When you need double-sided printing
On very light silks such as chiffon, georgette and habotai, the ink passes through the fabric and the design also shows on the reverse. On denser, heavier bases such as twill, crepe satin, satin and cotton, the reverse stays paler and duller. When the reverse is visible, a single print is not enough.
With double-sided printing the fabric is printed on both sides. The second side is aligned to the first in register, so borders, frames and motifs match. Alternatively the two sides can carry different designs or colours, for a truly reversible product.
What you can make
Same design, two full sides
The reverse is as intense as the face: a scarf that looks right however it falls.
Two designs, one fabric
Different face and back, for reversible garments and accessories with two personalities.
Borders in register
Frames and borders match on both sides: the detail that sets a high-end scarf apart.
Elegant unlined pieces
Jackets, kimonos and outerwear without lining show an inside as finished as the outside.
How we work
01
Design preparation
We prepare the files for both sides with registration marks and check that the chosen base is suitable.
02
Two-sided strike-off
A strike-off on face and back to approve colour, alignment and result.
03
Printing the face
The first side is printed with the approved colour profile.
04
Printing the back
The fabric is turned and printed on the second side, aligned to the first.
05
Fixing, finishing and inspection
Steaming, washing and finishing, then colour and alignment checks on both sides.
Suitable fabrics
Silk twill Crepe satin Silk satin Heavy crepe de chine Modal Viscose Cotton Silk-cotton blends
On chiffon and georgette double-sided printing is rarely needed: we check with you whether a single see-through print is enough, which costs less.
Process sheet
| Printed sides | Face and back |
| Designs | Same or different |
| Alignment | In register |
| Typical products | Scarves, stoles, reversibles |
| Minimum order | Low, to be agreed |
Single or double-sided?
| Single | Double-sided | |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse | Paler, depending on the base | As full as the face |
| Designs | One | One or two different |
| Borders | Defined on one side | Matching in register |
| Best for | Lined garments, light bases | Scarves, stoles, reversible and unlined garments |
| Process | One print pass | Two print passes |
Frequently asked questions
Does the design match perfectly on both sides?
We work in register with alignment marks. Fabric is a material that moves, though, so there is always a small tolerance: we agree it at strike-off stage, especially for borders and frames.
Can I have a different design on each side?
Yes. Each side has its own file and its own colour strike-off. It is the solution for reversible scarves and double-face garments.
Does double-sided printing stiffen the fabric?
With digital printing on silk the hand changes very little. On heavy, heavily covered bases a softening finish restores the drape.
How much does it cost compared with single-sided printing?
It costs more, because the fabric is printed twice and needs more control. The price depends on base, design and quantity: we send you a dedicated quote.
Is there a minimum order?
Minimums are low and we agree them based on fabric and process. To get started, we can begin with a strike-off on your base.
Tell us about your project
Send us your design, base and approximate quantities: we reply with feasibility and price. If you like, we start with a strike-off.
Silk Lab Italy S.r.l. Unipersonale
Phone / WhatsApp +39 339 344 0272
silklabitaly@gmail.com
Via Varesina 3, 22075 Lurate Caccivio (CO)