Glossary of textile printing and visual advertising
Discover the most well-known and commonly used terms in the professional world of textile printing and visual advertising.
Design and file preparation
This is the area within a template where important information should be placed: images, logos and graphic elements that we want to be fully visible in the final print output.
A measure of resolution used to determine the level of detail and the quality of an image or print. The higher the value, the sharper the final result will be.
A horizontal or vertical printing error that manifests as unwanted lines or streaks in the design, usually caused by blocked nozzles or poor material feed.
A sketch or simple drawing that is usually used to clarify the construction of products, indicating the type of construction and measurements to clarify their position and dimensions in the final product.
The mathematical relationship between the submitted design and the actual production size. In large-format printing, it is common to work at a scale of 1:10 to avoid excessively large files.
A printing technique in which the graphic design completely covers the surface of the material right up to the edges, ensuring that no unsightly white margins remain after cutting or finishing.
Flipping a design horizontally before printing. This is mainly used in sublimation processes to ensure that the graphic appears correctly once transferred to the fabric.
Colour settings for printing.
International Colour Definition System. It is used as a reference to ensure that the colour printed on the flag is exactly the client’s corporate colour, regardless of the machine used.
A guide to designing products in the desired sizes.
Image quality for printing.
Internal safety margin (usually between 5 and 10 mm) within the design where no text or important logos should be placed, to ensure they are not too close to the cut or the seam of the sleeve.
A colour mode (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black) used in printing and graphic design. This colour mode combines the four colours.
An additive colour model used in screens, monitors, cameras and projectors. It is produced by combining the colours red, green and blue.
Printing and marking technologies
A printing technique in which the ink is transferred to the fabric using heat, penetrating the fibres and ensuring that the colour does not fade in the wash.
A special type of paper used as an intermediate medium in sublimation printing. The design is first printed onto this paper and then transferred to the fabric using heat and pressure.
A large-format printer that sprays ink onto transfer paper or directly onto fabric or vinyl.
A technique in which ink is sprayed directly onto the fabric without using an intermediate transfer sheet, widely used for small-batch flags or quick customisations.
A technique that involves dividing a large-format design into several vertical sections or ‘panels’ when it exceeds the maximum width of the printing roll, and then joining them together by stitching or welding in the workshop.
A digital process in which the plotter’s piezoelectric print heads spray microscopic droplets of textile ink onto the fabric, enabling photographs and gradients to be reproduced with complete clarity.
Large-format printed products.
Fabrics, materials and properties
Fabric weight per square metre (g/m²). Generally, the higher the weight, the greater the opacity and strength.
The industry standard. A blocked-knit fabric that allows the design to be seen on both sides (mirror effect).
A chemical treatment applied to fabrics (particularly event marquees) to make them fire-resistant and ensure they comply with safety regulations in public spaces.
A rigid, ultra-strong fabric strip that is sewn onto the hoist side of institutional flags to support the carabiners without tearing the lightweight fabric.
Double-sided adhesive tape used in sign-making to secure items or temporarily hold fabric in place before feeding it through the sewing machine.
A finishing technique that uses two parallel threads to finish hems and cuffs, doubling the tear resistance.
The standard PVC banner. It is white, opaque and available with a gloss or matt finish, designed to be illuminated from the front.
A type of reinforced stitching that ensures the seams where the tent panels join, or the corners of flags, can withstand gusts of wind without fraying.
The ability of a fabric or material to block the passage of light. In double-layered flags or blackout tarpaulins, the aim is to achieve 100% opacity to prevent a translucent silhouette effect.
An automated or mechanical cutting process using customised dies, which enables complex and irregular shapes to be cut from vinyl, rigid signage or textiles.
A chemical process applied to the textile fibres of tents and flags that repels water and moisture, preventing the fabric from becoming soaked and gaining weight.
A technical fabric with a waterproof coating, used in tents, displays and outdoor applications where water resistance is required.
Textile manufacturing and finishing
A hem or fabric reinforcement (usually made of elastic or polyester tape) through which the flagpole is inserted.
Double stitching or polyester tape added to the edges of the flag to increase its mechanical strength against constant fluttering.
A metal or polycarbonate ring fitted to tarpaulins or flags to allow them to be secured using cable ties or ropes without damaging the material.
Strategically sewn press-fastening strips used to join pieces of fabric quickly, securely and with perfect alignment. They are typically used for products such as banners or on tents and their accessories.
A sleeve or fabric pocket open at one or both ends to allow the quick insertion of masts, rods or tubes.
A tube or fabric pocket closed at one end, used to secure or position structures more securely.
Flags and accessories
Bases and mounting systems
A plastic stand that can be filled with water or sand, used to stabilise beach flags on hard surfaces where it is not possible to drive in stakes.
A rigid or flexible vertical support used to hold up the flag. These are usually sections of fibreglass or aluminium that are assembled to create the characteristic curved shape and maintain the tension in the fabric.
A support element located at the bottom that ensures the structure remains stable and upright. Depending on the surface, these may be cross-shaped bases, ground stakes, vehicle bases or bases that can be filled with water or sand.
A folding tent system that allows the height of the structure to be adjusted to different levels using a click or pin mechanism.
A metal fitting that is screwed onto façades or walls to securely mount advertising poles on the outside of shops.
A component made of polyethylene for aluminium flagpoles, designed to wind and secure the flag rope, providing greater stability and support.
A system integrated into the mast that allows the halyard and flag to rotate, preventing them from becoming tangled in the wind.
A textured metal or lead weight fitted to the bottom edge of institutional or straight-pole flags to keep the fabric down and prevent it from curling up in the wind.
A swivelling horizontal bracket fitted to the top of the straight flagpoles, which keeps the flag fully unfurled and visible, even when there is no wind at all.
A foldable metal ‘X’-shaped stand used to display beach flags indoors or on firm ground. It is usually combined with a water-filled float to add weight.
Tents and promotional structures
Quick-assembly structures made from aluminium or steel profiles with waterproof polyester roofing.
The hanging valance running around the perimeter of a folding marquee’s roof. It is a key area for displaying brand names or logos that are visible at eye level.
A removable canvas or fabric panel that attaches to the sides of a marquee using Velcro or zips to enclose it completely and provide protection from the wind or rain.
Displays and visual communication
A large-format, freestanding advertising structure (fabric or canvas) used as a backdrop for photographs at events, press conferences or accreditation areas.
Portable, self-retracting advertising stand. The design is stored inside an aluminium base and unfolds vertically, securing itself with a rear rod.
Signage structure (aluminium or steel profiles) fitted with an internal lighting system (LED) and a translucent front panel (fabric or acrylic) that makes the design stand out in the dark.