Printing PROCESS

In pigment printing, a fixer is a chemical substance used to bind the pigment to the fabric or substrate permanently. The fixer serves as a bridge between the pigment and the fabric, helping to anchor the pigment onto the fabric fibers.

The functions of fixer in pigment printing include:

1. Enhancing colorfastness: Fixer helps to improve the colorfastness of the pigment, making it more resistant to fading due to washing, sunlight, and other environmental factors.

2. Improving washfastness: Fixer aids in binding the pigment to the fabric fibers and preventing it from washing out during the laundering process

3. Increasing rub fastness: Fixer helps to increase the rub fastness of the pigment, preventing it from rubbing off easily when the fabric is subjected to friction.

4. Enhancing adhesion: Fixer assists in the adhesion of the pigment to the fabric, improving the overall quality and durability of the print.

5. Modifying the pH level: Fixer can be used to adjust the pH level of the printing solution, which can affect the color and quality of the pigment print.

6. Controlling dye migration: Fixer can also help to control the migration of the dye or pigment during printing, ensuring that the colors remain sharp and distinct.

The specific type and amount of fixer used will depend on the type of pigment, the substrate, and the desired final properties of the printed design. Some common types of fixers used in pigment printing include acrylics, urethanes, and formaldehyde-based resins. The fixer is typically applied to the fabric after the pigment has been printed onto it, and then the fabric is dried and cured to set the design in place. Overall, the use of a fixer is critical to achieving a high-quality, long-lasting pigment print on fabric.

Alpha Chemicals is the biggest manufacturer of “fixers-in-pigment-printing-process”