EFI Inkjet Solutions Printing Tips & Tricks
Textile Sublimation: Direct vs. Transfer
There are two different methods to digitally print textile:
directly printing to textile or with the use of transfer paper.
There are pros and cons to both processes. To determine
which method to use, consider how the print will need to
perform in its final application using the following tips
and tricks.
Printing to transfer paper helps give better control over dot
gain immediately after the ink is jetted. There is less dot
gain on transfer paper than on fibrous textiles. Better control
over dot gain helps with edge definition and gives a high
quality appearance for closely viewed images. Applications
best suited for transfer printing include pop-up displays and
in-store displays.
When printing direct to textile, the ink is jetted directly
onto the textile and then sublimated. This process allows
the imagery to penetrate to the second side of the fabric,
resulting in a “see through” appearance. Wind socks that
you commonly see on roadsides by banks, gas stations and
mobile phone stores, for example, are often produced using
the direct to textile printing process.
This image is an example of a transfer print. The ink was
jetted to a paper carrier and then sublimated to the textile.
This method provides good edge definition for close
viewing applications.
Textiles intended for direct printing are manufactured with
coatings to assist in controlling the ink as it is applied.
The stronger the coating, the better the control of the ink.
Sometimes the coating can inhibit some of the dye from
migrating completely to the second side. At close viewing,
it’s possible to see the apparent density difference or
looser edge definition. From a distance, however, these
appearances can be negligible.
This is a sample of a direct to textile print on flag material.
It shows the sheer appearance of the print and the image
is nearly identical on both sides of the print.
Textile Sublimation: Direct versus Transfer (continued)
There are many different textiles available for direct to print
and transfer paper sublimation printing. Contact material
vendors and inform them of the final application to help you
get started in the right direction. The right tools for the job is
key — test several materials to find those that work best for
the final application.
Notice the edge of the black picture box — this flag
material is directly printed and intended for distance
viewing applications.
Based on regular printer usage. Results may vary. EFI IS NOT RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES, MAKES
NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND (EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY), AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS.
© 2013 Electronics for Imaging.