Difference between Dyeing and Printing

Dyeing:
“Dye” is derived from the Old English words “dag” and “dag,” as well as from the Middle English word “die”. Dyeing is the process of coloring fibers, yarns or fabrics with either natural or synthetic dyes. Dyeing imparts beauty to the textile by applying various colors and their shades onto a fabric. To achieve color with required color fastness, dyes & pigment is applied on the fabric surface or textile materials such as fiber, yarn and fabric.

dyeing
Fig: Dyeing

History of dyeing:
The first colored flax fiber was discovered in a prehistoric Georgian cave about 34,000 BC. There is history of plant, bark, and insect dyeing in China. At Mohenjodaro, the first cotton in the Indian subcontinent to be colored with a vegetable dye was found.

Textile printing:
The word “printing” implies a process that uses pressure, being derived from a Latin word meaning pressing. Textile printing is one very important operation in textile manufacture. Textile printing is the process of applying color to the fabric in definite patterns or designs. It is a part of wet processing, which is carried out after pretreatment of fabric or after dyeing. It is done for producing attractive designs on the fabric. Textile printing is related to dyeing, whereas in dyeing, the whole fabric is uniformly covered with one color. In printing, one or more colors are applied to the fabric in certain parts only, and in sharply defined patterns. Printing is therefore called as localized dyeing.

textile printing
Fig: Textile printing

History of textile printing:
Textile printing was done in ancient China around 220 AD, where woodblock printing was used. It spread to India and then to the Islamic world, influencing textile art. By the 12th century, it reached Europe, with advancements like copperplate printing in the 18th century. The 19th century saw industrialization with roller printing and synthetic dyes. Screen printing emerged in the 20th century, allowing for more detailed and colorful designs. Today, digital printing represents the latest innovation, offering high precision and efficiency.

Difference between Dyeing and Printing:

PerspectiveDyeingTextile Printing
ApplicationThe application isn’t specific.The fabric’s surface is treated with pigment or dye in accordance with the pattern.
Water requirementComparatively more water is requiredComparatively less water required in painting.
ColorColor applied as solution on the fabric.Used as thick paste.
Raw typesThe process of dyeing involves coloring fibers, yarn, and cloth.Here only fabric is printed.
Type of machineComparatively simple dyeing machineries are used.Comparatively Complex machineries are used.
Salt requirementSalt required in dyeing.No salt is needed in printing
Time requiredMore time is needed than printingComparatively less time is needed.
Color typeMono color is used.Mono & multi-color both are applied.
Medium of the work conditionDry or wet process is applied.Must need dry condition.
Cost of productionComparatively cheaper in production cost than printing.Comparatively costly than dyeing
Hand feelsAfter dyeing fabrics remain soft.After printing become harsh and hard.
ThickenerNo thickener is required in dyeing process.In textile printing thickener is Required to improve adhesive bond.
Liquor ratioDye ratio with waster is highLess ratio need on textile printing.

You may also like:

  1. What is Dyes and Its Classification
  2. Styles of Printing in Textile
  3. Methods of Printing in Textile

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