Asked on May 26, 2020
How to keep inkjet from coming out of fabric?
I printed some pictures using my inkjet printer. I sewed them on a tee shirt quilt. Not realizing until after I finished that the ink will wash out. Does anyone know if there is anything that can keep this from happening?
you can print images and add them to fabric using printable iron on transfers. That’s the only way I’m familiar with.
Two ways to do it
https://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Print-Fabric-with-an-Inkjet-Printer-and-a-D/
https://www.ehow.com/how_7166869_set-inkjet-ink-fabric.html
Step 1
Spread an old, clean towel out on a flat surface. Keep it handy, because later you will lay the freshly printed fabric flat on the towel immediately after the fabric comes out of the printer.
Step 2
Peel off any paper backing or freezer paper backing (if you have prepared the fabric yourself) from the back of your fabric slowly. Avoid pulling on the corners of the fabric as you peel. If at any point the fabric still looks wet, set it on the towel to finish drying.
Step 3
Add rinse solution to a pan of water if your fabric was prepared for printing by you. Follow the manufacturer's instructions of your rinse solution for the quantity of rinse to water to use. Place your fabric gently into the water and lightly wash the solution over the fabric for two minutes without folding the fabric.
Step 4
Put a mild laundry detergent in a pan of water if you purchased your fabric already prepared for printing. Follow the directions on your fabric packaging for the amount of detergent to use. Lightly wash the fabric without folding or bunching it.
Step 5
Retrieve your fabric from the rinse or wash solution and lay it out flat to dry. It could take up to two hours, depending on the type of fabric and how warm or humid your home is.
Step 6
Place the dry or lightly damp fabric onto an ironing board face up. Lay an equal size piece of parchment paper over the fabric. Set your iron onto high heat. Press the paper over the fabric for five to 10 seconds, moving the iron as needed until the entire fabric has been heated, setting the ink.
Ink-jet printing is INK, not DYE. Depending on what kind of ink your printer uses, it may or may not be colorfast. Ink-jet printed fabrics typically must be washed carefully by soaking in cold water with soap, not detergent.
Here's a fantastic source for information. They are very helpful and friendly, so call or use the chat feature if you want specific help or information.
https://www.dharmatrading.com/chemicals/retayne.html
Sorry, here's the link I meant to give with the above comment.
I've mixed paints with fabric medium before to make them stay on the fabric. You might try putting a coat or two of fabric medium over it and testing a corner to see if it still runs.
You need to get the iron on transfers specially for this.
I've used a hot iron to set the ink or paint, but it depends upon what kind of ink/paint is used. Just try it on a rag first.
Here is more info for you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HO4wtjgy8M
https://books.google.com/books?id=qq3llKJlixoC&pg=PA32&lpg=PA32&dq=I+printed+photos+with+inkjet+onto+a+tshirt+quilt+and+now+it+is+fading+what+can+I+do&source=bl&ots=XFgCsT81iN&sig=ACfU3U0PvMOQ3vgL33xYzhmRrnqDKtarqg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjmmPz2_NTpAhUsh-AKHbl0Ab0Q6AEwEXoECAoQAQ
the second post above suggests using a vinegar rinse to set the ink
You will need to use a special color wash for protecting them.
I think if you put it in the dryer it will set
I've always used packaged sheets that are made for this purpose for my crafting projects and ink jet..... https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ink+jet+printing+sheets+for+fabric&ref=nb_sb_noss
Look for iron on sheets you can run through your inkjet printer.