You’re just about to start your new t-shirt business. You’ve bought high-quality t-shirts and you’re rearing to go. But you’re still not entirely sure about which are the best types of t-shirt printing available to you. Or maybe you’ve decided to create a heartfelt gift for a loved one and you want this to be the best gift they’ve ever received.
Whichever your case, this guide will walk you through the 5 best types of t-shirt printing present in today’s market. We’ll discuss Screen Printing, Dye Sublimation, Direct-To-Garment and Direct-To-Film and highlight the pros, cons and popular uses of each!
Screen Printing (Silkscreen Printing)
How Does Screen Printing Work?
The screen printing process requires 4 things: a stencil, a mesh screen, a straight blade (or a squeegee), and finally, your t-shirt. Screen printing is one of the most popular types of shirt printing, thanks to its ability to replicate high-quality designs in bulk.
A stencil is created and then placed on the mesh screen. When the ink is poured over the stenciled design, it is pressed with a straight blade or squeegee to replicate the imprint of your desired logo/artwork/etc.on the chosen fabric. Finally, the product is passed through a dryer or cured with a heat press after printing.
Who Is It For?
Screen Printing is perfect for producing large amounts of the same t-shirts, thanks to being relatively swift and easy to set up. If you are creating promotional items for a trade show or team gear for a football team, this could be the perfect method for you!
Pros
- High-quality prints that are long-lasting
- Cost-efficient for large-volume orders
- Vivid and vibrant prints are produced thanks to the printing ink absorbing deeply into the fibres.
Cons
- Limited to a certain number of colors
- Not cost-effective for small batches
- Not suitable for detailed or intricate designs
Which Fabric Should I Use?
Cotton is one of the most popular fabrics as it easily absorbs the colours of the design. Cotton-poly blends and tri-blends are also increasing in popularity.
Direct-To-Garment (DTG)
How Does Direct-To-Garment Work?
So, what sets this apart from the other types of t-shirt printing?
Direct-To-Garment does exactly what is says on the tin: the ink is applied/sprayed directly to the t-shirt, hoodie or sweatshirt of choice! In fact, the DTG method is very similar to how paper printers work.
After a digital file of the desired art design is uploaded, the t-shirt is prepared for printing and undergoes a pre-treatment process. Think of this like a primer before you paint your living room or even before you do your make-up! This pre-treatment solution is necessary to avoid any unwanted smudges or mixing of inks.
Who Is It For?
Because DTG allows for one-off prints and requires lower setup costs, it’s an effective method for small or local businesses.
Pros
- Detailed, sharp and high-quality prints available in an array of colours.
- Minimal set-up process
- An energy-efficient process that minimizes waste due to its print on demand (POD) suitability
Cons
- Not as resistant as other techniques and washes out over time
- Owning and purchasing a DTG printer is costly. It’s not a cost-effective method unless you are planning to bulk-produce your own pieces or mass-print for other retailers.
Which Fabric Should I Use?
Ideally, 100% cotton would be used for DTG projects. Cotton-poly blends are suitable but only if the cotton count is 50% or above in order to achieve the highest-quality finish possible!
Direct-To-Film
How Does Direct-To-Film Work?
Direct-To-Film, or DTF, involves printing designs onto special PET film (Polyethylene Terephthalate) using aqueous inks. After being transferred to the film, the ink is then finished with an adhesive powder. Finally, the design is *transferred* onto the t-shirt or hoodie using a heat press.
Unlike DTG, a pre-treatment is not required as the design is already printed onto the PET film. The end results in a gleaming surface, thanks to the fixing powder.
Who Is It For?
Pros
- Its versatility is one of the main advantages!
- Durable and is highly resistant to wear and tear.
- Produces lively and powerful prints as the designs are placed directly on the fabric.
Cons
- The print can have a plastic texture to it.
- It is not the most speedy printing process.
- Not as eco-conscious as DTG.
Which Fabric Should I Use?
DTF can be applied to a vast range of fabrics such as polyester, cotton, fleece, nylon and a number of blended fabrics.
Embroidery
How Does Embroidery Work?
If you’re looking for more intricate, smaller designs with a more bespoke feel, custom embroidery from Wordans is the technique for you. High-power sewing machines are digitally programmed to put logos, designs and images on your garments
Who Is It For?
Embroidery is the perfect method for anyone looking for small designs such as slogans, catchphrases and logos. With Wordan’s you can order blank shirts, hoodies and accessories, and have your chosen design embroidered onto them. If you have a keen eye for detail and want custom t-shirts that match your standards, then this is the method for you.
Pros
- Great for smaller designs
- Classy, bespoke vibe
- Creates intricate premium designs
Cons
- Heavy
- Slower and more expensive than other methods
- Not suitable for larger quantities of t-shirt
Which Fabric Should I Use?
Embroidery can be applied to a vast range of fabrics such as polyester, cotton, fleece, nylon and a number of blended fabrics.
The Right Fit: Choose The Best Type of T-Shirt Printing For You
From Screen Printing to Direct-To-Garment, there are multiple types of t-shirt printing methods available. Whether you’re looking to start a business, create welcome packs for new employees or create the perfect custom gift or a memorable t-shirt for a bachelor’s weekend, there’s a method for everyone.
We hope this blog has helped you figure out how to print t-shirts in an efficient way for your business or project!
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