Pigment Printing

Pigment printing uses insoluble color particles bound to the fabric surface using synthetic binders, creating a fundamentally different approach from dye-based printing methods. Unlike dyes that penetrate and chemically bond with fibers, pigments remain on the fabric surface, held in place by a thin film of binder that cures during heat treatment.

The pigment printing process is relatively straightforward compared to dye-based methods. Pigment particles are mixed with binders, thickeners, and other additives to create a printable paste. This paste is applied to the fabric through screen printing or other methods. After printing, the fabric is dried and then cured at temperatures typically between 150°C and 170°C. The heat treatment crosslinks the binder, creating a durable film that locks the pigment particles to the fabric surface. Notably, no washing step is required after curing, significantly simplifying the production process and reducing water consumption.

Pigment printing offers unique advantages that have made it one of the most widely used textile printing methods. The technique works on virtually all fiber types, from cotton and polyester to blends and specialty fibers, because the pigment-binder system adheres to the surface rather than requiring chemical affinity with the fiber. The elimination of washing steps makes the process more environmentally friendly and reduces production costs. Setup is simpler than dye-based printing, and bright, vibrant colors are achievable across the color spectrum.

The surface application does create some limitations. The binder film can affect the fabric's hand feel, potentially making printed areas slightly stiffer than the base fabric. Rubbing fastness, particularly wet rubbing, requires careful formulation to achieve acceptable levels. Color fastness depends heavily on binder quality and proper curing. Pigment printing is extensively used for T-shirt printing, home textiles, decorative fabrics, and blended fiber products where the versatility of the method outweighs the hand feel considerations.