Technique

The block printing in the indigo printing plant is divided into two processes: reserve print and direct print.

Reserve print 

Just like the indigo, the beginnings of the reserve print lead us back to India. During the reserve printing process, the pattern is not printed onto the fabric but a colour repellent, sticky paste (similar to batik).
A type of printing cushion "Chassi" is used spread the so called "Papp" evenly on to the printing form (Model). Afterwards the printed material is stretched on a special drying machine.
The printed material is hooked onto a  Sternreif  for dying and then immersed into a colouring bath called a Küpe. After dying the pattern appears in white on a blue background. Because of the similarity with the blue porcelain from China, this type of print was called a porcelain print.

Direct Printing

With this process the pattern always appears coloured on a white or lighter coloured cloth.
The material is stretched on to the printing table and then, depending on the model or measurements required for the client, it is divided into printing sections.
The colour is printed directly onto the cloth, which is where the name direct print comes from. The printing dye colour is different from the finished colour. If for example a blue pattern on a white cloth is required then a brown paste is printed onto the cloth. After it has dried, it is then put into a developing liquid in which the brown colour instantly turns into blue. The cloth remains white.
This type of production process requires approx. 12-14 steps. Both techniques have their special secrets because the dyes change colour when printed or developed. That is why the recipes for the dyes and the dying paste are kept a secret. They are only passed on from one generation to the next.