Despite the introduction of a vaccine for novel coronavirus (Covid-19), masks are set to remain part of day-to-day life for some time, and as such, demand for these face coverings will remain.

In response to a significant increase in demand for decorated face masks, Paul Bristow Associates invested in a new HP Stitch textile printer to support its specialist offering.

Purchased from RA Smart, the HP Stitch S300, 64" textile printer was installed at the company’s Wrexham premises in August and has been busy printing face masks ever since.

“Before the pandemic, we already used dye-sublimation for apparel because it achieves all-over print in rich colours, which is great for reproducing artworks on T-shirts,” director Ben Bristow explains.

“This summer we were experiencing more and more demand for printed masks so needed more capacity, with the width to match our rotary press."

Face masks produced by Paul Bristow Associates are in line with World Health Oranisation guidance, in that they are a three-layer mask made from a cotton inner layer, a non-woven centre layer and a polyester top layer, washed at 60ºC.

Fully sublimated polyester washes well at this temperature, retaining both the design and essential hygiene.

“The HP Stitch is good quality, robust, versatile and straightforward from an operator point of view,” Bristow says. “The integrated rewind unit makes life easier and colour matching is quick and simple, which is essential for reproducing artworks.

“The level of machine for the price is excellent.” br />
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