T-shirt printing techniques answer many questions. It’s an opportunity to transfer your ideas to T-shirts, as well as a chance to advertise your brand. Once you have created a suitable graphic design, it’s time to choose a printing method. Unfortunately, there is no one obvious answer, because there are many ways. As we provide same-day printing in Dallas in this text, I will try to present all the most popular methods to make the choice easier.
The most popular printing methods
The most popular types of prints are: screen printing, DTG digital printing, sublimation, flex/ flock foil, computer embroidery and thermal transfer. What are the differences in performance, what are the characteristics of each technology, as well as their strengths and weaknesses? Answers below. Before you start printing, determine what purpose you are creating your print for and what material you are going to apply it to. It is worth remembering not to make decisions hastily. If you print one printed T-shirt, the losses will not be great, but in the case of larger quantities you may pay dearly for it.
Otherwise, screen printing is one of the most popular types for a reason. This is quite a versatile method that allows you to cover large flat surfaces, so it is a good solution when you create a project with quite extensive graphics. The process of creating this type of print is based on pressing the paint through a special sieve with an appropriate template, then fixing it on the material using high temperature (160 degrees C).
The advantages are great color options and durability during use. Screen printing is primarily about quality and precision of workmanship, with the possibility of applying it to many different materials. Such a print is usually waterproof, which means that it will not be damaged in washing and will not fade for a long time. It is also resistant to high temperatures, so it is not afraid of any iron.
One of the main disadvantages is the high costs for smaller orders. This method becomes profitable when ordering wholesale quantities of T-shirts (min. 50-100 pieces). This is the result of the unique, time-consuming nature of printing compared to other methods.
DTG digital printing
DGT (Direct To Garment) is a quite modern method that involves literally printing a pattern onto the material using a specialized industrial printer. The paint ultimately penetrates the fabric, which means that we cannot feel the print under our fingers. Digital printing is characterized by perfect reproduction with an impressive range of colors. Another advantage is high efficiency and, consequently, low production costs. Hence, printing even one piece will not be an economic problem.
Unfortunately, there are also limitations in terms of materials. In fact, the only ones that can be printed are natural fabrics (with a max. 20% admixture of artificial fibers). The print cannot be placed on the sleeves, only the front or back of the T-shirt. These are the main disadvantages of this solution, and the good sides seem to be more numerous. This is a safe option when you need to print one or several T-shirts for your own use. It will also work for small businesses when we don’t want such T-shirts to be left lying on the shelves.
Sublimation
This technique involves printing the design with special inks on sublimation paper and “heating” it onto the target material. Sublimation is often used to mark clothing (t-shirts with a logo). If we want durability and the most accurate image reproduction possible, sublimation works well. It is also a good choice when we want to print a photo of our choice on clothing.
The advantages of this method are the quality and durability of the print, as well as very accurate reproduction. A T-shirt made this way will be resistant to abrasion, even when washed. Low production costs make it worth ordering small quantities.
One of the main disadvantages is the type of materials that can be used. The minimum polyester content in the fabric we want to use is 50-60%. That’s why a popular way to print sportswear, which is largely made of polyester. On other materials, such a print may quickly fade because natural fabrics do not absorb the dye properly.
Flex/ flock foil
Flex and flock are types of foil that are cut with a plotter in a specific shape. Then it is glued and “heated” into the material using a press. Flex is a thin foil that ultimately gives a smooth and stiff effect. The flock is thicker, and eventually you can feel the characteristic “fuzz” under your fingers. The pressure force and temperature are selected specifically for the thickness and type of foil.
This type of prints will work well with less complicated patterns, e.g. company logos. The advantages of this method are durability and abrasion resistance. Another advantage is low costs, which means it is a suitable method for ordering small quantities. However, there is no point in looking for advantages any further.We will not use this method for graphics that are too complex in terms of colors or have small elements, because the effects will not be satisfactory. To briefly sum up, it is a way to create a durable, simple and cheap T-shirt print.
Computer embroidery
Compared to previous methods, computer embroidery on T-shirts has more specific areas of effective operation. As the name suggests, it involves sewing patterns by a machine using thread. In addition to the color, you can choose the types of threads, there are also those that guarantee fire resistance or metallicity. Embroidery is a permanent type of print, but it is best used on thicker materials.
It is also not cheap because, understandably, the larger the print, the more expensive the final result will be. This is a natural choice for short inscriptions and logos. This method seems to be a good way to mark clothing. The price depends on many factors, so it is difficult to say clearly whether it is a cheap or expensive method.
Thermal transfer
This is a relatively cheap and durable printing method. The graphics are first printed on paper or thermal transfer foil. Later, the print is heated to 130-160 degrees using a heat press and then transferred to the fabric, where the transfer glue melts and penetrates the fabric fibers.
Thermal printing allows the use of a wide range of colors and can be used on many different fabrics, which is not obvious in the case of other methods . It is also cost-effective with less input. The durability of the print on clothing is a controversial issue. A lot depends on the producing company, but unlike other types of prints, this one may be damaged more quickly. It is also not suitable for more complex compositions and does not guarantee photographic quality.
Which printing technology should I choose?
Unfortunately, one can only repeat the sentence from the introduction. It is impossible to choose one method that is definitely better than the other methods. However, you can decide which method is best and/or safest to choose depending on your needs.
- When you need a T-shirt with a print that is noticeably larger than the classic logo, or with good quality graphics, it is worth choosing screen printing. But it will be a better choice for more T-shirts. If only a small logo is important on the T-shirt, computer embroidery will be a good and elegant solution. These are solutions primarily for printed company T-shirts.
- In the case of T-shirts with an individual print, when you want to order one or several with different patterns for your own use, DTG digital printing may prove helpful. Unless we are talking about more polyester T-shirts, then sublimation will be more optimal. This method will also work if you want to provide your team or sports club with sports uniforms.
As you can see, there are several techniques for printing T-shirts. If we want to spend money wisely, regardless of whether for private or professional purposes, it is worth making the decision calmly. It is worth planning the number of T-shirts we need. Then what we need and then you can look around the market for contractors. Many companies offer many methods and it is with them that we determine the final price of the product. It also depends on the contractor how you will have to prepare the graphics, so communication before placing an order will be essential.
