nadruk

Nadruk is a Polish term for the application of a design onto a surface, most commonly on textiles, but also on paper, ceramics, glass, and plastics. The word encompasses a range of techniques used to transfer color and pattern, from decorative motifs to branding. Etymologically, nadruk derives from druk, “print,” with the prefix na- meaning “on.”

Common methods include sitodruk (screen printing), which forces ink through a mesh stencil to create opaque layers. It is well suited to bold, high-volume runs and durable colors on fabrics and other substrates, though setup is costly for small orders. Druk cyfrowy (digital textile printing) uses inkjet technology to print directly onto fabric, enabling complex patterns and small batches with minimal waste. Sublimacja (sublimation) transfers dye into synthetic fibers, yielding vibrant, wash-fast results on polyester-based materials. Nadruk transferowy (heat transfer) applies a printed design via heat and pressure, often used for small runs and on diverse shapes, but can feel heavier. Pad printing is used for curved or irregular objects. Nadruk UV uses ultraviolet-curable inks for rigid substrates like plastic or metal, with quick curing and good edge definition.

Applications span fashion and sportswear, home textiles, packaging, ceramics, glass, and promotional items. Durability and appearance depend on substrate compatibility, ink chemistry, and finishing processes. Care requirements vary: cottons may tolerate higher wash temperatures; polyesters with sublimation inks require proper heat settings.

Historically, nadruk emerged from traditional printing techniques and evolved with advances in textiles and industrial printing, reaching widespread use in the 20th century, with digital textile printing expanding the field in recent decades. Sustainability trends focus on water-based inks and reduced waste.