Eco Printing FAQs

Answers to your most common questions about the process of botanical printing also knows as eco-print and leaf printing

So, you tried eco or leaf printing but maybe it didn’t turn out quite the way you expected? Or maybe you are unsure about some of the process steps and so you have not even started?

Well, I am here to answer some of the most asked questions from which leaves make the best prints to how long you boil or steam your bundles.

What is botanical eco printing?

This technique goes by many different names: eco printing, eco dyeing, leaf printing, contact printing, bundle dyeing, botanical dyeing and more.

Basically, it is a natural dyeing process where color particles in plant materials are transferred to a base such as fabric, paper or ceramic by applying heat and moisture.

In simpler terms, you can take a leaf or a flower, place it firmly onto some fabric and then steam or simmer that for a time. The colors or dyes (if any) contained in the leaf or flower may then print onto the fabric.

How do you eco print on paper and fabric?

This article covers the most common FAQs about eco printing aka botanical printing or bundle dyeing so I will not go into the details of the actual process.

However, if you want to learn how to make eco prints on paper, you can find that information in this article.

Also, the detailed step by step instructions for printing on fabric can be found in this tutorial.

What are the best materials for eco printing?

The best choices for fabric are natural materials such as animal fibers (wool, silk) and plant fibers (cotton, bamboo). Each type accepts the dyes a bit differently.

Depending on different factors, you may need to pre-mordant your fabric in order for the prints to stick and be light and washfast. You can learn more about mordants here.

As a general rule, synthetic fabrics (nylon, polyester) are not well suited to this dye process.

Which leaves are suitable?

The best plant materials contain some natural tannins. See this article for a free downloadable plant list. These are some of the leaves and flowers that I have personally used with pretty good results:

• Maple (red and green)
• Black Walnut (leaves and stems)
• Willow Oak
• Oak
• Staghorn Sumac
• Wild Grape
• Tulip Poplar
• Eucalyptus (leaves, stems and berries)
• Strawberry
• Blackberry
• Raspberry
• Roses (leaves and flowers)
• Nasturtiums (leaves)
• Four O’Clock (leaves and flowers)
• Garlic Mustard

How long do you soak leaves?

When you are ready to use your dried leaves, you first need to reconstitute them. You can easily do this by soaking them in some warm water.

I don’t think there are any hard and fast rules about how long to soak them. Personally, I like to leave them in the water for a minimum of one hour. It doesn’t hurt to leave them longer.

Some natural dyers also like to add vinegar or lemon juice to their soaking water. I have tried it with and without this addition and can honestly say I do not see a difference.

How long do you have to boil your eco prints?

If I submerge and simmer my eco bundles in water, I will usually leave them for about 1 – 1 1/2 hours. Then I let them to cool completely overnight.

How long do you steam eco prints?

When steaming, I allow at least 2 hours or more. The steam takes longer than water to penetrate the materials and reach the inside of a bundle.

Again, I let everything cool overnight before opening my botanical prints.

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I hope that answers your most common eco printing FAQs to your satisfaction. If you need clarification on any points, please let me know. Also, if you have any questions about botanical prints that I have not covered, feel free to leave a comment below.

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Eco Printing FAQs