Types of Shirt Printing

Shirts are among the widely used clothing that is adorned and cherished by humans. You can wear it on different occasions. Shirts can be used for outdoor, sports, and other summer activities. You can wear a beautiful shirt to catch up on a date with your spouse, friends, and colleagues. Shirts are useful for collective events such that the participants wear the same color for proper recognition and collectiveness. When you purchase a shirt for your desired purpose, you can customize it for proper recognition. When a shirt is customized, the name or design that is printed on it can be used to recognize yours. To customize your shirt, you need to employ a specific printing method.

However, the method you choose to customize a shirt may not work for another. That said, you can use a method to print on ten shirts and the same method may not be perfect for a hundred plain shirts. Hence, you need to identify the best method that will help you to produce the best design for your shirts. With that said, today, I will tell you the types of shirt printing you can adopt for the design of your shirts.

Summary of Types of Shirt Printing

The table below summarizes the pros and cons of the types of shirt printing methods.

List of Types of Shirt Printing

Custom T-shirts are always in demand because of two reasons. Firstly, everyone wants to stand out in the crowd. Secondly, for specific events, games, or parties, you need t-shirts in bulk but at affordable prices. This high demand for t-shirts creates a whole new industry of t-shirt printing. Now, you have different methods to design any T-shirt and print it within no time. Your decision must depend upon three factors: quality, quantity, and budget while choosing any printing method. Among various methods, I have compiled a list of the best t-shirt printing types. Let's have a look.

1. Screen Printing

Screen printing is an excellent method through which you can customize your shirt. This type of shirt printing requires the use of quality ink. Screen printing inks come in a thicker nature when compared to the viscosity of the ink used in other printing methods. Hence, the inks used for screen printing can produce vibrant colors that will last longer on your shirt. However, if you use low-quality ink, the print on your shirt will fade away faster than expected. Screen printing is a type of shirt printing that is perfect for high-volume order of shirt printing. No matter how huge the volume of the design or shirt maybe, you need to use high-quality ink while screen printing. Also, you need to consider the amount of squeegee pressure that is applied, the mesh count, and the number of strokes. With these factors considered, you can print on more than 300 shirts using the screen print method.

To use the screen printing method, you need to create a stencil or template that is placed in front of the screen. The screen used for screen printing comes as a nylon mesh. Now that you have gotten your template, you can prepare your chosen ink and flood it on the screen. Next, use a squeegee to apply and press down the ink. Ensure the ink spread throughout the entire screen. You can wipe excess ink away from the screen. Once the process is completed, allow the printing to dry. Then the shirt is ready for use.

Method of screen printing

First, printers create a stencil. This is done by creating an image that has thick lines or dots. Next, these thick lines design will be transferred to the T-shirt. After this, it is covered up with tape so it won't get inked up while printing. Afterward, they apply special ink colors (usually CMYK) onto the mesh screen. And squeegee it across paper covered in emulsion paint until all of the screens are filled. Then let this residue sits for several minutes before peeling off the excess paint layer from each screen. Finally, after waiting even longer for the drying process, shirts go through a flash curing oven. This is the final stage which makes sure your custom t-shirts last as long as possible!

Pros:

• Screen printing is a very durable printing method, and can last for many years without fading.
• Screen printing is great for large quantities, making it an ideal choice for businesses or organizations that need to print large quantities of materials.
• Screen printing produces high-quality prints, making it a popular choice for marketing materials or other professional applications.

Cons:

• Screen printing can be expensive, particularly if you need large quantities printed.
• The process of screen printing can be slow, which can be frustrating if you need your prints quickly.
• Screen printing can be difficult to do at home, so if you're looking to print some materials yourself, it might be better to look for a different printing method.

2. Direct To Garment Method

DTG printing is also known as Direct-to-Garment printing. It is a process in which the ink directly adheres to fabric without any intermediary steps such as a screen or transfer paper. This type of printing method allows for amazing detailed designs with unlimited colors. DTG has recently become very popular because it's easy, relatively and inexpensive. As a result, you can produce high-quality results on many fabrics, including 100% cotton, 50/50 blends (cotton polyester), and up to 100% polyester garments.

If you desire to customize a huge quantity of shirts, the Direct To Garment method is the best technique to choose. This method is also known as the DTG technique. Direct To Garment method is easy to use for quality customization of your shirt. You don't need to acquire a professional skill to get it done. To carry out the customization of your shirt using the DTG method, you need to prepare an efficient DTG printer. Though the printer is expensive, it must be handled with care. The functionality of the printer proves its usefulness for the customization option alone. When you desire to customize a lot of shirts faster, you can use the DTG technique. Just prepare your textile printer and quality inks. You can also solve complex designs through the use of computer programs such as Adobe Photoshop. The program produces an accurate and elegant design that can be transferred to your printer for customization purposes. Through the DTG method, you can customize shirts with high accuracy. All you need to do is to ensure the ink you use is thin and is of high quality. Additionally, your choice of printer is important. You must choose a high-quality printer that can produce excellent resolution without dotted patterns.

Method of DTG printing

To create a stencil, they use an eco-solvent printer that prints your artwork directly onto specially coated sheets of apparel called "heat transfers." After you have printed all these heat transfers onto the special paper, you place them down over their garment one at a time. Then you press it down with a little bit of pressure for transfer to take place.

Pros

• It also uses less inks colors compared to screen printing.
• Can be used with any garment.
• Allows for incredibly detailed designs using multiple colors.
• Inexpensive and fast production time (smaller quantity orders).

Cons

• Not suited for printing on dark garments because the ink can bleed when wet (ink is absorbed by fabric rather than sitting on top of it).
• Slight distortion in design.

3. Dye Sublimation

Dye Sublimation printing is another popular printing technique through which you can customize your shirt. It involves the use of dye-based ink that sublimes when heated. This makes the technique different from other methods of shirt printing. The dye-based inks changes from solid to gas when pressure and heat are applied to them. It then converts back to solid when it gets cold. If you want to print on your shirt using the Dye-Sublimation method, you can consider polyester materials. When used on this kind of material, you will get quality products that are crisp and sharp in appearance. Dye-Sublimation printing technique works perfectly for light T-shirts. Note that you must acquire extensive knowledge on how to handle the Dye-Sublimation printing machine to produce an elegant design of your choice.

This method can be done on almost any garment, including polyester, cotton-polyester, and cotton materials. This process uses heat transfer paper instead of traditional stencils. These heat transfer papers can print images on T-shirts and onto other garments like hoodies, sweatshirts, polos, etc. This type of custom printed t-shirts offers full-color designs without having limitations in terms of colors or resolution. DTG Printers uses CMYK ink rather than individual spot colors for each section.

Method of sublimation printing

The first step before starting this process is to create your artwork using the correct sublimation image setting. This is done by changing your file into a "positive" or white base color on a transparent background, usually with an opacity of around 75%.

Next, you will need to upload this design onto our online printing website and choose what type of garment you will print it on, i.e., t-shirt, hoodie, etc., as well as how many units you'd like produced (this number affects price). Then proceed through the checkout process. After checkout, an email will be forwarded to you containing all of the information.

Pros

• Fast production time
• No need for any inks, so it is an environment-friendly process.
• Can create unlimited color combinations with sharp graphics.
• Achieves incredible detail with crisp lines and smooth gradients.

Cons

• Requires a high-temperature press machine to transfer the image onto the shirt - can be expensive depending on your volume requirements.

4. Plastisol Heat Transfers (Transfer Paper printing)

Plastisol Heat Transfers are shirt printing techniques that are similar to screen printing. Hence, if you are a professional at screen printing, you will find this method useful. The method is perfect for shirt printing because it produces quality prints that are attractive and has a soft feel when touched. Plastisol Heat Transfers can also be regarded as Indirect Screen Printing. You need to use a high-quality heat transfer paper whereby your design has been screen printed to carry out the transfer of your design on the shirt. The technique is majorly used by professionals and experts in heat transfer printing. When used, you will get a hot split transfer that gives your print a soft matte finish. The cold peel transfer option also gives your material a glossy finish. As a shirt printing expert, you can complete printing tasks on a huge amount of materials without spending many dollars on the project. The products from the economical method are comparable to that of the screen printing technique. You also spend lesser time customizing your shirt when compared to the screen printing technique. The Plastisol Heat Transfer method is relevant to people that handle a high volume of printing jobs. However, you need an excellent heat machine to perform the customization task effectively.

Transfer paper printing is the most affordable way of creating photo-realistic designs on t-shirts. As its name suggests, it uses a special transfer paper on which both images and text are printed onto. After this, the sheet transfers all of the ink to garment in one step without going through any additional processes. You just need an image that contains at least two colors, i.e., black lettering/images on a white background, to start your printing.

Method of Transfer Paper Printing

The first step before starting this process is to create your artwork using high-quality images that are saved in PDF format with CMYK colors; if possible, save them as vector files (Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw). Next, it is important to choose the type of garment that you want to print it on. You will also need to indicate the number of units you would like to produce. Next, complete the checkout process. Once payment has been received, they will email you with all of the information uploaded. This email will also contain additional details that can be used to create stencils.

Pros:

Fast production time

The most affordable way to create photo-realistic designs.

Photo-realistic image quality for a very affordable price.

Produce sharp edges and fine details such as gradients or lettering.

Cons:

Only two colors can be printed at a time.

5. CAD Cut Vinyl Printing

The list of the types of shirt printing techniques will not be complete without discussing the amazing CAD Cut Vinyl Printing method. The shirt printing technique requires the availability of equipment like the film or vinyl, heat press, and cutter or plotter. CAD Cut Vinyl Printing uses exceptional soft clothing that has been cut professionally through the use of special software or CAD cutter. You can also make cutouts of vinyl and then apply them to the shirt with heat. Hence, the method also combines the heat press method. Through the CAD Cut Vinyl printing method, you can make one-off designs on a huge volume of materials seamlessly. Therefore, it is a method that is suitable for customizing multiple garments. You can use the technique for printing slogans, small words, and graphics. However, the CAD Cut Vinyl Printing technique is not suitable for customizing a large surface area of a material.

CAD cut vinyl printing is the most advanced method of custom T-shirt printing. It creates stencils directly from computer files by using CAD software. This software transfers very high detail graphics with crisp lines and smooth gradients that other print methods cannot match. Also, it offers the best resolution because you are essentially cutting out each color in your design. In other printing methods, when you use heat transfer, paper colors run into one another, creating distortions. If you want to get of this problem, then CAD cut vinyl printing is best for you.

Method of CAD Cut Vinyl Printing

The first step before starting this process is to create your artwork using the correct colors and gradients that you want for your design. Then, after designing, you have to save it as a high-resolution file (at least 300 dpi) with CMYK color mode.

You can use Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw software which is used by most t-shirt printers. Then upload the design onto CAD cut vinyl online printing website, where they'll send you an email after payment. This email contains all the measurements and settings required for production. You also need to select what type of garment you will print it on, i.e., t-shirt, hoodie, etc. You cannot change the number of printing units after payment, so be conscious while doing it.

Pros:

Fast production time

The most affordable way to create photo-realistic designs with unlimited colors.

No color limitations; it can match any Pantone color.

Produce sharp edges and fine details such as gradients or lettering.

Smooth surface feels like a printed image, not plastic looking.

Cons:

High-resolution artwork is needed, which increases cost.

Conclusion for Types of Shirt Printing

So, those are the three main types of shirt printing - screen printing, digital printing, and direct to garment (DTG) printing. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the right type for your needs. Screen printing is a great option if you need large quantities of shirts printed, as it is relatively affordable and produces high-quality results. Digital printing is a good choice if you need small quantities or want to print custom designs, while DTG printing is perfect for personalised shirts.

No matter which type of shirt printing you choose, make sure you use quality materials and take care of your shirts to ensure they look great and last long. Thanks for reading!