Evaluation of Print Quality and Colour Fastness of Pigment-Printed Cotton Fabric for Nigerian Fashion Industry

Pigment printing is the most widely used textile printing method in Nigeria, valued for its versatility, bright colour range, and suitability for both natural and synthetic fabric substrates. This study evaluates print quality and colour fastness properties of pigment-printed cotton fabrics produced by printing houses operating in the Apapa industrial zone, Lagos State, South West Nigeria. Fabric samples printed with reactive-class pigments at standard and optimised binder concentrations were assessed for colour strength, sharpness of print outline, wash fastness, rubbing fastness, and light fastness following ISO standard test methods. Print paste rheology was measured using a rotational viscometer to characterise flow behaviour relevant to screen printing efficiency. Results indicate that binder concentration of 50 g/L produced optimal print definition, with outline sharpness rated at 4 on a 5-point photographic scale, superior to the 35 g/L formulation rated at 3. Colour strength measured as K/S ratio averaged 16.8 at 50 g/L binder versus 12.4 at 35 g/L, confirming better pigment anchoring. Wash fastness improved from grade 3 to 4 with increased binder content. Dry rubbing fastness was rated 4 across all binder concentrations, while wet rubbing fastness remained at grade 3, an inherent limitation of pigment printing systems. Light fastness ratings of grade 4 to 5 confirmed good sunlight durability appropriate for the Nigerian climate. The study recommends optimised binder concentrations and post-cure protocols to achieve commercially acceptable wash durability for fashion fabric printing operations in South West Nigeria. Keywords: pigment printing, cotton fabric, colour fastness, binder concentration, Lagos