Probably, you've made up your mind to start your t-shirt business or are thinking about types of t-shirt printing methods, right? Yes, it goes on in your mind what type of t-shirt printing technique works great for your apparel business!
Indeed, the best t-shirt printing methods are important to understand how to facilitate your t-shirt business or a special event! Look—the t-shirt business is a trending business where people love to wear creative design t-shirts or tend to top brands to express their personality. Over time, the t-shirt industry has adopted creative revolutionary changes!
With the ever-growing popularity and demand for creative design t-shirts, different printing methods come out with many more features to print your t-shirt. As a t-shirt business—you may have seen that top-reputed brands come with attractive and custom t-shirt designs to meet your customers' demands.
Yes. World-famous brands use custom t-shirts for their marketing, sharing discounts, presenting mind-blowing offers, and so on. That's why you can enjoy lots of amazing benefits if you can perfectly choose the best type of t-shirt printing techniques.
However, why are you reading this article? Hmm, you're thinking about the best t-shirt printing types! If yes, you're in the right place! Yes, This blog will help you explore the top t-shirt printing methods that’ll save you time and investment to bring your t-shirt business to the next level! Let's dive into this guide right now!
Ready to unfold your creativity into your t-shirt design? Thinking about the types of t-shirt printing methods, right? Here we are!
Whether you're designing t-shirts for a company’s marketing or creating t-shirts for a particular promotional campaign, learning the top t-shirt printing types is mandatory to benefit your business. There are multiple t-shirt printing methods. Regarding all your business prospects, finding the best type of t-shirt printing for your apparel business is not an easy task at all. We have 'DONE' it for you!
This ultimate guide to the top 8 t-shirt printing types helps you consider the best t-shirt printing to enrich your t-shirt business. So, no hurry to pick yours! Read on.
Screen printing has been operating its wave with immense popularity and effectiveness since 1000 AD. With the affiliation of modern technology, the gesture and creativity of screen printing have become more productive and accurate than ever before. Screen printing is admirably widespread for its outstanding benefits!
It’s one of the most used and traditional printing methods. This printing method is known as silk screen printing. It involves crafting a stencil and using it by applying layers of ink on the t-shirts.
Look, when you work with screen printing, you’ll see each color requires a separate screen. So, you can get bold, vibrant, and ideal prints when you go with screen printing. This printing technique is a well-known printing method for its creative designs on various materials.
This printing method provides a high-quality, long-lasting, and vibrant finish to the printed designs. Screen printing is versatile in use. It can be used on a wide range of materials, such as fabric, paper, or metal. As you know screen printing is so widespread, better we dive into its advantages, limitations, and how it works:
First things first.
Indeed, screen printing is well-known for its vibrant colors and durability! The method uses thicker inks and for this reason, it can easily be fit for the fabric. Because of using thicker ink, screen printing ensures excellent color opacity. That's why screen printing has become one of the best methods for bold and ideal designs!
Also, screen printing can make your logos stand up and stand out with its thick ink. This method has plenty of benefits! For this reason, it comes first when talking about printing. This t-shirt printing type is cost-effective and a good option for larger orders!
You can reduce setup costs by making it spread out over the quantity of those printed items. Yes, take a quick look at the pros and cons of screen printing:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great for bulk orders | Not fit for small orders |
| Works well on dark fabrics | Not suitable for complex designs |
| Cost-effective for larger orders | Requires a lot of space and equipment |
| Versatile printing for various materials | |
| Ensures vibrant prints and excellent durability |
If you think about printing a huge amount of items with the same design, screen printing can be the best option for you! We meant screen printing is perfect for schools, events, or businesses as they look for bulk orders! Also, your design does not require many colors, screen printing should be your first choice! Therefore, this screen printing method works excellently on different fabrics like polyester, blend, or cotton. So, the choice is yours!
This printing method uses modified inkjet technology to spray water-based inks onto clothes. Direct-to-garment (DTG) allows you to intricate full-color designs with the tiniest setup. Its easy setup feature makes this technique different from others! Also, it helps to maintain many more small quantity orders.
Indeed, DTG printing is an ideal option for a huge amount of small orders.
Also, DTG creates dainty prints at an affordable budget! That's why DTG printing is an energized method for many businesses and entrepreneurs around the world. This printing method opens spaces for as many orders as you like.
DTG comes with tons of pros and cons! This printing method can manage bulk orders within a short time. Undoubtedly, the DTG is a good choice for custom apparel. By using this printing method, you can grab vibrant and popping detailed designs. DTG printing method is also good for different styles of printing and utmost flexibility! Now let’s have a look at the pros and cons of DTG printing:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to set up | Expensive |
| Simple to use | Not good for dark fabrics |
| Environment-friendly | Works on limited fabric types |
| Offers top-quality prints | Production speed is slower than others |
| It doesn't require transfers or screens | |
| Ensures quality images and unlimited colors |
This DTG printing method will be the best option for you if you are thinking about selling cotton and cotton blend products! This method helps you to print a wide variety of designs and colors. If you’re thinking about getting hassle-free prints with your customer orders (no matter, if it's less or more), the DTG print can help you more than others.
DTG doesn't require color separation, screen set up, or drying time as you can find in the traditional methods. So, why not DTG is a good choice for you?
It's a good combination of DTG and heat transfer printing. Actually, DTF is a new printing method that prints designs onto a particular film which can be transferred to the fabric later by using heat. The reason for getting the prominence of DTF printing is its freedom! Yup, you’ve heard that right. The DTF printing allows you to print on almost any surface.
Though DTF printing comes later than other printing methods, this one helps you to print on cotton, silk, polyester, or synthetic without any sort of hassle. On the other hand, the DTF printers work on both white and dark fabric without any pushing on expensive A and B paper. Isn’t it great for you? Indeed, the DTF printing method is the smartest among all!
Though DTF is not aged! However, this printing technique is versatile and cost-effective. But you have no space to ignore this method and its unique features! It has incredible benefits that you'll not find in others.
The direct-to-film printer is more effective for commercial use. Moreover, it'll be the best printing option for the fashion industry! Surely, you can expect top-quality print by using DTF as the software operates elementary things like—drop sizes, color profiling, ink levels, or other significant functions to maintain the best print quality! However, let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of DTF printing:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Feels soft and polished | Not easy to set up |
| Good for dark fabrics | The method requires specialized tools and materials |
| Works on a variety of fabrics | The printed areas come to the eye as slightly noticeable |
| It doesn’t require pre-treatment | |
| Fit for both large and small orders | |
| Ensures quality prints and excellent durability |
Absolutely, you can get top-quality printing with DTF and the special ink the method uses. If you want to get more brightness and dainty, this DTF printing can do so for you. It may seem this method costs you more. No, the printing method can help you save on overall costs. So, this quality direct-to-film printing will bring better flexibility and top-notch printing!
Do you have small orders with complex designs? No worries.
Undoubtedly—Heat Transfer printing can be a quality choice for you! It's another popular printing method for t-shirt business owners. The printing method helps you print your designs on a special transfer paper by using heat and pressure. The heat helps your design adhere to the fabric and can create a high-quality print. It is also known as the thermal printing method because the printing comes out with heat!
Yup, the heat transfer method is very popular for its versatile use.
You already know this printing method is an ideal option for small-size orders and custom orders. It’s a versatile and effective process to adorn garments and other materials. It depends on certain transfer tools and materials to output high-quality prints in no time.
Better, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the heat transfer printing method:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to set up | Reports durability issues |
| Low setup costs | Not good for large orders |
| Quick production ability | Poor adhesion to the substrate |
| Offers versatility in designs | A bit of inconsistency with color accuracy |
| Comes with customizable options | |
| Ensures durability and longevity of the prints |
The heat transfer method is perfect for small to medium-sized orders. If you want personalized items with an impressive and elegant look, Heat transfer can be a good choice. This printing method is ideal for printing small batches of items like bags, hats, and cate designs!
Actually, sublimation means the change of a substance from solid to gas. The sublimation process goes on with the high temperature and pressure. In this way, the printing process has got the name dye sublimation. In this printing method, the substance is a certain type of liquid dye that comes up with the fabric to create colorful designs.
While creating the designs, the liquid dye not only changes its color but also changes its texture. Sublimation printing is also known as digital sublimation or dye sublimation! It works great for garment printing. At present, dye sublimation is a popular printing method for t-shirt brands. This printing method is convenient for t-shirt brands to sell their all-over t-shirts!
Hearing the name, it may seem the printing process isn't easy. But, it's a wrong idea! The printing process of dye sublimation is pretty simple! First, print the design onto particular heat transfer paper. After that, apply heat onto the transfer paper to penetrate the t-shirt with the ink!
In this printing method, two things are very important. These are:
Sublimation Machines
If you want to print through dye sublimation printing, you'll need to have a heat transfer printing machine, a particular transfer paper, and ink. If you plan to work with older printers, keep in mind the fabric will not crimp while the printing process continues. It'll be best if you align the paper and the fabric. And if you work with newer printers, you'll have no hassle like these!
Fabric Compatibility
Dye Sublimation will not work for cotton t-shirts. So, if you're planning to print designs on cotton with Dye Sublimation, Dye sublimation print isn't the right choice. Keep in mind that the printing method is only made for synthetic fabrics like polyester!
Undoubtedly—dye sublimation is the finest printing way for synthetic fabrics. However, this printing has become popular with its exceptional features and outstanding benefits. Better, let’s take a glance at the pros and cons of the dye sublimation printing:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers different colors | More steps make the process slower |
| Good for complex designs | Requires advanced knowledge to set up |
| Has more colorful designs | Lots of preparation can impact on overall cost |
| Comes with a smooth texture | |
| Ensure top-level durability in designs |
Basically, dye sublimation will be good for all types of print t-shirts. When you think about printing the design on the transfer paper and each time make a new t-shirt, the printing process will cost you more. That's why the dye sublimation isn't a good choice for bulk orders. Sure, you can make the method ready for printing sufficient on-demand production!
It's no secret that vinyl printing is already a go-to choice for customizable prints. Mainly, vinyl prints come up with customizing prints for promotional items, signs, or apparel. Actually, this printing uses vinyl sheets that are sliced into specific designs and then they require heat-pressed onto the surface like fabrics.
At the very beginning, by using a laser cutter and computer-aided design (CAD) software, cut the vinyl sheet into separate pieces. After that, using a heat press machine, transfer the design to the t-shirt. If you go with vinyl, you'll have chances to pick your favorite colors from different vinyl colors. Don’t worry—the print will be vibrant and high-quality.
Obviously, vinyl printing is a good choice for top-quality printing. The method tends to make the fabric lose flexibility. It makes the output printing the best suited with smaller prints like text, icons, or branding. Let's have a look at the pros and cons of vinyl printing:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable prints | Not suitable for big prints |
| Quick turnaround | Requires extra equipment |
| Great for small runs | Not fit for complex designs |
| Comes with top-quality prints | |
| Stands out with vibrant and bold colors |
Yup, if you want to get good durability on printing, this method can be a sound option. Generally, vinyl materials are resistant to tearing, fading, and water damage. This durability feature makes vinyl printing an ideal choice for outdoor applications!
It's one type of indirect screen printing method!
It does not act directly on t-shirts like screen printing. Yeah—this one uses inks to heat transfer on paper, unlike a mesh screen! The plastisol transfers have become truly popular for printing designs on any fabric. Indeed, this printing process applies a plastic-based transfer sheet to transmit ink to t-shirts.
One of the most significant characteristics of this printing is the design will not directly print on t-shirts. However, the design is applied to the transfer paper. It can be nicely applicable to various fabrics. Maybe it’s the ultimate reason of becoming popular of the printing method. Moreover, the printing offers an affordable option for silkscreen printing taking charge of smaller amounts!
Actually, this printing type comes with plastisol ink that works on plastisol paper. By using this printing technique, you can get amazing finishes such as textured effects or glossy vibes.
Already you know these plastisol transfers have loads of benefits. But it has some disadvantages, too! Today, these prints have become a go-to favorite for t-shirt business owners! These prints come with durable prints, speedy turnaround, and low-cost setups. Also, they have some drawbacks that you need to know. Better, let's have a look at plastisol transfer printing pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-quality prints | Less eco-friendly |
| Offers ultimate durability | Requires heat press |
| Comes with design flexibility | Comes with thicker ink layers |
| Well-suited for individuals or businesses | |
| Allows low minimum order requirements |
If you're thinking about high-quality and long-lasting durable prints at an affordable budget, these plastisol transfers will be a good fit for you! Also, this printing works great for detailed or complex designs. In the meantime, if you're looking to get small orders done fast, this printing will match your essentials. Plastisol transfers will be excellent for your print-on-demand business, too!
We're pretty sure you already have heard the name of embroidery printing, right? It's a traditional method of manufacturing clothes. You'll be glad to know that this method is still popular and in demand by people's choice! Embroidery making on t-shirts is easy and requires a design, needle and thread, embroidery stitches, styles, and patterns over the fabric!
It’s really well-known for bowing creativity on t-shirts. Embroidery t-shirts are long-lasting, high-quality, and offer excellent durability! Among the textiles, cotton, and a mix of other fabrics can be embroidered on. With good designs and numerous colors, embroidery t-shirts can make you stand out from the crowd.
Embroidery reflects the paradise of designs!
Undoubtedly—embroidery print is well-known and popular for its engaging appeal. However, embroidered prints will be high quality and long-lasting! The size and complexity of your design can be more expensive than other printing experiences. If the qualities of the fabrics go lost, the design will be lost gradually! Like others, this print has not only advantages but also drawbacks, too! Better, take a look at the pros and cons of embroidery:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good for small details | Expensive |
| Offers professional look | Slow production |
| Suitable for various fabrics | Color option limitations |
| Assures outstanding durability | Not good for photographic images |
| Ensures top-notch quality print |
Embroidery items are durable enough!
So, it'll be great if you use embroidery on t-shirts, hats, or business t-shirts! Also, embroidery on uniforms is a regular scenario. According to research, embroidery can release neurotransmitters that bring happiness and joy and reduce anxiety! Embroidery is such a design on t-shirts that sets you apart from the crowd.
Choosing the right t-shirt printing method depends on some essential factors. These are not just about aesthetics— all the primal aspects of selecting the right printing method have practical considerations. Better, take a look at them:
Yes, it comes first. If you are looking to get bulk orders, silkscreen printing might be the best bet as you can get per-unit at a lower rate. On the other hand, if you think about small orders, vinyl or heat transfer will be more reasonable.
If your t-shirt design requires multiple colors or intricate details, dye sublimation or digital heat transfer will be better to go with. But, if you're considering simple text or logos, vinyl or silkscreen printing works great.
Which fabric you choose plays a significant role in deciding which type of t-shirt printing will work best. Suppose, polyester shirts go well with dye sublimation because of its unique and creative adhesion process. Besides, cotton shirts can be the perfect candidates for vinyl or silkscreen printing!
You have a budget for t-shirt printing, right?
You can't exceed your budget limit. So, while choosing a printing method, keep your budget in mind. Surely, you can be a bit tricky while the budget coming. Look, digital printing methods offer you lower costs, but it'll end with a handsome figure when you need shirts. Otherwise, silk printing may charge you more initially but this one can save you when you order in bulk.
So, the choice is yours.
Of course, durability is an essential consideration. Yes, you may consider silkscreen or embroidery printing methods that offer top-notch durability over time!
So, what's going on in your mind? Have you found inspiration? Probably, your answer is yes. If so, our team's brain work meets something at the end of the day!
Already, you've dived into the best types of t-shirt printing methods. Maybe this article will help you pick the right printing method for your apparel business, and then you can decide to start your trip to design a t-shirt that'll bring crazy sales, right?
Cool.
While choosing the best printing techniques, you'll need to consider which one gives you more and suits your business standard (you may need bulk or small orders). Definitely, the choice is totally up to you! Might be, you're thinking about the comfort of print-on-demand and print t-shirts to sell them globally.
Today's blog will enrich you with the best way you can print your t-shirts that will reflect your brand identity and credibility. One thing to share- you're always open to sharing with Graphic Design Eye what puts you behind to move faster toward your goals.
No doubt, the team of world-class designers at Graphic Design Eye will help you more than you expect. So, contact us right now if you think you want to grow with the shadow of the Graphic Design Eye! However, you've all the information to drive fast to make your dreams practical.
Mind it, you’ve always the power to make your choice!
So, decide carefully.
Love to see you leaning on your dream! 🙂
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