How pigment printing works
In pigment printing the colour does not react chemically with the fibre. The pigment is laid on the surface of the fabric together with a binder and fixed with heat. That is why it works on almost every fibre, natural, man-made and synthetic, including blends that are hard to print with other systems.
Unlike reactive or acid printing, there is no steaming and no wash-off after printing to remove unfixed dye. Fewer steps mean less water, less energy and shorter lead times: a real advantage for brands that need to document more responsible supply-chain choices.
Why choose it
A matte, natural look
Full but non-glossy colour, ideal on linen and cotton and for collections with an artisanal or vintage feel.
One technique for every fibre
Cotton, linen, hemp, viscose, polyester and blends: the same design stays consistent across different bases in the collection.
Less water, fewer steps
No wash-off after printing: a shorter process with a lower environmental impact.
Made for washed finishes
Combined with sand washing it gives the lived-in, soft, slightly faded effect many brands ask for today.
From design to finished fabric
01
Design and base review
We look at coverage, colours and fabric to decide whether pigment is the right technique or reactive printing is the better option.
02
Colour strike-off
We print a strike-off on the chosen base and match it against your Pantone references or physical sample.
03
Printing and heat curing
The fabric is printed and cured: the binder anchors the pigment to the fibre surface.
04
Finishing and inspection
Softening, optional sand washing and piece-by-piece quality inspection before shipping.
Suitable fabrics
Linen Cotton poplin Cotton voile Hemp Viscose Linen-viscose Polyester Cotton-silk blends
Pigment printing on silk is possible, but on lightweight silks we usually recommend acid or reactive printing to keep brightness and drape. We tell you before we start, not after.
Process sheet
| Technique | Pigment printing |
| Fibres | Natural, man-made, synthetic, blends |
| Fixation | Heat curing, no wash-off |
| Pairs with | Sand washing, softening |
| Minimum order | Low, to be agreed |
Pigment or reactive?
| Pigment | Reactive | |
|---|---|---|
| Colour appearance | Matte, textured | Bright, deep |
| Fibres | Almost all, including synthetics and blends | Cellulosics and silk |
| Wash-off after printing | Not needed | Steaming and washing |
| Water use | Low | Higher |
| Hand on full coverage | Slightly drier | Unchanged |
| Best for | Linen, cotton, vintage looks | Silk, viscose, intense colour |
Frequently asked questions
Is pigment printing wash-fast?
Yes. With the right binder and correct curing, wash and light fastness are good. The point to watch is rub fastness on dark, heavily covered grounds, which is why we test every strike-off before production.
Does it change the hand of the fabric?
On light prints you can hardly feel it. On large areas of colour the fabric can feel a little drier: a softening finish or sand washing brings the softness back.
Can you pigment print on silk?
We can, but it is not always the best option. On crepe de chine, georgette and lightweight satin we usually recommend acid or reactive printing to keep brightness and drape.
Is it a more sustainable technique?
It uses less water and energy than reactive printing because there is no final wash-off. On request we work on certified bases and provide the compliance documentation you need.
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)