Printing on textiles and objects is a fast-growing industry, offering a variety of techniques to meet diverse needs. Whether you’re a business looking to promote your brand or an artist wanting to bring your creations to life, understanding the different printing methods can help you make the best choice. Here’s an overview of the main printing techniques: screen printing, digital printing, embroidery, digital transfer and sublimation.

• Screen printing

This printing technique is characterised by the use of stencils and special inks. The silk screen (stencil) is used to apply the ink to the textile, layer by layer, for each colour.

The printed colours will remain vivid and saturated, which is ideal for large areas of colour. They will stand up to repeated washing over time without fading, and the cost is degressive for large quantities.

Screen printing is still suitable for large runs and simple designs with few colours. This technique is less recommended for highly detailed or multi-coloured designs.

• Digital printing

This technique is printed directly onto the product. The ink is sprayed directly onto the fabric using a textile printer, producing highly detailed and colourful designs.

This type of printer offers high resolution, enabling fine details, complex patterns, images and colour gradations to be printed. Digital printing is ideal for small runs and one-off pieces.

• Embroidery

This technique uses threads to sew designs onto textiles. Embroidery machines program the design to be sewn directly onto the fabric and use coloured threads.

The result is a refined look that adds texture and relief to the design, is exceptionally durable and does not fade when washed. What’s more, this technique is ideal for logos and motifs requiring a high-end finish.

Embroidery adds elegance and unrivalled strength. This technique is less recommended for overly fine lines and detailed designs.

• Digital transfer

This technique transfers a design onto the textile of your choice using heat and pressure. The design is first printed on a special transfer paper and then transferred to the textile using a heat press.

Digital transfer is flexible and precise for all your designs. It’s perfect for detailed, multi-coloured designs. It gives good colour retention and is ideal for small runs and customisation.

• Sublimation

This printing technique allows the ink to penetrate the fibres of the polyester fabric. The ink passes from the solid state to the gaseous state without passing through the liquid state and is fixed directly into the textile fibres, thanks to the heat.

The colour is therefore integrated into the fabric, and does not fade or crack. The print has no relief, so the fabric remains soft to the touch. Resistance to washing and wear is excellent.

Sublimation is only recommended for polyester textiles and is particularly used for technical polyester sportswear. It allows all-over printing (i.e. over the entire surface of the garment).