How and what to apply prints on clothing: methods and features

Modern printing on fabric allows you to decorate clothing and other things or brand them with logos. The image turns out clear, rich and bright. The picture does not spoil for a long time in the process of washing. Prints on clothing are applied in several ways. Consider the most popular of them.

Silk screen printing on fabric

Silk-screen printing - a method of printing on fabric in which the picture is applied to a special grid. It is imprinted with a stencil for each color. Features of silk-screen printing:

• The image is applied to any type of material: natural or synthetic fabric.
• The paint is suitable for light or dark shades of fabric.
• Monochrome or color prints are possible.
• It is possible to create various special effects on the image.

Prints are resistant to repeated washing. The image is silkscreened quickly. Most of the time is spent on preparation for printing. Since certain color stencils are created for the sketch, serigraphy is profitable financially if you need to issue a large circulation of clothing.

Sublimation printing on fabric

In this technology the picture is transferred to the cloth from a special paper under pressure and at high temperature. Sublimation printing is often used on synthetic fabrics. Especially suitable for this polyester.

Features of sublimation printing:

• Drawings of any complexity can be created quickly.
• The quality of the image is the same as a photo, with a high resolution.
• Tints of prints are bright, do not burn out in the sun.

Thermal transfer printing on fabric

When thermal transfer printing a picture is applied to a special paper. Then the press at a high temperature transfers it to the fabric. It takes time to create the base for the appliqué. However, having done it once, it is possible to put the image on many things. The prints have a bright palette. The speed of thermal transfer printing is high. Equipment can be both large-sized factory machine, and a portable compact device, resembling an iron.

Direct digital printing on fabric

The image sketch is created on the computer. Textile printers apply a drawing of any complexity to the fabric. The picture comes out bright and saturated on white or light fabric. To print on variegated or dark base, it is pre-treated with a special paint. The material in this place becomes harder.

Features of direct digital printing on fabric:

• The image and equipment is prepared as quickly as possible.
• Layout can be changed in the process of printing.
• The picture comes out detailed.

Direct digital printing is expensive. However, it is the most convenient way to quickly and efficiently transfer an image onto fabric.

Pad printing on fabric

Ink is applied to a printing plate made of metal and polymers. The image is transferred to the fabric with the help of soft rubber swabs.

This type of printing is not intended for the application of drawings on clothing. It is used to create logos on bags, hats, aprons, construction helmets. The print is easy to apply without distortion to hard, rounded or curved surfaces.