Plain Dye & Printing
CUSTOM COLOURS
Plain Dye
We dye using eco-certified dyes supplied by Dystar in German, certified by OEKO-TEX®.
Minimum order: 50 meters per print
We handle dyeing in two ways. Silk is dyed in a specialized facility in China, where specialist silk dying machines ensure consistent colour throughout. For other natural fabrics, our artisans in Bali dye by hand. To match colours precisely, we need a TPX Pantone reference. Hand-dyeing can produce subtle variations, which many independent labels prefer. They see it as adding uniqueness to their collections, distinguishing them from mass-produced items.
How to locate Pantone References.
For this example, we are looking for a particular shade of Indigo Blue.
Type “Pantone TPX Indigo Blue” into Google & you will see something like this.
Make your selection, ensuring it has a TPX code, and send us a screenshot. We will then colour-match your requested colour.
Fabric Color Approval Process
As a clothing manufacturer, we strongly advise requesting a fabric colour swatch before we proceed with full-scale dyeing. Here are your options:
1. Physical Swatch:
- Cost: $25 per color.
- Shipping: a) $45 via our DHL account b) Free using your courier account
2. Digital Option:
- We can email a high-resolution photo of the swatch at no cost
PRINTING
Silk Screen Hand Printing
Minimum order: 50 meters per print
Silk screen printing is a specialized technique we’ve mastered over 30 years. It’s ideal for designs with up to four colours. Each colour requires a wooden stretcher and a screen, which costs $70 per colour to set up. While there’s an initial setup cost, printing is inexpensive. This makes silk screen printing a cost-effective choice for larger production runs, especially with simpler designs.
Below is a short video of silk screen printing.
The motifs below are good examples of whats suitable for silk screen hand print. They are all colour on colour without any graduation.
While on sabbatical in Bali, Versace’s head designer, Esther Franklin, discovered King Trading’s silk screen expertise. She visited our factory and was amazed to find our printing system identical to Versace’s in Italy but at a tenth of the cost. We primarily printed on silk, creating bias-cut dresses and small collections for each design. This collaboration with a high-end fashion brand was challenging but incredibly educational, to say the least.
Digital Printing
Minimum order: 50 meters per print
Motifs with four or more colours we recommend to print digitally for motifs that require a photo-like quality. For silk, we print in China using specialized machines that prevent fabric slippage. For other fabrics like viscose, we print locally in Bali.
Important: Digital printing only works on smooth, flat fabrics. We can’t digitally print on textured fabrics or jerseys.
The motifs below are good examples of what’s suitable for digital print. They are more complex and have graduating colours.
Selecting & Formatting Prints
Adding prints to your collection can be easy, affordable, and impactful. If you’re not creating your own, we suggest using online platforms like Shutterstock or Vectorstock. This approach saves time and money, often allowing you to select prints within an hour.
Here’s a quick guide:
1. Use the search bar on these sites. For example, try “vintage flower print seamless”.
2. Filter results by selecting “Vector” in the options.
3. “Seamless” ensures the pattern repeats smoothly across the fabric without visible joins.
Refining Your Print Selection
1. Click on any motif to see similar designs.
2. With your selected motifs, send us the link or screen shot before purchase allowing us to check its repeatable & suitable for printing.
3. We can purchase any motif USD 30, or you can purchase and transfer it to us via“WeTransfer.”
YOUR OWN CUSTOM MOTIFS
- Send in Vector format (EPS, PDF, CDR, SVG, or Ai at 300 dpi).
- Ensure the design is repeatable and properly scaled.
This process ensure your prints will be true-to-eye with rich deep organic colours.
Print Strike-Off Approval Process
We strongly recommend requesting a print strike-off before proceeding with full production to ensure your satisfaction with the final printed fabric. Here are your options:
1. Physical Strike-Off:
- Cost: $25 per print design
- Shipping:
a) $45 via our DHL account
b) Free using your courier account
2. Digital Option:
- We can email a high-resolution photo of the strike-off at no cost
Note
We have assembled a PDF explaining how Vector prints can be manipulated, for your perusal.
Does this all sound complex? If so, don’t worry. We print over 100 new prints every month. Our graphics team are here to assist, in most cases, free of charge.
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