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Screen printing involves creating a stencil (or a 'screen') and then using that stencil to apply layers of ink on the printing surface. Each color is applied using a different stencil, one at a time, to achieve the final look. It's commonly used for T-shirts and posters.

Digital printing is a method of printing from a digital-based image directly to a variety of media. It usually refers to professional printing where small-run jobs from desktop publishing and other digital sources are printed using large-format and/or high-volume laser or inkjet printers.

This method involves printing a design onto a heat-transferable paper and then applying heat and pressure to transfer the image to the fabric. It's ideal for full-color prints and is commonly used for printing onto T-shirts, bags, and hats.

Block printing is one of the oldest types of printmaking, which involves using a carved piece of wood or another type of block to imprint an image onto fabric or paper. It's most often used for custom prints and is synonymous with handmade textiles.

Dye sublimation is a printing technique that uses heat-sensitive inks. These inks turn into gas under the influence of heat and combine with a 100% polyester medium. Because the ink becomes part of the structure of the material, the images on the fabric don't fade or crack - even after multiple washings.

Rotary screen printing uses cylindrical screens that rotate in a fixed position instead of a flat screen. It's a continuous process at high speeds and it allows for the mass production of printed textiles.

DTG printing involves spraying the ink onto the garment directly. It's like printing on paper, but with clothes. This method is great for detailed designs and allows for a large range of colors to be used on a single garment.

Hand painting on textiles is a technique where the textile is treated as a canvas, and designs are painted manually using brushes and textile inks or dyes. Each piece is unique, and the method is often used for high-end, bespoke textile products.

Airbrushing is a painting technique which uses an airbrush to give an even and consistent surface, often used for murals and other large works. It can also be utilized on textiles, offering a smooth gradient of colors and is popular for t-shirt designs and custom sneakers.

Thermal printing is a digital printing process which produces a printed image by selectively heating coated thermochromic paper, or thermal paper as it is commonly known, when the paper passes over the thermal print head. It's not commonly used on textiles, but more on labels and receipts.

Flexographic printing is a modern version of letterpress that can be used for printing on almost any type of substrate, including plastic, metallic films, cellophane, and paper. It is widely used for printing on non-porous substrates required for various types of food packaging.

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is used on textiles to create three-dimensional structures and designs by layering material. It has potential for creating innovative and custom fabrics but is still in the experimental stage.

Photo printing on textiles is done by transferring a photographic image onto fabric, often through specific transfer papers or direct printing methods like DTG. This method is popular for creating photographic quality prints on garments, such as T-shirts and dresses.

While less common in textiles, laser printing can be used to transfer a laser-printed design onto a textile surface using special transfer papers and heat. It's precise but not as commonly used as inkjet or dye sublimation for fabrics.

Plastisol printing is a screen printing method using inks made of PVC particles suspended in a plasticizing emulsion. The ink does not dry out but needs to be cured, often using a high temperature. It's particularly popular for producing vivid prints on dark fabrics.

Flocking is a printing process where short fibers are applied to an adhesive-coated surface to create texture. The result is a velvet-like textured graphic, and it's often used for decorative detailing on apparel or furnishings.

Discharge printing involves using bleach or other discharge agents to remove the dye from the fabric, resulting in a pattern. It's particularly useful for dark fabrics where applying light colors of dye might not be effective.

Acid printing is done by printing with acid dyes on textiles, specifically on animal fibers or nylon. It is characterized by the ability to produce vibrant colors and requires steaming to fix the dyes to the fabric.

Resist printing is a method where a 'resist' paste is applied to the fabric in patterns, and then the fabric is dyed. The areas covered with the resist paste do not absorb the dye, creating a pattern. This technique can be used for intricate designs.