Are you looking for a reliable silk printing service? There are some quality printers who are also providing same day printing service in London. But, before you take their service, don’t you think you should also have prior knowledge on how to print on silk!
Even though you are not the service provider, the knowledge will help you set the requirements to pull out the best quality silk printing. Not only that, but you would also be able to qualify the service provider and decide who to go for printing on silk.
Hence, in this article, I will talk all about silk printing and how to do it. So, let’s get started!
Digital Silk Printing
What actually is a digital print on silk? It’s one of the most common questions we get from clients. With digital printing, a piece of simple silk fabric is transformed into a sophisticated one flawlessly. That is the job done by digital printing.
It’s a printing method that can change a basic silk fabric with a pattern, color, and motif. The fabric becomes the canvas of the designer and marks it with his artisan. The digital printing method is done with advanced technology. However, the designer can create a unique design that no one else can have.
Also, the design can be printed on silk and many other versatile materials. Among all other techniques, digital silk printing is quite popular among clothing lines these days.
The Difference Between Digital Printing and Screen Printing
Silk print existed before we were introduced to digital printing. It was screen printing. This method is still popular among manufacturers and designers. Compared to digital printing, the screen printing methods require extensive skills from designers to productions, and there are many stages to follow to get the finished product.
From design to production, digital printing is processed by computer. Whereas, in screen printing, to transfer the design on the fabric, an additional screen or stencil is needed. Moreover, in digital printing, you can add as many colors as you want. However, adding individual color through screen printing requires time and technique.
For each color, a different stencil needs to be used. Not only that, color can be transferred one at a time. Additionally, as the colors are applied, the layer is quite thicker than the digital print. Hence, the fabric holds a more vibrant color.
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It’s one of the prior reasons for the manufacturers to be still fond of screen printing. Nevertheless, the entire process of screen printing requires professional skill and time to get the desired result.
How to Print on Silk?
Digital silk printing might sound simple and easy. However, there are some steps and techniques involved till you get the silk printed. Here are the essential stages one designer has to go through.
1. Design
Obviously, design is the first and foremost thing a designer should have in hand. The design is often suggested by the customers mentioning their requirements. The design or artwork is often hand drawing or digital art format. Once the designer gets the idea of what the client wants, he can play with color and sometimes additional patterns if needed. The benefit of having a digital design is, the designer can repeat the same design seamlessly without breaking any border or line.
2. Pretreatment
Before you directly print a design on silk, the fabric must go through pretreatment. Hence, the silk is first coated with a fabric finisher in order to receive the ink and absorb the color. After the pretreatment process, the fabric gets a patch test to check if the printer is releasing the right amount of ink to properly absorb by the material. If not, the designer must check and rectify the balance. Because, without the correct balance, the design won’t have the expected color, and the fabric won’t have the right crispness.
3. Printing
After the pretreatment and balance correction, the fabric is ready to get the artwork printed. Insert the silk fabric into the printer. Make sure the ink heads are at the right height and position. As you command to print, the drops of ink will spray on the silk and bring out the design you longed for.
4. Finishing
The newly printed silk fabric needs to be delicately handled. Hence, after the printing is done, the fabric must be steamed so that the ink sits on the fabric threads permanently. Then, it’s ready to wash to remove the excess ink and coating. Finally, let it dry properly and iron the silk, and you will be mesmerized with the newly found fabric in your hand.
Is digital print eco-friendly?
As the world is more concerned about protecting the environment, a tiny contribution makes a huge difference. Therefore, the manufacturers also wonder whether the digital printing method is eco-friendly or not! So, here are some of the environmentally friendly benefits you can enjoy by embracing digital printing methods and not being a part of environmental pollution.
Produces less waste
The digital printing method has minimal steps compared to traditional fabric printing. From design to print, the entire operation is computer operated. Hence, you can control and adjust the amount of ink before printing on the actual fabric. Thus, it will ensure less chemical waste and preserve the resources.
Requires less equipment
With digital printing, you will actually use a handful of equipment. Unlike screen printing, you don’t need to use a stencil to transfer the design or color. Also, you can use the same design repeatedly without wasting time or material.
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Minimal use of water
The textile industry used to require a huge amount of water for its production. However, by embracing advanced technology and digital printing method, the use of water has drastically reduced in this sector. Also, the process of digital printing does not require water. Thus, with digital printing, you can also ensure less water use and pollution.
No paper waste
With the digital printing method, you don’t need to use paper to do the design or transfer it on the fabric. From start to finish, everything is done digitally. Hence, you can actively participate in minimizing the use of paper.
Final Verdict
Undoubtedly, digital printing is a beneficial choice for manufacturers these days. Not only because it requires fewer steps and is environmentally friendly. It’s a sustainable method for the progress of the textile industry. Now a lot of digital printing services are available in London. As you are aware of how to get digital print on silk, finding a high quality printing service would be easy for you.
