Are you looking to create custom-printed fabric using digital fabric printing technology? Digitally printed fabric opens a new world for designers, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists. This allows them to create unique and personalized fabric products.

However, selecting the suitable digital textile printing ink is crucial to achieving optimal results. Choosing the wrong combination can lead to color fading, shrinking, and even a subpar final product.

In this article, we will guide you through the different substrates and ink types used in digital textile printing. We will also cover how to match them for optimal results. Read on to understand the characteristics of each substrate and ink type.

Understanding Substrates for Digital Textile Printing Ink

In digital fabric printing, the substrate is the material onto which the ink is applied. The substrate plays a crucial role in determining the quality of the final product. Three main types of substrates work in digital fabric printing: natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and blends.

Natural fibers such as cotton, silk, and wool are popular substrates for fabric printing due to their ability to absorb and retain ink. However, natural fibers are more prone to shrinkage and color fading than synthetic fibers.

Synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and spandex are popular substrates. This is due to their durability and resistance to color fading and shrinking.

They are also more affordable than natural fibers. This makes them popular for large-scale fabric printing projects.

As the name suggests, blends are made up of a combination of natural and synthetic fibers.

Blends offer the best of both worlds - the durability of synthetic fibers and the ink absorbency of natural fibers. They are also more affordable than natural fibers. This makes them a popular choice for budget-conscious fabric printers.

Factors to consider when selecting a substrate include:

• fiber type
• weight and thickness
• surface texture
• color
• environmental factors

For example, if you plan to print on a substrate made of natural fibers, pre-treatment is necessary to ensure the ink adheres to the substrate correctly.

Types of Inks for Digital Textile Printing

Selecting the right ink type for your digital fabric printer is as important as choosing a suitable substrate. There are five main types of digital textile printing ink: dye-based, pigment-based, reactive, sublimation, and acid.

Dye-based inks are the most common type of ink used in digital textile printing. They are suitable for printing on natural fibers such as cotton and silk substrates. They are water-soluble and produce vibrant colors. They can be a great addition to digital printed fabric. However, they are not as durable as other ink types and may fade over time.

Pigment-based inks are more durable than dye-based inks and suitable for printing on natural and synthetic fibers. They are water-resistant and produce vibrant colors. However, they are more expensive than dye-based inks.

Reactive inks are great for printing on natural fibers such as cotton and silk. They bond with the threads to create a long-lasting, vibrant color. Reactive inks are also water-resistant and have excellent washability.

Sublimation inks are nice for printing on polyester and other synthetic fabrics. They are transferred onto the substrate using a heat press, resulting in a permanent, high-quality print. Sublimation inks are ideal for printing on materials used for athletic wear, banners, and flags.

Acid inks work for printing on silk and wool. They produce vibrant, long-lasting colors and have excellent washability. However, they are not as commonly used as other ink types.

Matching Substrates with Ink Types

Matching the substrate with the appropriate ink type is essential to achieve the best results. Factors to consider when matching substrates with ink types include fiber type, durability, washability, and colorfastness.

Dye-based or reactive inks are suitable for natural fibers such as cotton and silk. For synthetic fibers such as polyester, sublimation inks are the best option. Pigment-based inks can be used on natural and synthetic fibers but are more expensive than dye-based inks.

When printing on blends, it's essential to consider the fiber content and select an ink type that works well on natural and synthetic fibers.

For example, dye-based or reactive inks may be a better option if the blend contains more natural fibers. Sublimation inks may be a better option if the mixture has more synthetic fibers.

When selecting the substrate and ink type, always consider the fabric's intended use. For example, materials used for athletic wear must be durable and moisture-wicking. This means synthetic fibers and sublimation inks are often the best choice.

Inks That Are Best Avoided for Printing

While many inks can be used for digital fabric printing, there are various kinds you should avoid.

One type of ink to avoid is water-based ink. While water-based ink may be suitable for paper printing, it is not ideal for fabric printing. Water-based ink can bleed and fade over time, resulting in a low-quality final product.

Another type of ink to avoid is solvent-based ink. Solvent-based ink contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These can harm the environment and human health.

Solvent-based ink also tends to be more expensive than other types of ink. This makes it an impractical choice for most digital fabric printed applications.

Finally, while UV-curable ink is suitable for many types of printing, it is not recommended for fabric printing.

UV-curable ink requires a high amount of energy to cure. This can damage the delicate fibers in the fabric. This type of ink is also not very flexible, which can cause cracking and peeling when the material is stretched or folded.

Printing On Fabric With Ease

Printing on fabric has never been easier, thanks to digital fabric printing technology advancements. However, selecting the suitable digital textile printing ink type is crucial to achieving optimal results.

Natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and blends have unique advantages and disadvantages in digital textile printing. Similarly, different types of ink are suited to other fabrics and uses.

By understanding the characteristics of each substrate and ink type, fabric printers can match them to achieve the best possible results. When it comes to custom-printed fabric, it's worth selecting the suitable substrate and ink type to ensure a high-quality final product.

Contact us if you're looking for a reputable provider of digital textile printing with quality inks.