Photos on Fabric - Durability
Jul 1, 2014 09:11:55 #
I know there are several processes for transferring images to fabric. But, does anyone have any experience with the durability of the images?
We're thinking of putting some of the Grandkids artwork onto something like a quilt or bedspread. What we're wondering about is how they would hold up in the long term. Say it gets washed 3-4 times per year.
Any experience with that sort of process?
We're thinking of putting some of the Grandkids artwork onto something like a quilt or bedspread. What we're wondering about is how they would hold up in the long term. Say it gets washed 3-4 times per year.
Any experience with that sort of process?
Jul 1, 2014 09:25:07 #
Most quilt stores carry fabric for photo printing. The sales people can best answer how best to wash the material.
Jul 1, 2014 09:27:32 #
promfh wrote:
I know there are several processes for transferring images to fabric. But, does anyone have any experience with the durability of the images?
We're thinking of putting some of the Grandkids artwork onto something like a quilt or bedspread. What we're wondering about is how they would hold up in the long term. Say it gets washed 3-4 times per year.
Any experience with that sort of process?
We're thinking of putting some of the Grandkids artwork onto something like a quilt or bedspread. What we're wondering about is how they would hold up in the long term. Say it gets washed 3-4 times per year.
Any experience with that sort of process?
Quality and durability depends entirely upon the fabric itself. I regularly print on rolls of PhotoTex, which is a self-sticking textile with a peel-off paper backing typically used for signage. It is highly durable and takes ink well due to being properly coated. There are many transfer mediums where you can print to a coated paper and then iron the image onto fabric, but printing directly to a standard fabric would result in a very washed-out look as the fabric itself would absorb most of the ink.
Jul 1, 2014 09:32:40 #
promfh wrote:
I know there are several processes for transferring images to fabric. But, does anyone have any experience with the durability of the images?
We're thinking of putting some of the Grandkids artwork onto something like a quilt or bedspread. What we're wondering about is how they would hold up in the long term. Say it gets washed 3-4 times per year.
Any experience with that sort of process?
We're thinking of putting some of the Grandkids artwork onto something like a quilt or bedspread. What we're wondering about is how they would hold up in the long term. Say it gets washed 3-4 times per year.
Any experience with that sort of process?
The Wife say a better option is screen print -
She and neighbor just went through this drill a couple of months ago. They were making a quilt using pictures of the nieces/nephews. She has done the fabric printing in the past for wall hangings and thought they would try it for the quilt. They bought the printable fabric for ink-jet printing and the special rinse that "sets" the color - the initial print was ok considering it was on fabric - they washed it with the rinse and a visible fade was there - a couple of more washing and the fading was really evident - pretty much unusable for them...
They then used a local shop to get the screen printing done and told them it was for a quilt - time will tell on how well it will last - she says to check with the screen printer for washing durability (some are better than others) - just like your printed T-shirts - they will fade after time...
Hope this helps...
Jul 1, 2014 10:14:22 #
Try Spoonflower. They print on fabric, and might be able to guide you:
http://www.spoonflower.com/welcome
http://www.spoonflower.com/welcome
Jul 2, 2014 06:41:53 #
Find a print (screenprint) shop that has sublimation capabilities. Essentially the sublimation process fuses the dye into the fabric making it more durable.
Jul 2, 2014 09:38:57 #
I have two art quilts which include manipulated photos printed on fabric. However, they are hanging on the wall and will not be washed. I printed them myself on a pigment-ink jet printer. I don't think I would risk using these fabric prints on a bed quilt that must be washed periodically. Why not make the grandkids a wall quilt for their bedrooms? Mine have been up for several years and don't show any sign of fading.
promfh wrote:
I know there are several processes for transferring images to fabric. But, does anyone have any experience with the durability of the images?
We're thinking of putting some of the Grandkids artwork onto something like a quilt or bedspread. What we're wondering about is how they would hold up in the long term. Say it gets washed 3-4 times per year.
Any experience with that sort of process?
We're thinking of putting some of the Grandkids artwork onto something like a quilt or bedspread. What we're wondering about is how they would hold up in the long term. Say it gets washed 3-4 times per year.
Any experience with that sort of process?
Jul 2, 2014 10:03:01 #
Your last point isn't true. All the pictures and the text in this wall quilt were printed directly onto fabric treated with Bubblejet (needed so ink won't bleed). I ironed the fabric onto the shiny side of butcher's paper to support it as it went through the printer.
The colours look exactly as I intended them to.
The colours look exactly as I intended them to.
MT Shooter wrote:
Quality and durability depends entirely upon the f... (show quote)
Jul 2, 2014 10:06:26 #
Forgot to mention that I processed the photos to look more painterly because regular photos don't look particularly good on fabric since they look like they don't belong. Altered in a painterly program, they look more like they've been woven in the fabric.
DebAnn wrote:
Your last point isn't true. All the pictures and the text in this wall quilt were printed directly onto fabric treated with Bubblejet (needed so ink won't bleed). I ironed the fabric onto the shiny side of butcher's paper to support it as it went through the printer.
The colours look exactly as I intended them to.
The colours look exactly as I intended them to.
Jul 2, 2014 10:18:22 #
Mirror KB
Loc: Libby, Montana
If you want durability then we suggest sublimation over screen printing. In sublimation the inks actually turn into a gas and penetrate the substrate instead of laying on top of the fabric where it will eventually wear and peel.
We do sublimation of our photography here on the ranch as a side business. From our images we make designs for t-shirts and other apparel, mugs, mouse pads, clocks, belt buckles, tote bags, etc. You can check out our website at http://www.mirrorkbranch.com/
Depending on what you want we may be able to help you.
We do sublimation of our photography here on the ranch as a side business. From our images we make designs for t-shirts and other apparel, mugs, mouse pads, clocks, belt buckles, tote bags, etc. You can check out our website at http://www.mirrorkbranch.com/
Depending on what you want we may be able to help you.
Jul 2, 2014 21:34:42 #
DebAnn wrote:
Forgot to mention that I processed the photos to look more painterly because regular photos don't look particularly good on fabric since they look like they don't belong. Altered in a painterly program, they look more like they've been woven in the fabric.
Painterly is fine, the images are of the kids art work.
Jul 2, 2014 21:45:43 #
Oh well they should work really well then.
promfh wrote:
Painterly is fine, the images are of the kids art work.
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