Modern T-Shirt Printing Methods You Need to Know

There is nothing greater than a t-shirt that is comfortable and has attractive designs that last for a very long time. Nowadays, there are numerous custom shirts printing techniques, and choosing the right one to use can be very overwhelming. This is because numerous factors like fabric, color and number of garments need to be put into consideration.

Below are some of the best t-shirt printing methods that you can use to design your custom t-shirts.

Screen Printing

Also known as silkscreen printing, screen printing is ideal for printing high-quality t-shirt designs. This method involves using a stencil which is then held by a nylon mesh. The ink is pushed through only where the mesh allows, and this creates a design. Screen printing method guarantees replication of the design, and this gives the shirt a unique, impressive look.

It is mostly used by companies that want to print multiple garments. However, it can still be used to produce a single t-shirt design. On the other hand, it is not ideal for complex multi-color designs.

Direct to Garment Printing (DTG)

Basically, this is the newest method of all the modern techniques of t-shirt printing. This method works like the office printer, only that it injects ink on the fabric rather than directly on the paper. It also has the ability to mix colors, and this helps it recreate colors, gradients and other small details. After you have uploaded the design to your computer, it is able to create uniqueness and creativity.

Compared to other printing techniques, DTG works best on complex designs. Also, final result is soft to touch because it is printed directly on the fabric. This explains why it is a popular technique for making vintage looking t-shirts. However, for best results, it is advisable to use 100% cotton t-shirt as it is not compatible with other types of materials.

Despite it having low setup costs, it is least durable and not suitable for producing a lot of orders. Additionally, it does not work well on dark fabric since the ink is thin.

Dye Sublimation

Dye sublimation is ideal for printing on light fabric and polyester like cream fabric. For this method, you will require a special type of liquid dye which dries up when it comes into contact with polyester fabric. This kind of ink also turns into gas when heated. When the dye has dried on the fabric, heat and pressure are applied in order for sublimation to take place.

When heat is applied, the solid fabric turns into gas and the molecules expand. Sublimation is excellent for creating long-lasting images. Dye sublimation is durable and makes the tee look cute. However, it only works well on polyester fabric or plastic due to the nature of the ink used. It is also ideal for printing t-shirts with permanent designs.

Heat Pressing Printing

If you are looking for an economical method to produce small orders of custom t-shirts, then you should consider heat pressing printing. This technique is slightly similar to dye sublimation. It involves printing the design on a special paper called transfer paper.

To begin, you press the shirt on a heat transfer vinyl and apply heat and pressure. Do this until the heat softens the dye on the paper and gets beneath the cloth. Then, take the silky paper transfer and strip off the dye in order to remain with the design. T-shirts done through heat pressing printing are durable. However, it does not work well with dark fabric because it uses translucent dye.

Vinyl Cutting

This method involves the use of a vinyl cutting machine that cuts special soft clothing to various shapes and designs. The special designs are then transferred to a shirt using the heat press method. The machine makes it possible to use different layers in order to print different colors of a design.

The best t-shirt printing technique is one that will leave your t-shirt soft, cute and with long-lasting graphics. Each of these modern printing techniques has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, in order to decide the best t-shirt printing method for your needs, it is vital that you compare the pros and cons of one to another.