Hey there, fabric enthusiasts!
Have you ever wondered how your favorite designs get printed onto your clothes or the different fabrics you see around you? Well, there are three main methods:
- Handprinting
- Screen printing
- Digital printing
Knowing the difference between these methods is important because each one produces a unique look and has its own pros and cons. Understanding these differences can help you make better choices when shopping for new clothes. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of printed fabrics!
First things first: How is block printing different from screen printing and digital printing?
HOW CAN A CUSTOMER DIFFERENTIATE AMONGST BLOCK PRINTED AJRAKH, SCREEN PRINT AND DIGITAL PRINT?
There are three quick hacks to find out:
1. Irregular / Overlapping Prints in Block Print vs. Consistent in Other Print Forms
In block printing, each color block must be stamped around 50 times in a 1-metre cloth. It is almost impossible for a human to place all the blocks uniformly. Look for irregularities or overlap of designs in a block-printed product.
However, in screen printing, 1 meter of cloth can be printed by placing each color screen a maximum of twice. Hence, chances of irregularities or overlaps are very low. Very consistent designs will be observed here. Sometimes the print forms a thin film-like texture on the fabric which can be felt if you touch or scratch the print.
Interesting Observation: Block printed products command a higher price due to their artistic value. Therefore, to make higher profits, some try to mimic irregularities. Uniformity in irregularities may actually indicate screen or digital printing.
2. Look at the Backside of the Fabric: Inconsistency in Depth of Color in Block Print
A human hand is bound to apply different levels of pressure on the block against the fabric each time. Hence, the depth of color on the backside of the cloth will vary randomly in block printing. In contrast, screen and digital printing show more consistency and cleaner backsides. In digital prints, there may not be any color leakage on the backside at all.
3. Number of Colors Used: Limited in Block and Screen Print, Unlimited in Digital
Handmade block printed Ajrakh is soft against the skin and quite vibrant. Limited and naturally available colors are used. Similarly, screen printing uses fewer colors because each additional color increases the setup cost. Digital printing allows for a vast range of colors.
WHICH ONE IS BETTER – BLOCK PRINTED, SCREEN PRINTED OR DIGITALLY PRINTED?
There is no definitive "better" option. It depends on personal preferences and the experience a consumer seeks. However, if you’re looking for authentic Ajrakh, hand block printed is the one.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PRINTING?
So that customers are aware and can make conscious decisions about their purchases.
Many sellers push partial and misleading stories to attract customers and increase profits. Being able to distinguish between the three types of prints means you're less likely to be misled. Transparency is key—customers should know if a product is block printed, screen printed, or digitally printed.
WHY DO SELLERS TRY TO SELL SCREEN PRINTED OR DIGITAL PRINTED FABRIC AS BLOCK PRINTED?
The unethical reason:
Sellers exploit customer unawareness to make higher profits. Screen printed products often look very similar to block printed ones, making it easy to deceive customers.
The (maybe) ethical reason:
Sometimes retailers or wholesalers unknowingly sell machine-printed products as block printed because they themselves were misinformed. They lack the experience and skill to verify authenticity.
WHY IS BLOCK PRINTED FABRIC MORE EXPENSIVE THAN SCREEN OR DIGITAL PRINT?
Block printing demands skill, patience, and precision—attributes honed over years. Since it's entirely handmade, it takes significantly more time and effort, making it pricier.
PRICE PLAYS A MAJOR ROLE IN CONSUMER PURCHASES. IN THAT SCENARIO, HOW DOES BLOCK PRINTED AJRAKH COMPETE WITH SCREEN OR DIGITAL PRINT?
Handmade Ajrakh cannot compete with machine printed ones on price because machines complete the work in a fraction of the time—sometimes 1/10th or even 1/100th.
But remember: if machine printed fabric is sold for half the price of handmade, you’re actually paying more.
What truly differentiates handmade Ajrakh from machine printed is:
- “Screen printing toh koi original craft hi nahi hai” (It’s not a traditional craft).
- Not all handcrafted designs can be screen printed.
- True craft lovers always seek authentic handmade pieces.
- There’s a story of love and grit behind every handmade product.
So next time you go shopping, look a little closer, feel the fabric, examine the back, and choose with confidence!
