It is possible to print a wide variety of fiber types using existing ink chemistries. Best print results are achieved on white fabrics that are prepared for print (PFP). The preparation of fabrics for digital or screen printing typically involves processes such as scouring and bleaching to remove impurities and create a clean, white ground for printing. Fabrics for digital printing typically undergo additional preparation called 'pretreatment'. Fabric pretreatment serves two main purposes:

1. The first is to maintain print precision through the application of a thickner. Inkjet colorants have very low viscosity as compared to the print pastes used for screen printing. This means the inks are watery and will wick or run when they contact the substrate surface. The thickner prevents wicking from occuring.

2. The second purpose is to enable permanent color fixation. In the screen print environment all of the chemical components for the fixation of dyes are included in the print paste. In the digital environment, some of the chemical components are not friendly to the print head nozzles (e.g. alkali required for reactive dye printing/acid required for acid dye printing). These components are applied to the cloth along with the thickner during the pretreatment procedure.

Fabric pretreatments are typically applied using a 'pad' or screen method. This activity is generally undertaken in a mill environment or pretreatment facility. Digital print users operating in office or studio environments normally purchase pretreatment services from vendors that specialize in this activity. These vendors may offer a range of stock fabrics that can be purchased with or without paper backing. Most vendors also offer custom coating services.

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