There are different types of fabric printing methods and they bring out different results. The type of textile printing is mostly used based on various considerations from print runs to durability. If you would like to know more or learn more about surface pattern design or print design on fabric in Australia, you could check online and attend courses offered to get a clear idea.
Take a look at some of the most popular or most commonly used methods used for fabric printing.
- Stamp Printing: A stamp is created and is used to imprint onto the fabric. It is like making potato stamps for kids to create beautiful paintings. The design would be cut into stamps which would be then dipped into ink. The pressure would be applied to transfer this from stamp to textile. There are a lot of modern technologies when compared to stamping. The level of detail you could get from stamp printing is limited. Hence, it is not suitable for intricate designs.
- Transfer Printing
Transfer paper is used here. It is a special paper that you would get from most stationery stores, craft shops and even supermarkets. You can make use of a standard household printer to print the design into the transfer paper which could be printed on the chosen fabric with the help of standard household steam iron. It could be up scaled and done professionally on a larger scale. It would leave a surface texture or shiny film on the fabric. It is not a permanent method of fabric printing as it can crack and peel with multiple washes and might also fade out.
- Screen Printing
It is one of the most common methods used within the professional world of textile printing. Silkscreen printing is most common and based on a stencil and nylon mesh to create the print design. The waterproof material is used to block out the spaces that you want the design to appear on and then the blocked out spaces are flooded with ink. You could use only one colour for each screen but it can produce fantastic replications.
- Dye Sublimation
It is a multi-step process that introduces some of the best results out of all fabric printing methods. The designs are printed onto a thermal transfer paper which is known as dye sublimation paper. It is then used to create the print on the fabric, print design on fabric Australia. Both pressure and heat are used to permanently bond the ink to the fibres of the fabric. This can leave the fabric soft just like it was before getting the print. The deep infusion technique penetrates water-based ink deep into the textile, making the print permanent. It is perfect for intricate details and colours.
- Pigment Printing
It is one of the most popular printing techniques that could be used on cellulose fibres. It is ideal to use on natural fabrics. It is one of the fabric printing methods that could be used on synthetic materials which makes it versatile. It is a local technique that involves applying the dyes to the part of the fabric that you want the design to be seen. It is done again and again and slowly builds the colour.