Screen printing transfer VS flocking

Flocking and screen printing transfer are two techniques commonly used to personalize textiles, but they differ in their rendering, their marking process and their advantages.

What is flocking?

Flocking is a marking technique by applying a vinyl material to a textile using a press which heats the textile at high pressure.

The visual applied to the garment is printed and cut by a machine from a roll of vinyl which is then heat-sealed at high temperature. The visual can be of different aspects: glittery, embossed, velvet, smooth, fluorescent.

What is screen printing transfer?

Screen transfer printing is a type of printing that is considered indirect. Indeed, unlike screen printing where the ink directly impregnates the fibers of the textile, the screen printing transfer is first printed on a support before being applied to the textile.

The transfer is done with the help of a press which heats the textile at high pressure.

What are the differences between flocking and screen printing transfer?

Appearance of the marking:

• Flocking can have a more plastic look than screen printing transfer if the weight of the textile on which it is affixed is thin.
• More original marking in terms of appearance only permitted by flocking. You could have a velvet or glitter feel marking with flocking.
• The screen printing transfer will give you a smooth and fine appearance.

Complexity of printed designs

• Screen printing transfers offer the possibility of printing infinite colors unlike flocking which allows a more restricted color palette.
• For complex prints, it is better to favor screen printing transfer which will have a clearer and more detailed rendering than flocking.

Sustainability

• Flocking and screen printing transfer have the same durability over time if they are well maintained. You will find more information on this subject in our dedicated article.
• Both printing techniques have almost infinite durability which depends more on the textile fiber on which the prints are made.

Technical

Applying screen printing transfer or flocking to your garment, bag or accessory is done in the same way. Only your press settings may vary. The temperature and length of time to press the material depends on your transfer provider. Do not hesitate to write to us at hello@coque-sublimation.fr if you have any doubts.

How to get ready-to-use screen printing transfers?

You can order them from Coque-Sublimation! Thanks to our fleet of machines, we are able to produce small or large series of transfers for you to facilitate your printing and save you time and money. You can directly upload your files to our site and we will take care of the printing without delay!