Screen printing transfer VS flocking

Flocking and screen printing transfer are two commonly used techniques to customize textiles, but they differ in their finishes, marking process, and advantages. 

What is flocking? 

Flocking is a marking technique by applying a vinyl material on fabric using a press that heats the fabric under high pressure. 

The design applied to the garment is printed and cut by a machine from a roll of vinyl which is then heat-pressed at high temperature. The design can have different finishes: glitter, embossed, velvet, smooth, fluorescent. 

What is screen printing transfer? 

Screen printing transfer is a type of printing considered indirect. Indeed, unlike screen printing where the ink directly penetrates the fabric fibers, the screen printing transfer is first printed on a carrier before being applied to the fabric. 

The transfer is done with the help of a press that heats the fabric under high pressure. 

What are the differences between flocking and screen printing transfer? 

Appearance of the marking: 

• Flocking can have a more plasticized finish than screen printing transfer if the fabric weight on which it is applied is light. 
• More original marking in terms of appearance allowed only by flocking. You could have a velvet touch or glitter marking with flocking. 
• Screen printing transfer will offer you a smooth and fine finish. 

Complexity of printed designs

• Screen printing transfers offer the possibility of printing infinite colors, unlike flocking which allows a more limited color palette. 
• For complex prints, it is better to favor screen printing transfer, which will have a sharper and more detailed result than flocking. 

Durability 

• Flocking and screen printing transfer have the same durability over time if properly maintained. You will find more information on this topic in our dedicated article. 
• Both printing techniques have an almost infinite durability that depends more on the textile fiber on which the prints are made. 

Technique 

Applying the screen printing transfer or flocking on your garment, bag, or accessory is done the same way. Only your press settings may vary. The temperature and the duration for pressing the material depend on your transfer supplier. Feel free to write to us at hello@coque-sublimation.fr if you have any doubts. 

How to get ready-to-use screen printing transfers? 

You can order them at Coque-Sublimation! Thanks to our machine park, we are able to produce small or large series of transfers to facilitate your printing and save you time and money. You can directly upload your files on our website and we will handle the printing without delay!