Custom t-shirts are a game-changer for enhancing professionalism and elevating any event. Various types of shirt printing exist today and each one has its unique features. To help you choose the right one, we have listed the top seven t-shirt printing types that you should consider. So, get on the exploring ride to acquaint yourself with each one of them.
T-Shirt Printing Methods To Let Your Tees Do The Talking
Direct-To-Garment Printing (DTG)
The DTG printing method is one of the best ways to print artwork directly onto the shirt. It produces high-quality results in full colour, which makes it ideal for complex designs and photographic images. Though inkjet printers are pretty costly, they’re an affordable choice for small batches, as there are no set-up fees. You should consider it if you want to print directly onto your few shirts.
However, you would require pre-treatment for proper ink fixation to the fabric and avoid colour bleeding. The procedure also includes heating to activate the treatment and achieve a high-quality print. DTG method is perfect for detailed designs with no texture and fast production. Nonetheless, it is only suitable for cotton garments and the artwork may come off over time.
Screen Printing
It is also called silkscreen printing, one of the most popular techniques that involves the application of ink onto a t-shirt. A mesh screen stencil and special screen printing inks that are thicker than other types are used for production. This method is suitable for vibrant and durable designs on t-shirts, plus large quantities of up to 500 pieces. As the manufacturing process is simple, the production turnaround is comparatively low. However, ordering smaller batches of this type is costly due to their setup costs.
As the fabric absorbs the ink during the silkscreen printing, it results in vibrant and long-lasting prints. The design will remain like new even after multiple washes and won’t fade so easily. Plus, this technique is suitable for most fabrics, including polyester, cotton, and beyond. Like everything, the silkscreen method also has its drawbacks, such as having a limited colour palette. So, you can’t get an extremely colourful design. Moreover, the ink is likely to spill and get messy during the manufacturing process.
Embroidery
Embroidery is an innovative technique to make graphic tees that have sophisticated embroidered logos. It creates better tshirt embroidery designs than the ones you can achieve through vinyl printing. With embroidery, you should adhere to strict design requirements, as the designs are generally made through a sewing machine.
This printing method is extremely durable, looks professional and is timeless. It is also friendly for the environment, as no dye is involved during the manufacturing process. On the other hand, it has limited options for colours and is not appropriate for intricate designs. Plus, it is pricier than the all above types, but certainly worth it.
Heat Transfer Vinyl Methods
Heat transfer vinyl printing is best for beginners and the ones looking for a budget-friendly option. It creates stiff designs, appropriate for fabrics that won’t melt when heated, and typically used for lettering on jersey. This type doesn’t show up well on darker backgrounds. The production process comprises five easy steps, beginning with cutting the pattern manually or digitally.
You should use a HTV cutting machine if producing a large batch. Remove the excess material left around the edges to create a fine, polished border. Apply the design using an iron or heat press to the t-shirt and peel off the tape to leave the artwork behind. The heat transfer method also has its limitations, such as cutting takes time and, therefore slows the process. It is suitable for designs that can withstand the heating process and unsuitable for large-scale productions.
Dye Sublimation Printing
It is also called all-over printing (AOP), one of the most popular types in which designs are digitally printed. The special heat transfer paper comes out of a sublimation printer with beautiful, flawless artwork. It is then transferred onto the t-shirt with a heat press. During the process, the use of heat takes place to convert dye-based ink into gas, bonding with synthetic material, like polyester.
On the other hand, cotton material is unsuitable, as it is very porous and causes bleeding. So, the result will look dull and blurry. This unique procedure embeds ink deeply into the fabric, resulting in colourful, durable prints. The Dye Sublimation method is appropriate for polyester fabric and is long-lasting, as colours wouldn’t fade or crack. You should also consider this technique if you want to cover your shirt completely with the artwork. However, its charges may cost you an arm and a leg.
Direct-To-Film Printing
DTF involves transferring designs from a special PET film to shirts with the help of adhesive powder and heat. It doesn’t require any pretreatment of the garment since the artwork is pre-printed on the film. It works on various fabrics, such as polyester and cotton to achieve a vibrant t-shirt print UAE. When it comes to appearance, it leaves a plasticky and shiny finish due to fixing powder.
However, it improves the colour vibrancy without disturbing the shirt’s base colour but has high odds of wear and tear. This method only works on smaller items, such as tees, face masks, cushion covers, etc.
Flock Printing
Flock printing is one of the methods that change the texture of the print itself. It adds a tactile and high-quality to a vast range of materials. It creates a touchable design that showcases an eye-catching style and professionalism.
Designers use this technique on different lengths and textures, along with methods of curing and layering. They mostly leverage this technique to create an iconic sportswear look, outlined with numbers and team names. It works perfectly on various types of fabric and has the fastest turnarounds. You can create numerous monochromatic and multichromatic designs. You can lay colours strategically over each other to create a three-dimensional appearance.
Final Verdict
Now that you know all the major types of t-shirt printing, you’re all set to select the appropriate one for yourself. Whatever you choose, pick a dashing artwork and reliable t-shirt printing services to make a statement that is truly yours. The trustworthy and affordable custom manufacturer would bring your vision to life with perfection. It would turn your ordinary tees into wearable works of art; and capture your personality and creativity.