Comparison
Reactive or pigment? What the print method decides
Print method is not just a cost line. Hand feel, fastness and colour depth all move with it — and the base cloth is prepared for whichever method is chosen.
Reactive printing: depth and a soft hand
Reactive dye bonds chemically with the cellulose fibre. The result is a soft hand with no film on the surface and good wash fastness. The route is longer and more sensitive to preparation.
Pigment printing: speed and surface effect
Pigment sits on the fibre held by a binder. It gives a shorter route and broader fibre compatibility, at the cost of a firmer hand, with crocking fastness depending on the binder system. It is the deliberate choice for a washed look.
The choice is made with the base cloth
The same artwork on a different base with a different method is a different product. Confirm repeat size, colour count and base fabric together, before sampling.
From the catalogue
20 recorded Printed fabrics qualities in the catalogue, 140–250 g/m².
%100 combed cotton
Frequently asked questions
Which method is more fast?
Reactive generally has the advantage on wash fastness; crocking depends on the recipe in both routes.
Which suits small quantities?
Quantity, colour count and timing are assessed together once the technical brief is complete.
