Citrus Rain

Thursday 14th February 2013

Today myself and laura went to Citrus Rain in Denton, Manchester. 

Currently we are preparing ourselves for post graduation by exploring real working environments which have enlightened and inspired us by offering an insight into the world of design.
Citrus Rain specialise in the manufacture of dye sublimation, digitally printed silk fabrics for both short and long run production. They have over 10 years experience in the production of digital fabrics and their knowledge of printing is second to none. They also have all the latest digital print technology, guaranteeing the best possible high resolution photographic image reproducibility when required. The same technology can also be utilised to accurately reproduce traditional rotary and flat screen printing.

I was surprised when we arrived, it is a small unit within an industrial estate with 5 printers, heat press machines, a small design area and an area upstairs which is like an office area. They were very welcoming and were very happy to answer questions. We were shown all the different types of fabrics that they print on and could see the difference between how the colour is applied depending on the fabric and how it looks different. Then we mentioned that we have found it difficult searching for other print factories and the lady mentioned that it is because most have closed down due to fabric being printed cheaper in places like China and Turkey, she did say that they are in no means in competition with that as they are highly focused on bespoke printing and quality.

We then went to see the printers and they were printing on transfer paper to then have the design heat pressed so that the ink is transferred onto the fabric and then it will be steamed so that the ink sticks. The gentleman did go through some technical information but i'm afraid that didn't stick and i cant report that back.

We then went to the design section, it was interesting to see the software they use which is set up for the printers also he showed us how he can make a design into repeat to fill the fabric length.

I have enjoyed this visit but i felt a lot more driven and excited with the wallpaper factories, which is good because it does defiantly confirm that i'm better suited to be working in that environment and pushing that area for my final products.