Naish Digital Printing FAQ

Words by Peri Roberts

Naish’s digital printing is developed and controlled entirely through our long-term manufacturing partner, IKP – the first kite factory in the world, known for unmatched quality control and precision craftsmanship.

This FAQ has been created to clarify how our process works and what it means for you on the water. From sustainability gains to long-term durability, Naish’s digital printing represents a cleaner, lighter and more advanced way to produce our kites – with reduced water use, safer inks, and industry-leading print quality.

Whether you’re purchasing a digitally printed model or just curious about how it performs, this guide outlines the key details and benefits behind Naish’s latest printing innovation.

Who manufactures Naish kites and where are they made?

We’re still doing everything through our long-term factory, IKP. It was the first kite factory in the world, and its quality control is second to none. The workmanship, skills, and seamstressing there are exceptional.

What is Naish’s digital printing process?

It’s a dye-sublimation heat process. We use a supplier that’s very skilled and experienced. They also produce children’s toys, which means they’re held to strict toxic control standards. Bleeding colors, toxic inks, or rubbing off are not acceptable.

How does Naish ensure print quality?

There’s an industry rating from 1 to 5 measuring how well the ink adheres and resists rub-off. Naish prints consistently achieve a 5 – the highest possible rating.

Does printing affect the stretch or tear strength of the canopy?

No. The printed canopy behaves exactly the same as a standard one.

How durable are the prints under UV, salt, and abrasion?

They’ve been tested for hundreds of hours in strong tropical sun and hold up perfectly. The print outlasts the canopy’s lifespan. We use JD Followcam (Youtube star haha) who kites more than anyone in the world, for material testing. He tracks his use and wear/tear, and is super confident in these kites. 

Has digital printing changed the ride feel, flutter or weight?

It’s lighter. Traditional screen prints are heavy; they can nearly double the canopy weight where applied. The digital print adds less than one gram per meter squared of canopy. 

What fabric is used, and how is it prepared?

We print directly onto undyed fabric – the same QuadTex kite fabric used across our range. It’s printed at a specific temperature that allows sublimation without damaging the fabric’s coating.

How is this process more sustainable?

It’s far more environmentally friendly than traditional screen printing. It uses less water and fewer harmful chemicals, which is better for the environment and for factory workers. It also reduces material waste as we only print the colors we need. Because all fabric is undyed, we can order one stock of base material and eliminate leftover or obsolete fabric when colors change.

Can digitally printed kites be repaired the same way?

Yes. Repairs and patching are done exactly the same as a normal kite. If a tear goes over a printed graphic, the color may not align perfectly, but the repair method doesn’t change.

How does the durability compare to screen-printed kites?

The UV-tested life of the print exceeds the life of the canopy itself. It’s not “better” than screen printing in terms of structure,  just lighter and cleaner.

Which upcoming products will feature digital printing?

The Psycho Nvision, releasing in spring 2026, will be digitally printed.

Will digital printing allow for custom graphics in the future?

It definitely opens that possibility. Right now, we’re focused on perfecting the process, but custom graphics are a future option.

Check out the 2025 Pivot LTD – our first digital printed model.