India is a country of diversities. It is rich in various embroidery techniques and printing techniques. Indian tradition is even rich in paintings and we can see that from the paintings of Ajanta murals and miniature paintings. In ancient times, the art of weaving and dyeing on cotton had been well developed, but it developed on silk later. In the fifth century, floral and geometric designs were popular in India and we can find that from the trade between India and Egypt. India is the first one who introduced the art of dyeing and printing with fast natural colors for the first time. For foreign travelers, indigo dyeing was a mysterious process because when the fabric is dipped in indigo bath, there is no color observed. Only when the fabric gets exposure to open air, the colors develop.

The purpose of printing is for the adornment of the textile. Correct co-ordination between human skills and printing machinery is required. Many kind of printing techniques are there, among which screen printing is important one.

Earlier, screen printing was known as silk printing. In that, silk gauge was being used as a screen for printing, so it was known as the silk printing. The design was engraved on the silk gauge and then the color was spread on that. The main benefit of screen printing is that it is cost-effective and large-scale production is possible with it. Screen printing is more advantageous than dye sublimation and inkjet printing. It is normally used for banners and flags. The pioneer of screen printing is Guy Mc Roy.

Printing groups

Hand-block printing is a reputed art and it has been handed down through generations. Ahmedabad in Gujarat is a very important centre for trade of this kind of printed textiles. The South region also has several centers which are well known for prints on cotton. Printing and dyeing were earlier developed in Rajasthan. In Gujarat, wooden block printing was more common. Block printing is rich in vibrant colors, so it became more popular. The processes of creating colors were very simple. A very surprising thing is that the same motif can be used in different forms. Madhya Pradesh also has a different style of printing, which reflects its culture.

Printed fabric can be incorporated in a number of ways into signage, trade show displays, lobby displays, museum displays and more. In fabric printing for displays, a decorative pattern or design is applied to constructed fabric by dye sublimation or direct digital printing methods. Here’s a quick breakdown of each type of textile printing: In dye sublimation printing, an image is digitally printed in reverse with special dye sublimation toners or inks onto regular media, such as paper. The image is then placed on top of a polyester-based or coated fabric, and subjected to high heat and pressure from a heat press. The dye sub toners or inks “sublimate” (when a material goes directly from a solid state to a gaseous state, without becoming liquid)and flow into the fabric, dying the threads. In direct fabric digital printing, fabric is fed directly into an inkjet printer. Of course, the fabric must have a special inkjet coating on it, and then it will accept the ink the same way inkjet paper would. A nice variety of fabric is available with inkjet coating, ranging from canvas to stretchable polyester to satin.

Most Popular Fabrics for Displays

Since we are focusing on fabrics used in displays, let’s take a look at the most popular fabrics for displays and why they are so widely used.

PolyTwill 64″ wide
A favorite for trade show banners, backdrops, table throws and fitted table clothes. It is an excellent material for four color process printing, and is wrinkle-resistant and washable. It is also an excellent material for four color process printing, and is wrinkle-resistant and washable. It meets the NFPA-701 flame test standards so it’s safe for use with close range lighting.

Poly Knit (5 oz. or 9 oz.) 118″ wide
Two thirds of the weight of poly twill this material is primarily used for banners, POP back drops and lined curtains. This fabric provides excellent print quality, and is similar to nylon in look and feel. It is also an excellent material for four color process printing, is wrinkle-resistant, washable and meets the NFPA-701 flame test standards.

Poly Lucent 118″ wide
1.8 oz. Flame retardant lightweight sheer. This fabric is a good choice in displays that wish to convey a semi-transparent look, use silhouettes or specialty mood lighting.

Poly Satin 58″ wide
This fabric is elegant and used to obtain a silk-like look. Most commonly used in point of purchase applications, this material also meets the NFPA-701 flame test standards.

Poly Poplin 60″ wide
This fabric is used to print most banner stands. It is very durable, and does not fray on the edges.