Explanation of how to print on fabric
Looking at fabrics with cute patterns and beautiful prints makes you feel soothed and happy, doesn't it?
However, you might suddenly wonder, "How is the printing on fabric done...?"
In fact, there are a variety of printing methods depending on the material and characteristics of the fabric!
About the base fabric
The base fabric on which the fabric is printed is called "P-shita or shita-zarashi." It is pronounced "P-shita, shitazarashi."
Both natural fibers and synthetic fibers such as polyester are pure white in color.
The first method is "hand printing." The fabric is printed by hand, one by one.
A print is made for each color, and the fabric is dyed by hand, so it's a very time-consuming method!
The dye slowly seeps out through small holes in the print. The fabric is then heated to dry.
However, it is precisely because of this time-consuming hand-dyeing that the colors are resistant to fading.
Rotary Printing
This method involves applying pigment to a rolled up stencil and printing onto fabric. It is also often used for printing on residential interior materials such as flooring and wall coverings.
The stencil is made of metal, and pigment is placed in its recesses and pressed onto the fabric to print.
Because the stencil is in roll form, designs are limited to repeating the same pattern. There is a limit to the number of colors that can be printed, and it is not possible to reproduce a large number of colors.
Another feature is that there are many lot conditions, as it is time-consuming to create the stencil.
Silkscreen printing
"Silkscreen printing" is a popular printing method that produces beautiful results.
This method involves stretching materials such as nylon or terylene on a frame, creating plates for each color, and printing by layering the colors. In the past, silk was used instead of nylon or terylene, so the name "silkscreen" is a remnant of this.
It can be used to print on a variety of items, such as T-shirts, polo shirts, bags, and aprons, and is often used as a printing method for T-shirts. (Kits that can be used to print at home are also sold.)
However, since plates are created and layered one color at a time, the more colors you use, the higher the printing price per sheet. However, the more sheets you print, the cheaper it can be.
It is resistant to fading and durable after washing, so it is also suitable for sportswear. It can be printed on any material, including natural materials and polyester, but it cannot be printed on jackets with padding or thick linings.
Sublimation Printing
This printing method is mainly used for polyester materials. There is no feeling of ink on the fabric, and the ink soaks into the surface of the fabric firmly, so there is no loss of breathability. For this reason, it is often used for uniforms.
The sublimation transfer method uses a large inkjet printer to spray ink onto a special sheet to print the design. After that, the ink is evaporated by heat and the printed design is soaked into the base fabric that is attached to it. The fabric is then layered and dried under pressure with a press machine to complete the process.
The ink used in sublimation transfer is heated to about 200 degrees and pressure is applied for about one minute, which allows the dye to penetrate and then cool, trapping the dye. Small batch production is also possible.
Inkjet printing
Finally, there is inkjet printing. Speaking of inkjet, it is a method that is also used in home printers, so you may have some idea of what it is. The basic mechanism is the same, and it is a method that allows you to print on fabric in small lots.
Its features are that it can print quickly and that it can express fine patterns. It uses eight colors of ink, but by combining them, it is possible to express an amazing 100 billion colors.
It is also characterized by its suitability for a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, linen, silk, and rayon. There is no need to worry about color fading or color transfer.
It is a printing method that has become more and more popular recently because it allows for small lots with a short delivery time!
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