Apparel Printing Methods Glossary

A

A freehand technique using a spray tool to apply ink or dye, ideal for artistic and gradient effects.

A method where the entire garment is covered with a design using techniques like dye sublimation.

B

A traditional technique using carved blocks dipped in ink and stamped onto fabric, producing a handcrafted look.

C

A type of heat transfer where the transfer paper is peeled away after the fabric has cooled down, ensuring better ink adhesion.

Creates a vintage, cracked effect in the design by using special inks that break apart during curing.

A decorative method using small beads to create a tactile, dotted design on fabric.

A four-color process (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) used for full-color printing.

D

Printing garments directly from a digital file, without the need for screens or stencils.

A versatile print method where designs are printed on film and then transferred to fabric using heat.

Digital printers apply ink directly to the garment. Great for detailed, multi-color designs on cotton fabrics.

Also known as roll-to-roll printing; suitable for large-scale textile runs, directly printing on fabric using inkjet technology.

Removes dye from a fabric and replaces it with a new color, creating a soft, vintage feel.

E

A process that raises the surface of the fabric to create a dimensional design, often combined with ink for added effect.

Not a printing method per se, but a stitching technique used for logos and premium detailing.

F

Applies a suede-like texture to the surface using adhesive and fiber.

A shiny metallic film is heat-pressed onto fabric, creating a reflective finish.

A rotary printing process using flexible plates; typically used in large-scale production environments.

G

Uses phosphorescent ink that charges in light and glows in the dark.

Incorporates glitter flakes into the ink for a sparkling finish.

H

A design is printed on transfer paper and applied to garments using a heat press. Great for full-color, short-run jobs.

Designs are cut from colored vinyl and pressed onto garments. Durable and vibrant.

Uses a thick ink layer to create a raised, textured design on the garment.

The transfer paper is peeled away immediately after pressing while still hot, used for a quicker, sometimes softer finish.

Utilizes holographic films or inks to create dynamic, multi-color shifting effects under light.

I

A resist dyeing method where yarns are dyed before weaving, often used in traditional fabric designs.

M

Uses reflective metallic inks to add shine and depth to the design.

Creates a reflective, glass-like surface on garments using specialized inks.

N

A type of ink designed specifically to adhere to nylon fabrics, often used for windbreakers and bags.

P

Uses inks that change color when exposed to UV or sunlight.

Combines screen printing with transfer paper, allowing prints to be heat-applied later.

The industry standard for screen printing; sits on top of the fabric and offers vivid, durable prints.

A 3D effect where ink expands when heated, creating a raised print.

R

Applies reflective materials or inks that bounce light back, improving visibility in low-light conditions.

S

One of the oldest and most durable methods, where ink is pushed through a stencil screen onto fabric.

A technique using silicone or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) inks to create flexible, rubber-like textures on garments.

Prints solid, pre-mixed colors for precise and consistent color matching.

Applies ink through cut-out stencils, used for simple and repeatable designs.

Uses heat to transfer dye directly into the fibers of polyester-based fabric, resulting in vibrant, durable, and seamless all-over designs.

T

A specialty embroidery stitch style often used for structured, grid-like textures.

U

Uses ultraviolet light to cure ink as it is printed; primarily for non-fabric materials but occasionally adapted for specialty items.

W

Soft-hand printing using inks that soak into the fabric, ideal for breathable, eco-friendly designs.

A finishing method where heat causes selective discoloration of fabric, used for vintage or tonal effects.