What are the key properties of textile printing binders?
Jan 14, 2026
Textile printing binders play a pivotal role in the textile industry, acting as the glue that holds pigments or dyes onto fabric surfaces. As a leading textile printing binders supplier, we understand the significance of these properties in achieving high - quality prints. In this blog, we will explore the key properties of textile printing binders.
1. Adhesion
Adhesion is perhaps the most fundamental property of textile printing binders. A good binder must have strong adhesive capabilities to ensure that the pigment or dye adheres firmly to the fabric. This is particularly important as it directly affects the durability of the printed design. When the binder adheres well, the print can withstand various external factors such as friction during wear, washing, and exposure to sunlight.
For example, in the case of cotton fabrics, the binder needs to create a strong bond with the cellulose fibers. Our binders are formulated to have excellent adhesion to a wide range of fabrics, including natural fibers like cotton, silk, and wool, as well as synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. The chemical structure of our binders allows them to interact with the fabric molecules, forming a stable and long - lasting bond.
2. Flexibility
Textile materials are constantly in motion, whether it's due to the wearer's movements or the mechanical processes during production. Therefore, the binder must be flexible to avoid cracking or peeling of the print. Flexibility is especially crucial in applications where the fabric undergoes stretching, such as sportswear or stretch denim.
Our Super Elongation PUD for Screen Printing Bending Resistance is a prime example of a binder with outstanding flexibility. It can withstand high levels of elongation without compromising the integrity of the print. This property ensures that the printed design remains intact even when the fabric is stretched to its limits, providing a comfortable and long - lasting printing solution.
3. Wash Fastness
Wash fastness is a measure of how well the printed design resists fading or bleeding during washing. A high - quality binder should provide excellent wash fastness to ensure that the print retains its original color and appearance after multiple washing cycles.
We have developed binders that are specifically designed to improve wash fastness. These binders form a protective layer around the pigment or dye, preventing it from dissolving or migrating during washing. The chemical composition of our binders is engineered to be resistant to detergents and the mechanical agitation of the washing machine. For instance, when printing on garments that are frequently washed, such as work uniforms or casual wear, our binders ensure that the print remains vibrant and sharp.
4. Color Clarity and Brightness
The binder should not significantly affect the color clarity and brightness of the pigments or dyes used in the printing process. In fact, a good binder can enhance the visual appeal of the print by providing a smooth and even surface for the color to adhere to.


Our binders are formulated to have minimal color interference. They do not dull or alter the original color of the pigments, allowing for vivid and true - to - life prints. This property is especially important in industries such as fashion and advertising, where the color accuracy of the print is crucial for making a visual impact.
5. Drying Speed
In a production - oriented textile printing environment, the drying speed of the binder is an important factor. A fast - drying binder can significantly increase the production efficiency by reducing the time required for each printing cycle.
Our binders are designed to dry quickly, both at room temperature and under controlled drying conditions. This fast - drying property not only improves productivity but also reduces the energy consumption associated with the drying process. For example, in a screen - printing operation, a fast - drying binder allows the printer to move on to the next step more quickly, increasing the overall throughput of the production line.
6. Compatibility
Textile printing binders need to be compatible with various pigments, dyes, and other additives used in the printing process. Compatibility ensures that the binder can work effectively with different colorants and does not cause any adverse reactions, such as color changes or precipitation.
We offer binders that are highly compatible with a wide range of pigments and dyes. Our research and development team has conducted extensive tests to ensure that the binders can be used in combination with different types of colorants, providing our customers with more flexibility in their printing operations. For example, our PUD for Nylon and Denim Printing Paste is formulated to be compatible with the specific pigments and additives used in nylon and denim printing, ensuring optimal results.
7. Softness
The feel of the printed fabric is an important consideration, especially for garments. A binder that imparts a harsh or stiff feel to the fabric can reduce the comfort of the wearer. Therefore, a good textile printing binder should maintain the softness of the fabric.
Our binders are designed to have a minimal impact on the fabric's softness. They are formulated to penetrate the fabric fibers without causing excessive stiffness. This ensures that the printed fabric retains its natural feel, providing a comfortable wearing experience. For example, in the production of lingerie or baby clothing, where softness is of utmost importance, our binders are an ideal choice.
8. Gloss or Matte Finish
The finish of the printed fabric can be either glossy or matte, depending on the design requirements. Binders can be formulated to achieve different finishes.
We offer binders that can produce a variety of finishes. Our Matte PU Top Coat Textile Printing provides a high - quality matte finish, which is often preferred for a more sophisticated or understated look. On the other hand, we also have binders that can create a glossy finish, which is suitable for designs that require a more eye - catching and reflective appearance.
In conclusion, textile printing binders are essential for achieving high - quality and durable prints on fabrics. The key properties of adhesion, flexibility, wash fastness, color clarity, drying speed, compatibility, softness, and gloss or matte finish all contribute to the overall performance of the printed textile. As a supplier of textile printing binders, we are committed to providing our customers with binders that meet the highest standards in terms of these properties.
If you are interested in our textile printing binders or would like to discuss your specific printing needs, we invite you to contact us for a procurement discussion. We look forward to working with you to create the perfect printing solutions for your textile products.
References
- Textile Chemistry by B. C. Gupta
- Handbook of Textile and Industrial Dyeing by Abdel - Rahman Shalaby
- Advances in Textile Printing Techniques edited by John Smith
