The Basics On Custom Fabric Printing

By Lora Jones


Textile printing is a term that is frequently used when describing the application of color to material in special patterns or designs. When correctly done, this color is bonded to fiber so that washing and friction do not wear the applied patterns or designs. Both clothing makers and designers practice custom fabric printing when putting together works.

Generally speaking, the process is much like dying. A main difference between printing and dying is that the latter involves changing color of an entire material to one solid color. Most print jobs include more than one type of color added in a design or pattern specified by the artist.

A variety of materials and tools are employed during the process. Engraved plates, silkscreens, wood blocks, stencils and rollers are just some examples of the commonly used tools. Colorants include thickened dyes that are designed not to spread out beyond design or pattern borders. Print techniques can be categorized as: resist dying, direct, use of mordant and discharge.

Direct printing is used to classify the work in which colorants that include dyes, mordants or thickeners are used. Other substances that are needed to add color to cloth may be used as well. In either case, this is applied in the pattern that is desired. Mordant might be used for printing purposes as well. This is put in the desired pattern before cloth is dyed. Once this is done, the color only attaches to arts where mordant had been printed.

Resist dying is another method. This is done when wax or another substance is printed on the fabric, which is dyed at a later date. The places that have been waxed will not take on the dye, leaving the uncolored patterns on colored ground. With the discharge technique, bleaching solution is printed on material that was once dyed in an effort to remove some, or all, color. Both resist and discharge methods were extremely common during the nineteenth century, but in the modern world the direct method is more popular.

The different methods of printing include, but are not limited to: hand block; perrotine; engraved copperplate; roller, machine or cylinder; stencil; screen; and digital textile. Although the majority of custom prints are done through one of the above processes, there are other combinations employed. The method that is used is decided upon by the artist and often relative to the result that is desired.

Colors and fabric will need to be prepared prior to printing. The cloth may need to be brushed to remove naps, flocks and dust. Some require shearing, which is done as a way to clean and smooth out the surface. Some materials may need to be stretched or straightened using special machines and tools. Preparation will depend on the kind of material and print method. Developing colors is a process that may require knowledge of various chemicals and technical experience.

Textile making, and custom fabric printing, are common practice when it comes to making crafts, clothes and other fabric-based goods. This can be done in a variety of ways. Some skill and knowledge may be required in order for the process to be done properly. Printing is not like dying in that it involves application of color in specific patterns and designs and not solid color change of the entire fabric.




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1 comentários:

KETAN PATEL disse...

i know custom fabric printing but thanks for your get other information..

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