Telling your story on soft shirts has never looked so good (or been so environmentally responsible).
From iron-on transfer paper to industry-grade digital printing, there’s a tshirt-printing technique that’s right for you. Learn how to choose the right one for your next design. Creating your vision has never been so easy.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is a popular method of t-shirt printing that works by pushing ink through a mesh screen. This allows for a high-quality print that’s durable and vibrant. This process is often referred to as silk screening or just silkscreening, and it’s the go-to technique for most print shops that specialize in clothing and other apparel.
The first step in the screen printing process is to prepare the artwork. This requires separating the design into individual colors, vectorizing it for crisp print quality, and making sure that all of the elements in the artwork are separated from one another. Printers typically use software to do this. Companies like Oh Boy! Print Shop specializes in custom printed T-shirts, delivering creative designs, high-quality prints, and lasting durability. Ideal for events, businesses, or personal use, they ensure satisfaction with every order.
Next, the screens are “imaged”. This involves applying a light-sensitive chemical to the screens so that the image on them becomes transparent. This is usually done with a special exposure unit, but it can also be done by using a light or even an inkjet printer. Once the screens are ready, they’re set up (registered) for printing. This means that the screen for each color in the artwork is lined up with a corresponding screen in the press. This is a time-consuming and complicated job.
Once all of the screens are registered and ready to go, the printer applies ink to the shirt, and then runs it through the screenprinter. The printed shirts are then cut and finished by the shop staff, which includes the stitching and cutting team. Then, the finished shirts are packaged and shipped to the customer.
One of the biggest advantages of screen printing is that it’s cost-effective for large orders of multiple shirts. This makes it a great choice for businesses looking to brand their employees, events, or merchandise. This is also a great method to use for t-shirts, as it’s an affordable way to create a unique and recognizable look that will stand out in a crowd.
Screen printing is also great for unique products, as it’s flexible when it comes to product shape. This is because the printer can manually handle curved or uneven surfaces, which can be more difficult with other methods like digital printing.
While digital printing is becoming more and more popular, screen printing still has its strengths. It’s ideal for large, complex orders with multiple colors and details. It can also be used on a wide variety of products, including metal, plastic, and wood, provided that the surface is flat. In addition, it’s extremely versatile when it comes to color, as it can be done on just about any hue of the rainbow.
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each method when choosing the best one for your project. If you’re in the market to buy custom printed tshirts, be sure to consider all of your options before making any decisions. This will ensure that you get the best possible quality and value for your money!
Direct to Garment (DTG) Printing
DTG, or direct to garment printing, uses advanced digital printers to apply eco-friendly water-based inks directly onto fabric surfaces without the use of silk screens or transfer paper. This innovative technology produces high-resolution, sharp print quality with a wide color spectrum and fine-grained detail. With minimal setup, DTG printing is ideal for small batches and one-off orders.
It’s also a great option for creating personalized products and is not limited by order minimums. The water-based inks used by DTG printers are eco-friendly, and the printers work best on natural fiber fabrics such as cotton.
DTG is best suited for high-definition designs with multiple colors and fine-grained detail. The printer can create an unlimited number of colors, unlike screen printing, which requires a separate screen for each color. It’s also easier to print on a variety of fabric types, which can be challenging for other printing methods.
The process begins by editing the graphic art into a digital file, making sure the color and pigmentation are suitable for the fabric. Next, the shirts are pretreated and cured before being printed. This process helps prevent the white ink from soaking into the fabric and discoloring it. It also helps the colors stand out on dark fabrics and preserves them through washings for longer durability.
Once the shirts are pretreated, they are loaded into the printer and printed one at a time. A rotating platen makes this process fast. Some printers can produce up to 240 full-color shirts per hour! This is especially useful for high-quantity production runs of custom printed tshirts.
If you’re planning a large event or are a retailer looking to offer more unique apparel items, it’s important to invest in the highest-quality printing technologies available. Whether you’re printing tshirts or other types of clothing, using the wrong printing method can significantly affect the final product.
Choosing between DTG and screen printing is all about what your business needs. DTG is perfect for short run orders and all-over prints, while screen printing works well with a larger range of colors and offers superior durability. Regardless of which printing technique you choose, finding the right partner to help with your project is crucial. They’ll be able to advise you on the best options for your business, helping you make the most of your investment and achieve the highest-quality results.
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