How to achieve a soft hand feel on printed fabrics with textile printing binders?

Achieving a soft hand feel on printed fabrics is a crucial aspect of textile printing, as it significantly enhances the comfort and appeal of the final product. As a leading supplier of textile printing binders, we understand the importance of this quality and have developed a range of products designed to meet the diverse needs of our customers. In this blog post, we will explore the key factors involved in achieving a soft hand feel on printed fabrics and how our textile printing binders can help you achieve outstanding results.

Understanding the Concept of Soft Hand Feel

The term "soft hand feel" refers to the tactile sensation of a fabric, which is influenced by various factors such as the type of fiber, fabric construction, and the finishing processes applied. In textile printing, the binder plays a vital role in determining the hand feel of the printed fabric. A good binder should not only provide excellent adhesion and color fastness but also maintain the softness and flexibility of the fabric.

Factors Affecting the Hand Feel of Printed Fabrics

1. Binder Composition

The chemical composition of the binder is one of the most important factors affecting the hand feel of printed fabrics. Binders can be classified into different types, such as acrylic, polyurethane (PU), and polyvinyl acetate (PVA). Each type has its own characteristics and properties, which can have a significant impact on the hand feel of the printed fabric.

Acrylic binders are widely used in textile printing due to their excellent adhesion, color fastness, and resistance to abrasion. However, they can sometimes make the fabric feel stiff and rough, especially when used in high concentrations. Polyurethane binders, on the other hand, are known for their softness, flexibility, and elasticity. They can provide a smooth and comfortable hand feel to the printed fabric, even at high print densities.

2. Binder Concentration

The concentration of the binder in the printing paste also affects the hand feel of the printed fabric. A higher binder concentration generally results in better adhesion and color fastness but can also make the fabric feel stiffer. Therefore, it is important to find the right balance between binder concentration and hand feel.

3. Printing Process

The printing process used can also influence the hand feel of the printed fabric. For example, screen printing and digital printing have different effects on the fabric. Screen printing can apply a thicker layer of ink, which may make the fabric feel stiffer compared to digital printing, which applies a thinner layer of ink.

4. Fabric Type

Different types of fabrics have different inherent hand feels, and the choice of fabric can also affect the final hand feel of the printed fabric. For example, natural fibers such as cotton and silk are generally softer than synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon. Therefore, when printing on different types of fabrics, it is necessary to select the appropriate binder to achieve the desired hand feel.

How Our Textile Printing Binders Can Help

As a supplier of textile printing binders, we offer a wide range of products that are specifically designed to provide a soft hand feel on printed fabrics. Our binders are formulated using advanced technology and high-quality raw materials to ensure excellent performance and reliability.

1. Textile Foil Stamping Hot Melt PUD

Our Textile Foil Stamping Hot Melt PUD is a high-performance binder that is suitable for a variety of textile printing applications. It provides excellent adhesion to different types of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends. This binder is formulated to have a low viscosity, which allows for easy application and a smooth finish. It also has a soft and flexible film-forming property, which helps to maintain the natural softness of the fabric.

2. Matte PU Top Coat Textile Printing

The Matte PU Top Coat Textile Printing binder is designed to provide a matte finish and a soft hand feel to the printed fabric. It is a polyurethane-based binder that offers excellent abrasion resistance and color fastness. This binder can be used as a top coat to enhance the durability and appearance of the printed fabric while maintaining its softness.

3. Impranil Dls Dl1116 Alternative PUD

Our Impranil Dls Dl1116 Alternative PUD is a cost-effective alternative to the popular Impranil Dls Dl1116 binder. It has similar properties and performance, including a soft hand feel and excellent adhesion. This binder is suitable for use in both screen printing and digital printing processes, making it a versatile choice for textile printers.

Tips for Achieving a Soft Hand Feel

In addition to using our high-quality textile printing binders, here are some tips to help you achieve a soft hand feel on printed fabrics:

1. Optimize the Binder Formulation

Work with our technical team to optimize the binder formulation based on your specific requirements. This may involve adjusting the binder concentration, adding softening agents, or using a combination of different binders.

2. Choose the Right Printing Process

Select the printing process that is most suitable for your fabric and design. For example, if you want a softer hand feel, digital printing may be a better option than screen printing.

3. Conduct Pre-Treatment

Pre-treat the fabric before printing to improve its absorbency and adhesion. This can help to reduce the amount of binder needed and result in a softer hand feel.

4. Post-Treatment

Apply a softening finish after printing to further enhance the hand feel of the fabric. This can include using a fabric softener or a silicone-based treatment.

Conclusion

Achieving a soft hand feel on printed fabrics is a combination of using the right textile printing binders, choosing the appropriate printing process, and following proper pre- and post-treatment steps. As a leading supplier of textile printing binders, we are committed to providing our customers with high-quality products and technical support to help them achieve outstanding results.

If you are interested in learning more about our textile printing binders or have any questions about achieving a soft hand feel on printed fabrics, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to working with you to meet your textile printing needs.

References

• Textile Printing Technology, Second Edition, by Dr. J. E. Woodings
• Handbook of Textile and Industrial Dyeing, Volume 2: Application of Dyes, by M. Clark
• Textile Finishing: Principles, Processes and Performance, by S. M. Burkinshaw