In order be visible and create valuable brand impressions,  you’ll need to bigger and bolder to stand out in large print advertising. How will create a brand impression of your product? Large format fabric graphics are one visual solution taking the world of advertising and display exhibits by storm. In this instance, bigger is better. You’ve probably seen in most cities by now the enormous building wraps on skyscrapers. If you’re a traveller, you’ve seen the wide mural-sized fabric graphics displayed near the rafters in major airports. Long  portico banners announcing the current show at museums, coliseums, and aquariums. Here is some information to help you sort through the possibility of purchasing large format fabric graphics.

Dye sublimation fabric printing is typically associated with the printing of T-shirts. In the large format graphics industry, short runs for of  custom printed fabric for displays as well as the fashion industy has been catching on. Originally referred to as ‘soft signage’ in the trade show industry, used for skinning trade show booths and making portability a snap. Fabric can be dye sublimated directly or through a transfer process. which requires an extra step. Here’s the 101 on dye sublimated fabric graphics:

Sublimation is a heat-generated process by which a solid becomes a gas. In the graphics printing industry, the water-based dyes are the solids which become the gas, which in turn cools. When the dyes cool, they either return to their solid state on top of the pre-treated fabric or they can become entrapped into the very fibers of the fabric. Entrapment makes a permanent bond, which makes that fabric easily washable without trashing the graphic. The equipment which uses heated rollers and compression, paired with a poly-based blend of fabric describes the type of process used in dye sublimation transfer printing. Because the colors are permanently embedded, it works particularly well for saturate colors on a large format platform. The receptor of the polyester fibers bond best with these polymers. The transfer method works best because it is inherently more flexible in the fabric texture you choose as well as provides you with the sharpest looking graphic.

There are two distinct fabric printing methods referred to only as “dye sublimation.” Each process has distinct characteristics with distinctly different results. Here’s the side-by-side comparison:

“DIRECT” DYE SUBLIMATION            vs              DYE SUBLIMATION “TRANSFER”     

Direct prints directly to a receiving fabric             Transfer prints first onto a transfer paper sheet

One step to fabric, then heat                                   Two steps to fabric, paper first, then fabric

Crisp line detail not as sharp                                   Crisp line detail is sharp, due to paper sheet

Requires use of special pre-coated fabrics           Uses un-coated fabrics

Works best on smooth finish fabrics                     Good for textural and smooth finish fabrics

Limited selection,not knits nor meshes                 Broader selection,knits and meshes included

Dot gain, some spread                                              Dot gain minimal; prints on paper first

Resolution quality not as fine                                   Great resolution, prints to paper first

Inherently dries duller by comparison                   Great color quality, colors pop

Lower costs due to single layer step                      Higher cost slightly, more labor & materials

Tension on fabric required to print                         Tension not required, paper receiving is flat

 

Direct dye sublimation printing is a one step process which requires pre-coated fabrics. The fabric is printed on directly, and then heated for sublimation. The pre-coated fabrics are available in the smoother surface fabrics only. With textured surfaces, there would be greater dot spreading. The apparent resolution is not as optimal as in transfer printing. When budget is a concern, viewing distances are great, and faster turnaround times are required, then direct dye sublimation is your solution.

However, when you need fine resolution (up-close viewing), and you want a broader choice of fabrics with uncoated fabrics; then dye sublimation transfer printing is your solution.  Transfer printing offers you the highest quality output with a broader selection of polyester fabrics from which to choose.  Call your print service provider (PSP) today to find out more about fabric graphics and fabric availability. Call 1800.829.4562 for dye sublimation transfer printing.