How Are Digital Prints Different From Screen Prints?
If you shop for quilting fabric, the words “digital print” and “screen print” will seem so familiar. Knowing the difference will help one select the right fabric for a project. For instance, it would be good to understand how they are produced if you are into detailed, vibrant designs. Let us look into the difference between digital prints and good old-fashioned screenprints.
What Is Digital Printing?
Digital printing is a modern method for printing fabric. The inkjet printer prints an image directly onto fabric. The design creation is digital. Thus, complex detail and vibrant color can be highlighted. This technique allows for printing high-resolution designs and multicolor prints without needing screens.
Digital printing is far more complicated than screen printing, presenting a greater range of color intensities. More detailed prints will be here with better-represented photos or elaborate art. Such fabric is loved for projects demanding accurate replication of fine detail and color precision.
What Is Screen Printing?
Screen printing, also known as silk-layer printing, is a conventional fabric printing method. The process consists of a stencil of the design and screen, which is pulled with a mesh screen to lay the ink on the fabric. Each color in the design requires its screen and is quite time-consuming for a multicolor design.
Screen-printed fabrics are usually solid and vibrant in color. The ink is placed on the fabric, causing a slightly raised texture. Screen printing is great for simple, bold designs.
Major Differences Between Digital and Screen Prints
Here are some major differences between digital and screen prints:
1. Printing Technology
The very nature of the two technologies sets them apart. Digital printing involves more technological production techniques, the most important being inkjet printing on textile fabric. In screen printing, each design color requires a screen or stencil set necessary for the color.
2. Detail and Resolution
Digital printing can print high-resolution designs, making improved detailed and fine gradients. For example, Wilmington prints best capture the nature of digital printing with fine details of hue and color transitions. Screen printing fails to represent such fine detail and shade accuracy.
3. Color Variety and Gradients
Digital printing easily reproduces gradients and complex color variations, as the technology does not mix colors themselves and can create different color hues. Screen prints are helpless to the colors available with each screen, which makes imitating complex color gradients harder to achieve.
4. Durability and Texture-Layer
The printed fabric will have a slightly “raised” thickness and a much-desired texture. Inks from screen prints tend to be stronger and stay longer because of sitting on top of the fabric.
Why Opt for Digital Printing?
The best in creative designs, with so much detail and intricate design coupled with strong, clear, vibrant colors, that speaks for itself. Sealed in a soft hand embrace, its power reduces any wear or stress a quilt will witness. If it comes to a family of textiles, whether it is a blanket, a dress, or a doormat project, digital printing excels in crafting high-quality aesthetics with an edge of a modern touch. They flourish with modern quilting fabrics.
Digital printing can encompass everything from detailed photographic impressions to the weirdest abstracts, making them perfect for a project that calls for highly delicate patterns or artistic representation.
Why Opt for Screen Printing?
Bold, simple patterns with strong colors are the best to wear screen prints. Screen prints might be the way to go if you choose texturally heavier patterns.
Ideal situations for screen prints are mass-producing a large stock of fabric. For different printings of the same design, screen printing is highly practical as it is comparatively inexpensive and does the job fast.
Conclusion
Digital print fabric is meant for high detail, rich color, and complex designs. In contrast, screen prints work best for simpler, bolder designs with lasting durability. Either go for the options for fabric from the quilting treasures or other brands to suit your needs fully. If you’re ready to explore the world of digital printing, screen prints, and beyond, get a rich array of quilting fabrics for all your creative needs at Platinum So n Sews today!
