Arts >> Art >> Art Supplies

How to Print CMYK on a Textile Gallery

Using a CMYK (Cyan Magenta Yellow blacK) printer to print your designs on textile is an inexpensive and convenient way to display your gallery of designs. Printing textile is not difficult with the right kind of ink. Ink for CMYK printers comes in pigment ink and dye-based ink. Dye-based inks are unpredictable and might even wash out in water. Pigment inks might run at first but should hold their colors after the first wash.

Things You'll Need

  • Pigment inks
  • Printer that uses pigment inks
  • Light colored fabric
  • Freezer paper or card stock
  • Iron
  • Double-sided tape (if using card stock)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Test the ink to determine if it is pigment ink or dye-based ink. Check the manual or place a bit of yellow ink on glass. If the ink is vibrant and not opaque, it is pigment ink; but if it is transparent or almost brown, it is dye-based ink.

    • 2

      Cut a light colored fabric to a size that is appropriate for the printer, such as 8.5 inches by 11 inches.

    • 3

      Attach the textile to a thin piece of card stock with double-sided tape or to freezer paper by ironing the shiny side of the freezer paper to the textile.

    • 4

      Place the textile in the printer and print as usual. Pay attention to the printer while printing. Watch for any jams and turn the printer off to fix jams. If you try to fix it while the printer is running, the movement will distort the design.

    • 5

      Let the ink dry for about an hour. If the ink comes off when you touch it, rinse it under water and let dry.

    • 6

      Iron the dried fabric on the reverse side of the ink at a low temperature. Treat as you would any textile by washing in cold water and ironing the backside.

Art Supplies

Related Categories