Introduction:
All over printing is a popular method of printing designs on clothing and fabric. It involves printing a design that covers the entire surface of the fabric, creating a seamless and continuous pattern. This method of printing has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in street-wear and fashion circles. In this article, we will explore the concept of all over print, its benefits, and how it is done.
What is All Over Printing (AOP)?
All over printing, also known as full-printing, is a printing method in which a design is printed on the entire surface of a garment or fabric, including the sleeves, hood, and other areas. This method of printing is different from traditional screen printing, which involves printing a design on a specific part of the garment. All-over print is often used for t-shirts, hoodies, and other types of clothing.
Benefits of All Over Print:
One of the main benefits of all-over printing is that it allows for more creative and unique designs. Because the entire garment is used as a canvas, there is no limit to the size or complexity of the design. This makes all over print ideal for creating bold and eye-catching designs that stand out from traditional screen printing.
Another benefit of all-over print is that it can be done on a variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and even spandex. This means that all-over print is not limited to t-shirts and can be used on a range of clothing items, including leggings, dresses, and even swimsuits.
AOP is also great for branding and marketing. Companies can print their logos and slogans on clothing items, creating a unique and memorable way to promote their brand. This is particularly effective in the streetwear and fashion industry, where brand recognition is essential.
How is All Over Printing Done?
AOP is achieved through a process called dye-sublimation. In this process, a design is printed on a special type of paper using dye-based ink. The paper is then placed on the fabric, and heat is applied, causing the ink to transfer from the paper to the fabric.
Dye-sublimation requires a specialized printer, ink, and paper. The printer uses a high resolution to ensure that the design is printed in detail, while the ink is specially formulated to bond with the fabric. The paper used in dye-sublimation is also specialized, with a coating that allows the ink to be transferred to the fabric.
Once the design is printed on the paper, it is cut and placed on the garment. The garment is then placed in a heat press, which applies heat and pressure to transfer the ink from the paper to the fabric. This process creates a seamless and continuous pattern that covers the entire surface of the garment.
Design Considerations for All Over Print:
When designing for all-over printing, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. One of the most important considerations is the size and resolution of the design. Because the design will be printed on a large surface, it is important to use a high resolution to ensure that the design is clear and detailed.
Another consideration is the placement of the design. All-over print allows for a lot of creativity in design placement, including printing on sleeves, hoods, and other areas. However, it is important to consider the seams and cut of the garment when designing, as this can affect how the design appears on the finished product.
Finally, it is important to choose the right type of fabric for all-over print. Some fabrics, such as 100% cotton, are more suitable for dye-sublimation than others. It is important to choose a fabric that will not only take the ink well but also hold up to wear and tear over time.
Conclusion:
AOP is a popular and effective method of printing designs on clothing and fabric. It allows for more creativity and impression to the end users than the traditional one.
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Working as head of the dept. of Wet Process Engineering at Textile Engineering College, Zorargonj, Chattogram. He is also CEO at TEC Media and advisor at Textile Engineers Club. He hosts textile related online program ‘TEC Show’.