Printing is the process of applying pigments, dyes, or other associated compounds to textiles in the shape of patterns. Printing textiles was also a significant part of cultural representation. One can spot different printing techniques and styles unique to each culture and civilization. In recent days, we can witness a great deal of change and evolution concerning printing techniques and the fabrics used. As generations passed, there was a swift change in techniques that made textile printing even more accessible. Today, textile printing has advanced to a high level of sophistication, requiring the talents of numerous artists and designers.

Have a look at different textile printing techniques.

Block Printing

Block printing is one of the most ancient printing techniques. According to estimates, block printing dates back to 3500 to 1300 BC. This technique employs simple yet effective apparatus to create prints such as flower motifs and patterns on the fabric. To conduct block printing, a wooden block is carved with the desired pattern. This is done with the help of numerous precise tools that allow meticulous carving of the wooden block. The block is the key apparatus of the process, which also gives this printing its descriptive name. This wooden block is dipped in dyes and then printed on the fabric. For the ease of printing, the fabric is stretched out. The dye is allowed to settle in the sun, which speeds the drying. Once dried, the printed fabric is then washed. 

Rotary Screen Printing 

Rotary screen printing is a continuous printing method that uses hollow, rotating screens to print the fabrics. The design is prepared by the artist in a digital format and then fed into the computer. Each color is applied to the fabric by a different rotary screen. Consider the mechanism of rotary screen printing to be similar to that of a pasta machine that flattens the dough for a better understanding. The fabric is fed into the machine with multiple rollers depending upon the colors of the design. The fabric moves horizontally forward after passing through each rotary screen.

Following the printing, the fabric is treated to make it suitable for garment production.

Screen Printing

Screen printing is also one of the earliest processes for producing printed textiles and clothing. A mesh and a stencil are the two most important tools in the screen printing process. A stencil is a cut-out of the design to be printed on cloth. The fabric is positioned beneath the mesh, and the stencil is positioned on top of the mesh. The ink is poured over the mesh, where it seeps through the holes and deposits in the shape of the pattern on the cloth. A squeegee is used to push the ink through the mesh and onto the cloth.

The fabric is then dried and washed multiple times using water to remove excess ink. also, check about digital textile printing and screen printing difference.

Sublimation digital printing 

To understand this printing, let us understand what sublimation is? Sublimation is a scientific word that describes the occurrence of a solid converting straight to a gaseous state without passing through the liquid stage. The same idea applies to sublimation digital printing. The design's mirrored version is printed on transfer paper with sublime ink. The transfer paper is then placed on the fabric/garment. A combination of heat and pressure is applied, which causes the ink to turn directly into a gaseous state and bond with the fabric's fibers.

This printing produces extremely intricate and high-definition prints.

Direct to Fabric Printing

This printing method is similar to printing paper in a color printer. The printer heads with fine nozzles deposit tiny droplets of the ink on the fabric. Prior to printing, the fabrics are treated with appropriate chemicals to be printed seamlessly and the ink deposits correctly. This process also includes post-treating the fabric with high heat pressing so that the dye fixates on the fabric. Such a printing method is used to print more significant amounts of fabric.

This quick printing process requires minimum human effort. It allows the printing of variegated designs and has no limits with regards to the king and type of design. Additionally, the sublime inks used for printing are eco-friendly as there is minimum use of water as compared to other printing techniques.

Direct to Garment printing

DTG is a relatively new method of printing patterns directly into clothing. Inkjet printers put ink directly on the clothing. Unlike cheap heat transfers, this print can not be felt on the cloth once it has dried. The end effect is a smooth print with little ink usage and maximum accuracy. This procedure is incredibly quick and requires minimal setup. It is ideal for t-shirt printing and mass production of printed garments.

We at Symplico adopt the most advanced fabric printing methods to meet all modern requirements seamlessly. You can access a vast design library and get any design on any fabric, printing followed by our reliable & advanced printing methods.

Read more information: Digital Textile Fabric Printing