The types of prints are a very useful added value if you want to learn how to design amazing clothes. For example, what clothes are you wearing? is it plain or does it have a print on it? If it does, did you ever stop to think about how it was made or how you chose the pattern your clothes have? If those doubts have been on your mind at some point, today you’ll have all the answers .
To begin with, textile design is immense, you can find thousands of types of prints, designs and patterns. Textile printing is the process by which a weft is dyed or applied to the fabric .this can vary depending on the characteristics of the fabrics and the desired effect, so this is where the different types of prints come into play.
As you can see, there is a lot to learn! So, if you are about to venture into the world of textile design, in the following lines you will find a guide with the most important points to consider when choosing between the types of prints to renew your closet or enhance your clothing venture.
So, are you ready to enter this world? let’s get started!
1. Textile screen printing
This technique is one of the most used among the types of textile prints, as it allows you to repeat the process in a very simple way. Another advantage of learning how to do screen printing is that, once a correct first impression is achieved, the print does not lose definition throughout the applications, regardless of the number .
Amapolay, the team in charge of the textile screen printing course, tells us that this type of printing can be easily done without high-tech elements. In addition, it is a versatile and accessible method that works as a point of approach to local culture.
Additionally, this kind of printing offers you the following advantages:
It is an economical technique
Its effect is long-lasting
It does not fade with washing or time
You can use up to 6 colors
However, you should keep in mind that a mistake in placing the equipment incorrectly during the process of stamping for clothing can lead to problems with the ink. Therefore, you must be sure to use the right amount of material to avoid damaging the final result.
Onceyou have finished the printing, you should perform a good curing process, which is carried out by exposing the garment to constant heat for a certain period of time.
After taking these considerations into account, your garments will look amazing!
2. Textile Sublimation
The second example of our guide on the types of prints refers to the process in which the ink is transferred to the fabric through heat. This system is recommended for prints with a lot of detail, definition or very small images.
However, this textile printing is not an economical process to do at home, since you will need a heat press machine that applies the necessary pressure and heat to generate the chemical modification of the fabric with the ink.
The advantages of this t-shirt printing process are that the result is unalterable and, unlike screen printing, through textile sublimation, you can apply different colors on the fabric.
If you decide to venture into this type of t-shirt printing, you should keep in mind the following:
It works best on polyester fabrics
It has a more striking result on light backgrounds
To make a print on cotton garments, these must go through a previous process.
So, would you dare to use this type of printing?
3. Textile cut vinyl or thermal printing
The third example in our list of print types is the only one that works with a thin layer of vinyl. Depending on the quality of the vinyl, this is a technique that can have very professional finishes, as it presents great durability and resistance to washing.
Before working with this type of polo printing, consider the following:
The design you want to paste on the fabric must be simple.
It can only be applied on cotton garments
It has different finishes: metallic, fluorescent, rubberized, etc.
You can only use one color per piece
According to EuroCotton, a company specialized in the textile industry, thermo-printing is one of the types of printing that does not allow you to take advantage of all the existing color ranges or to replicate images with a high level of detail.
Although it is a bit limiting, it is worth trying it for its high durability, don’t you think?
Image: Koloronline
4. Textile transfer or digital vinyl
We continue with our list of types of prints and now it is the turn of a technique that is very similar to the previous one, but its quality is better both to the eye and to the touch.furthermore, this type of printing can be applied on dark fabric colors, reproducing the original colors quite faithfully.
On the one hand, you should keep in mind that, if you do not achieve a good adhesion through the garment printing process, the image could peel off from the polo shirt. To prevent this from happening, you must have good quality materials!
On the other hand, consider that, of all the types of prints, this is the one that wears out the most with washing, and it also makes the wearer perspire more easily. Therefore, if you want to make clothes to sell, we do not recommend this option.
5. Direct printing
Of all the types of printing, this is perhaps the most recent printing technique in the textile world. The process is done by means of a printer that holds the fabric firmly in place, printing the illustrations or prints in an ink that is absorbed directly by the garment.
The advantages of printing polo shirts with direct printing are summarized in the following points:
Neat finish
Can be applied on any type and color of fabric
Excellent durability
However, the main disadvantage is that the inks are a bit more expensive compared to the materials of the other types of prints. In addition, to ensure absorption, depending on the fabric, you will need to treat it with some product or spray for the ink to adhere in the best way.
Despite this, you can be sure that this technique has a more than good finish and will help you to customize your clothes the way you want.
6. Pad printing
We are coming to the end of our list of the types of prints and we could not miss this technique. According to Sublimaciones.net, a community of people dedicated to graphic arts, this technique is very versatile and economical. It is also one of the fastest printing techniques available .
Pad printing will allow you to print logos in different colors or in just one color, although you will not obtain a high level of detail. On the other hand, to start this process, you will need a specialized machine, which will take care of everything.
be careful! This textile sublimation technique can be somewhat susceptible to frequent washing, so if you decide to opt for it, we recommend you to test first how the garments evolve when in contact with other substances in the environment.
Image: Screen printing in Seville
7. Hand printing
In addition to the types of prints we have mentioned, are there other alternatives? If you want a more handmade product, you can opt for freehand drawings with brush or other elements. Keep in mind that these will be totally handmade textile prints and you can not ensure an aesthetic continuity.
However, the advantage of this process is that each piece you work on will be unique and creative. no one will wear the same garment as yours!
Now, if you are thinking of making a larger and more standardized production, you have to opt for one of the previous options. These types of fashion prints will allow you to reproduce an illustration phrase or image almost infinite times to meet the needs of your consumers.
Image: Unsplash
what is the best type of print?
Okay, so you know what types of prints there are, but which one should you choose? To start this debate, you should consider that prints on T-shirts, or on any textile garment, are very varied in terms of shapes, colors, illustrations, etc.
While the print of the garment depends a lot on the taste of the person wearing it, something that is neither relative nor negotiable is the quality of the types of prints. Therefore, no matter which print you choose, the characteristics of the material and the quality have to be good.
These will be measured by their durability over time and washings. You must consider that the quality of the types of prints depends on the fabric on which they are applied, in addition to the quality of the ink, the vinyl or the type of printing used.
If you plan to print an illustration or start a complete clothing line, find out about the quality of the materials offered by your supplier and make sure they are the right ones. If you want to start production yourself, we advise you to avoid saving on the quality of the product, because to create a good product, you must be willing to invest.
Finally, what you should keep in mind when choosing between the different types of prints is how the visual appearance of your final product will be, the elasticity, its resistance to washing and its softness: the garment should look good, be comfortable and pleasant to the touch.
Image: Unplash
We have reached the end of the note and, after having read this far, you can say that you have witnessed how extensive the world of textile prints is. You have many options to give life to your garments and make them stand out from the rest. Also, this can be an excellent option to reuse old clothes. long live recycling!