Rubber Print

Definition and Overview

Rubber print is a process in which paste-like ink containing resin or similar materials is printed onto textile from a screen and then dried and cured with heat or similar methods. Unlike methods that dye the textile and let the color penetrate, it expresses patterns by forming a film of ink on the surface.

In general, it makes it easy to achieve color development in both light and dark colors, and its notable feature is that the base color is less likely to show through. Softness, thickness, gloss, and followability to stretch vary depending on the type of ink, the amount applied, and whether overprinting is used.

Texture and Function

The patterned areas gain more thickness and stiffness than the non-printed areas, and when touched with a finger, they have a rubber-like texture. While the appearance is often matte, a glossy feel can also be achieved depending on the formulation and finishing. It is a process that can relatively clearly express fine lettering and logo outlines.

Some types stretch along with the textile’s stretch, but there are limits to stretchability. If a large area is printed thickly, breathability and drape may decrease, and the garment may feel clingy or stuffy when worn.

• Easy to achieve opacity even on dark-colored textile
• Easy to give patterns a three-dimensional feel and clear outlines
• The printed area tends to change the textile’s original softness and breathability

Main Applications

It is used for cut-and-sew items, sweatshirts, hoodies, sportswear, uniforms, and similar products where logos, numbers, illustrations, or lettering need to stand out. In casual wear, it is often used to create strong graphic presence.

It is used throughout the year, but when the printed area is large, wearing comfort should be considered. Especially for items worn in hot and humid seasons, designs may be reviewed to keep the patterned area and placement smaller or to reduce the amount of ink in order to ensure breathability.

Selection and Handling Precautions

During planning, the hardness and stretch of the ink are selected according to the textile composition, surface fuzz, stretchability, and the intended fineness and area of the pattern. For highly stretchable knits, it is important to check in advance whether there will be cracking, peeling, or pattern deformation while the textile is actually stretched.

During washing, friction and heat can damage the printed surface, causing cracking, tackiness, or sticking to other materials. It is common to wash inside out and avoid dryers and high-temperature ironing. If ironing is necessary, do not apply the iron directly to the printed surface; use a pressing cloth.

During sewing, the printed area may be damaged by the needle or presser foot, and overlapping film layers may cause seam shifting. Avoid patterns that overlap seam allowance or seams as much as possible, and when necessary, perform a trial sewing to check for cracking around needle holes and feeding issues. Shrinkage rates differ by base textile, so verify them through testing before and after printing.

Differences from Similar Terms

Rubber print is a term for printing that creates an elastic film on the surface. Pigment print is also a method of fixing color material to the textile surface, but pigment refers to the color material itself, whereas rubber print is a term that focuses on the properties of the processing agent and the finished result.

Foam print is a process that inflates the printed area through heat to create greater relief. Rubber print also has thickness, but it is usually not foamed and is finished with a relatively smooth, rubber-like surface. Screen printing refers to the printing method using a screen, and rubber print is one type of expression or ink often used with that method.

Frequently Asked Questions