2023 Fashion Streetwear Printing Process (Part 1)

Thermal transfer printing

    Thermal transfer printing can be subdivided into thermal sublimation process and hot pressing process. Suitable for small batch production.

    Dye sublimation - print the pattern on special heat transfer paper with heat transfer ink, and then transfer the pigment molecules to the fabric by heating. It can transfer photo effects or patterns with many details, not limited by the number of colors, bright colors, and can retain the original feel of the fabric.

    Disadvantages:

    A. Can only be used on polyester fabrics or fabrics containing more than 80% polyester

    B. Unable to accurately match colors, trial printing is required before printing

    Heat press - also known as heat transfer, the pattern is printed on the heat transfer paper, and then the pattern is transferred to the fabric through high temperature. Heat transfer patterns are not limited by the number of colors, and patterns with photo-like or gradient effects can be printed.

    Disadvantages:

    A. Not strong enough, there may be a risk of falling off after repeated washing

Screen printing 

    It is suitable for solid-color patterns with clear colors. One set of colors needs to be made into a set of screens, and the workers will use special dyes to print 3-4 times by hand (machines will be used in large quantities) to ensure that the prints will not fall off easily. It is more suitable for mass production, the higher the quantity, the lower the price.

    It has strong coverage and bright colors, suitable for most materials (cotton, linen, polyester, nylon, leather, artificial leather and other blended fabrics, etc.), and can be printed on dark fabrics, according to the Pantone color number Accurate color matching, widely used, is the most common and practical printing process.

    Disadvantages:

    A. The cost is affected by the number of colors, the more colors, the higher the price, and it is not breathable, which affects the feel of the garment.

Thick plate printing

    Use a special stencil to increase the printing thickness by repeated printing to form a 3D effect, but the details of the pattern cannot be well realized, the smallest part cannot be lower than 2mm, and the edges may be rough.

    Nowadays, many garments will choose thick plate heat transfer process when they need to make thick plate effect. After using laser cutting silicone or other materials to make the required pattern, high temperature heat pressing on the fabric, the finished product will be smoother and more delicate, thicker than traditional The plate printing effect is better, and the corresponding price will be higher.

Puff printing

    The production method is to brush a layer of foaming slurry first, and then dry it to realize the foaming of the pattern and present a 3D relief effect.

    In addition, there is also flocking puff printing, the finished product can achieve the double pattern effect of puff + flocking, which is very novel and unique.

Crack printing

    The production method is to use a special cracking paste to print on the fabric through screen printing, and produce a natural and irregular cracking effect after drying. This paste shrinks when heated and becomes hard and brittle, and this cracking effect is formed after drying.

    The cracked print imitates the natural mottled effect, which is suitable for the presentation of retro patterns, and the effect is better when combined with washed and worn-out clothing.

Pulling pulp / stone pulp printing

      Stone pulp printing is also called pulp printing. The water-based stone slurry used is a high-performance glue. Effects similar to stone and lava can be made by pulling slurry. The effect is a test of the master's craftsmanship.

      Due to its unique three-dimensional effect and handmade effect, stone pulp printing is often used on some fashion brand letter patterns, and it can also have an eye-catching effect when it is skillfully used on partial patterns.

Flocking printing

    The production method is to brush a layer of flocking paste first, and then apply flocking powder to the pattern in a special way to make the printed surface produce a suede effect.

    The flocking heat transfer process can also be used to transfer the finished flocking pattern to the fabric by heat pressing. Both have their own advantages, and you can choose the appropriate process according to your needs. The finished product of flocking printing presents a matte feeling and 3D effect. When used in combination with conventional printing technology, it can increase the layering of the pattern, highlight the key points, making the printed pattern more interesting.