints on textile. The good thing is that with one press, you will have all your prints on the textile.
2. Copper Roll Fabric Printing
This is another good textile printing technique. It comes right after the hand-block printing, on reliability and ease of use. It has also been in use for many years, and it keeps getting better with time.
It is worth noting that this process is more like the hand-block printing method. However, it is better because it will give you a fast printing rate. In this case, you will use a copper roll to print patterns and images on your fabric.
Once that is done, you will then roll the copper roll on top of the fabric, leaving behind the desired patterns. This technique lets user’s print bigger patterns on textile, making it one of the best choices.
3. Sublimation Printing
With this method, you will need a sublimation dye which you will transfer to the fabric with heat. You also need a colour laser or an inkjet printer, a heat transfer machine, and sublimation ink. Despite being effective, this is one of the most expensive printing techniques.
Nevertheless, sublimation printing will give you the best result, which is why it is worth the extra money you spent.
The only problem with sublimation printing is that you will not be able to print on things like cotton.
While the sublimation method is supposed to be durable, it could wear off when exposed to direct sunlight.
4. Rotary Screen Printing
Circa 1963, a breakthrough in textile printing gave birth to screen printing. The unique thing about this method of printing is that you will use around, seamless screen. It is not like other methods that require flat screens to print patterns on textile. You don’t have to be an expert to make use of this effective printing technique.
First, you will cover your screen using a lacquer. You will then open the screen holes that are supposed to be opened. Initially, this process was done by placing a film over the light-sensitive lacquer. However, today, many screens are engraved using a laser.
You will then apply a printing paste on the inside of the screen and then push it through the hole using a squeegee.
5. Digital Textile Printing
Rotary screen printing is an expensive method. In that case, there was a huge demand for a better and less expensive way to get things done. That is why digital textile printing was introduced. With digital textile printing, it is possible to print things on textile.
In digital printing, you will not be using screens. Instead, print heads will move on top of the fabric from left to right. Better still, you can place them on the entire area of the fabric to get a fast, uninterrupted printing experience. Note that you can also upload your design to a computer, where you will process it. The whole thing will only take a few seconds to complete.
Closing Thoughts
There are many other ways to print things on textile. However, the quality of your prints will depend on the method you used. Therefore, for the best experience and results, you should consider using one or more of the techniques we have suggested above. With the help of technology, you don’t need a lot of money to print things on textile.