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To get your digital prints on fabric to look bright, detailed, and last longer, the most crucial things to do are to start with the right Ready For Dyeing (RFD) fabric and get it ready the right way. This article tells you in simple, straightforward words how to pick and get ready RFD fabric so that your prints look great, no matter if you’re a designer, run a textile business, or just like to do things yourself.
What Is RFD Fabric and Why Does It Matter?
The term “Ready For Dyeing” (RFD) cloth means that it is ready to be dyed. This means that the mill has already cleaned the fabric in a unique way, getting rid of any dirt, wax, starch, and natural oils that were left over from weaving. What happened? A clean, blank canvas that takes in dyes and printing inks far better than “grey” fabric that hasn’t been treated.
Why choose RFD for digital printing?
- Better color vibrancy and sharpness: Prints look bright and crisp.
- Even color absorption: No patches or dull spots on your design.
- Fewer print defects: No unexpected marks or color bleeding.
- Works for all trends: From bold graphics to soft watercolors.
How to Choose the Right RFD Fabric
1. Match the Fabric Type to Your Design & Use
- Cotton RFD: Best for t-shirts, dresses, and daily wear. Takes reactive inks very well.
- Rayon/Viscose RFD: Soft, drapey, and perfect for scarves, skirts, and flowing garments.
- Polyester RFD: Needed for sportswear, home décor, or projects using sublimation or disperse inks.
2. Check for Quality
- Evenness: Look for smooth, uniform texture—no lumps, streaks, or thin patches.
- Strength & Feel: Pick fabric that feels strong, soft, and suited for your end product.
- Supplier reliability: Buy from well-reviewed or certified suppliers for consistency in every order.
3. Select the Right GSM and Weave
- GSM (grams per square meter): Choose heavier for jackets, lighter for shirts/scarves.
- Weave: Poplin and satin give sharp details; knits are softer but need careful handling.
Why Pre-Treatment Is Essential for RFD Fabric
Even high-quality RFD fabric needs a special pre-treatment before digital printing. This step:
- Improves ink absorption
- Prevents colors from washing out
Reduces the risk of bleeding
How is pre-treatment done?
A special liquid mix (usually with urea, salts, and sometimes a thickener) is applied evenly to the fabric. This is done by:
- Padding (Dipping): The fabric is passed through the solution and squeezed with rollers for even coverage.
- Drying: The fabric is then dried, making sure it’s flat and ready for the printer.
Step-by-Step: Preparing RFD Fabric for Vibrant Results
- Inspect the Fabric
- Lay the RFD fabric flat.
- Check for marks, holes, or stains.
- Cut off any loose threads.
- Lay the RFD fabric flat.
- Pre-Treat the Fabric
- Get the right recipe: Use the pre-treatment chemicals recommended for your fabric type and the inks you’ll use (e.g., reactive for cotton, disperse for polyester).
- Apply evenly: Use padding, spraying, or dipping to coat every part of the fabric.
- Control moisture: Reliable pre-treatment ensures fabric is not too wet or too dry before drying.
- Get the right recipe: Use the pre-treatment chemicals recommended for your fabric type and the inks you’ll use (e.g., reactive for cotton, disperse for polyester).
- Dry Thoroughly
- Lay or hang fabric in a clean, dust-free space.
- Make sure it’s completely dry (no sticky or damp areas).
- Lay or hang fabric in a clean, dust-free space.
- Iron or Calendar (Optional)
- A smooth surface helps produce sharper prints.
- Some mills use a calender machine to flatten fabric—this can boost print quality and shine.
- A smooth surface helps produce sharper prints.
- Load Carefully into Printer
- Do not fold or crease the fabric; keep it straight and flat.
- Do not fold or crease the fabric; keep it straight and flat.
- Inspect the Fabric
After Printing: Important Post-Treatment Steps
1. Fix the Color
- Most prints (especially with reactive or dispersed inks) need steam or heat to bond colors to the fibers. This ensures wash fastness.
- Equipment: Use a steamer or heat press, following the supplier’s time and temperature guide.
2. Wash Gently
- Wash printed fabric to remove any unfixed dye or chemical residue.
- Use cold or lukewarm water, followed by a gentle detergent wash, and rinse well.
3. Final Finishing
- Dry the fabric fully.
- Some opt for extra finishes—like a softener or a spray that boosts color.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Skipping pre-treatment: This is the top reason for dull, faded, or uneven prints.
- Choosing the wrong RFD base: Polyester fabric needs to disperse ink, cotton prefers reactive. Blends can be tricky—always check compatibility.
- Printing on uneven fabric: Creases or folds will cause color breaks.
- Not rinsing post-print: This can leave chemicals or unfixed dye, making prints stiff or itchy.
Tips for the Brightest, Most Durable Results
- Always buy extra RFD fabric for test runs.
- Work in a clean, lint-free area to avoid marks.
- Store pre-treated fabric away from dust/humidity until printing.
- For new users, start with cotton RFD—it’s the most forgiving and easiest to handle.
Final Words
Choosing and preparing your RFD fabric the right way is the foundation for outstanding digital prints—bright colors, crisp lines, and long-lasting beauty. Invest a bit of time in fabric selection, pre-treatment, and careful handling, and your designs will stand out for all the right reasons in 2025.
