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Display Fabrics & Printing Processes

Fabric Printing Processes  |  Fabric Types

Fabric printing is part of the textile finishing industry. Printing on fabric has practically existing since the dawn of man (think hand-prints on animal hide), but innovations in printing equipment have recently revolutionized the cost and accessibility of high quality full color fabric printing. Today, high resolution full color images can be printed onto a number of different types of fabrics for practically infinite applications.

Fabric Printing Processes

Basically, in fabric printing for displays, a decorative pattern or design is applied to constructed fabric by dye sublimation or direct digital printing methods. Here's a quick breakdown of each type of textile printing:

In dye sublimation printing, an image is digitally printed in reverse with special dye sublimation toners or inks onto regular media, such as paper. The image is then placed on top of a polyester-based or coated fabric, and subjected to high heat and pressure from a heat press. The dye sub toners or inks "sublimate" (when a material goes directly from a solid state to a gaseous state, without becoming liquid) and flow into the fabric, dying the threads.

In direct fabric digital printing, fabric is fed directly into an inkjet printer. Of course, the fabric must have a special inkjet coating on it, and then it will accept the ink the same way inkjet paper would. A nice variety of fabric is available with inkjet coating, ranging from canvas to stretchable polyester to satin.

Most Popular Fabrics for Displays

Since we are focusing on fabrics used in displays, let's take a look at the most popular fabrics for displays and why we like them so much.

PolyTwill  64”wide
A favorite for trade show banners, backdrops, table throws and fitted table clothes. It is an excellent material for four color process printing, and is wrinkle-resistant and washable. It is also an excellent material for four color process printing, and is wrinkle-resistant and washable. It meets the NFPA-701 flame test standards so it's safe for use with close-range lighting.

Poly Knit (5 oz. or 9 oz.) 118” wide
Two thirds of the weight of poly twill this material is primarily used for banners, POP back drops and lined curtains. This fabric provides excellent print quality, and is similar to nylon in look and feel. It is also an excellent material for four color process printing, is wrinkle-resistant, washable and meets the NFPA-701 flame test standards.

Poly Lucent 118” wide
1.8 oz. Flame retardant lightweight sheer. This fabric is a good choice in displays that wish to convey a semi-transparent look, use silhouettes or specialty mood lighting.

Poly Satin 58” wide
This fabric is elegant and used to obtain a silk-like look. Most commonly used in point of purchase applications, this material also meets the NFPA-701 flame test standards. 

Poly Poplin 60” wide

This fabric is used to print most banner stands.  It is very durable, and does not fray on the edges.

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