Reactive printing, just as its name implies, means that the printing dyes are processed by active printing and dyeing, a method in which the layer of applied ink, which consists of reactive dyes, a binder, and specific heat-activated additives, is steamed and then washed in order for it to set properly. The design elements of reactive printing are more diverse: plant flowers, geometric figures, English letters, and different color blocks for organic combinations, and show different design styles through design methods. Such fabric adaptation groups are more widely used, and the applicable time is relatively long. The fabric of the reactive printing is colorful, the color is good, the feel is soft, it can be washed and does not fade often, and it is used as new for a long time.It is the reaction of the reactive ink to the heat that creates the high-quality results of this printing process, one reason that reactive printing has become a popular method for printing on cotton garments, especially very friendly to baby and children clothing.

Difference between reactive and pigment printing

There are two main methods of fabric printing, one is the traditional reactive printing, the other is pigment printing.

The difference between reactive printing and pigment printing is that the feel of reactive printing is smooth and soft, the common saying is that the fabric of active printing looks like mercerized cotton, the effect of printing from both sides is very good; and the fabric of pigment printing feels stiff, looks a bit like ink painting effect.

1. Characteristics of pigment printing

Simple process, low cost but Poor color fastness, color becomes old after several washing; without adding softener, it looks stiff.

2. Characteristics of Reactive printing

Good breathability , excellent colorfastness, soft hand, but the process is long and difficult, eco friendly, color and fabric feel is also better, there will not be a hard pieces of hand feel.

3. Identification methods

Know the color: pigment printing color is not bright, dull colors, giving a sense of color is floating on the surface of the fabric. Just like a layer of painting on the wall.

Smell: pigment printing with a lot of adhesives, without washing treatment, so the finished fabric will have a strong smell.

Touch feel: pigment printing feel hard, you need to add softener when shaping to feel softer.

More printing methods

Digital printing: espacially for small order quantity, rich color request, high quality printing effect.

Reactive wet printing: special for cotton fabric, rayon/viscose fabric, bamboo fabric, modal fabric etc.

Disperse wet printing: special for polyester fabric.

Acid wet printing: special for nylon fabric, acrylic fabric.

Pigment printing: especial for blended fabric, such as cotton/poly blend, poly/rayon blend etc.

Do you know how to choose a printing method which suitable for the clothes you want to be made now?