Over the years, the fashion industry has continued to evolve, and different fashion accessories are joining the ride. Gone are the days when small handbags are being carried around and have become a practical but fashionable symbol.

Introducing these bags has become a feasible approach to balancing fashion and functionality and has become widely popular among the different types of people – canvas tote bags.

Whatever your purpose in searching for a new bag is, you surely won’t get enough of the wide variety of options to choose from. After all, there are many types of bags out there.

However, if you’re looking for a bag that can store valuable things, act as the perfect pair for any of your outfits, or an eco-friendly alternative, look no further than custom tote bags.

Depending on your chosen design, you can customise these bags, but how does it work? Here are some of the printing techniques used on tote bags, and when to consider them.

1. Silkscreen Printing

Silkscreen printing, also known as screen printing, utilises printing screens created out of a steel frame and nylon mesh. This type of printing is one of the simplest printing methods: the screens act as a template in which the paint is pressed for application, and the colours are applied on separate screens.

This is most effective for easy prints such as letters or logos or simple geometric shapes and patterns.

Pros (Silkscreen printing) 

Silkscreen printing is considered highly cost-effective for bulk printing, as the process is easy and quick, yet providing a durable and long-lasting print.

What’s more, you can do this anywhere, even at home, as you only need a screen and your tote bags. This type is also a good choice for the block-printing style.

Cons (Silkscreen printing)

While the process is cost-effective, preparing the screens may be cost-intensive. Since the screen preparation takes time and money, silkscreen printing may not be a good choice for individual prints or if you require a lower print volume.

Another disadvantage of this type is that it can only print one or two colours at best and may not be so accurate in chromatography.

2. Heat transfer

Heat transfer printing utilises heat and pressure to apply designs to canvas tote bags. The materials used to complete this method are heat-applied materials with an adhesive side and are applied through an iron, which makes the material stick to the canvas bag.

Heat transfer can only be used for materials that can handle the heat. For example, you should not use it on synthetic fabrics.

Pros (Heat transfer)

Heat transfer is an excellent choice for photographic, full-colour prints. Moreover, it has no limits to which colours can be used.

It is also suitable for printing dark and light-coloured fabrics and works well on vivid prints on canvas and non-woven fabric bags. With this type of printing, you can easily make small volumes.

Cons (Heat transfer)

Heat Ttansfer printing has high filming costs, calculated by the printing area suitable for large quantities and colourful patterns.

Since it undergoes a thorough process, making bulk orders can be time-intensive, and the heat transfer prints may cause the fabric to be stiff.

3. Sublimation

Sublimating printing is fundamentally similar to heat transfer printing but with some notable differences. This technique is where you publish designs on sublimation paper and use pressure and heat to shift substantial ink into its gaseous state.

Unlike heat transfer, sublimation only works on a limited number of fabrics, mainly polyester. Hence, bags made with 100% cotton cannot fully hold the sublimation ink.

Pros (Sublimation)  

One biggest advantage of sublimation is its low startup cost, which you can set up in the comforts of your home. Additionally, it produces an admiringly durable print output while giving a silky and natural feel. This is also great for printing on polyester blended canvas or plain polyester fabrics.

Cons (Sublimation)  

The most significant disadvantage of sublimation is that it cannot be utilised for printing on tote bags made from 100% cotton as it cannot hold the ink.

When used on polyester blends, it also produces faded results. Also, this type of printing is not advisable for dark-coloured fabrics.

Conclusion

Before you choose the  ideal type of printing for your tote bags, you should consider multiple factors. Some of them include the design complexity, the colours, and the tote bag’s fabric.

Regardless of the method you choose, there’s no denying that tote bags are gaining popularity nowadays because of their functionality and style – not to mention they can be customised so you can incorporate your design into them.

Should you need help in coming up with the customisation or need design resources, Print & Pack is here to help! We are a one-stop service provider that offers quality printing services, including tote bag printing in Singapore. Feel free to contact us for more information about our services!