T-shirt prints – what techniques are the best?

Applying prints on T-shirts is a popular method of personalizing clothing. It allows not only to create an individual style, but also to quickly and inexpensively produce clothing for advertising.

A professional printing house uses many different printing techniques, but which of them are the best? As we provide the service of tshirt printing in Dallas so in this article we will look at some popular techniques such as screen printing, digital printing, thermal transfer and computer embroidery.

Screen printing

The screen printing technique is one of the oldest and most popular methods of printing T-shirts. In screen printing, the pattern is applied to the material using a matrix with a screen that transmits the paint. The paint is forced through the die onto the surface of the T-shirt and creates a detailed pattern.

The advantages of screen printing are primarily durability and resistance to washing, which is why this method of marking is ideal for creating T-shirts for everyday use.

Screen printing inks can be used on various types of materials, both cotton and synthetics. However, screen printing is best for printing large quantities of identical designs because it requires creating a matrix for each color, and this can be expensive for small orders.

Different types of inks are used in different printing techniques. Screen printing uses water-based and solvent-based inks that provide durable and fade-resistant prints on various types of materials.

Using screen printing, you can produce a large series of promotional T-shirts, uniforms, advertising gadgets and other advertising and marketing products, where the durability of the print and the repeatability of the pattern are very important.

Digital prints

Digital printing is a technique that allows you to print even complex patterns in high quality without the need to create matrices. This process involves sending the pattern directly from the computer to the printer, which applies the paint to the T-shirt.

The main advantage of digital printing is the ability to create small quantities and personalize each T-shirt. There are no limits to the number of colors or complexity of the pattern, making this technique ideal for printing custom designs.

Printing is also very fast. You can receive one T-shirt just a few minutes after sending the finished pattern. However, digital prints may not be as durable as screen printing and the color intensity decreases after repeated washing.

Digital printing uses pigment inks and sublimation inks, which provide vivid colors and durability.

Digital printing is often used to print custom t-shirts with unique designs, create gifts, as well as for art projects and custom orders.

Thermal transfer

Thermal transfer is a technique in which a pattern is printed on special thermal paper and then transferred to a T-shirt using a press with high temperature and pressure. After applying paper to the T-shirt, the pattern is permanently pressed into the fibers.

The advantages of thermal transfer include the ability to print high-quality, sharp images and graphics and the flexibility to create custom patterns. This technique is relatively easy to perform and is suitable for printing small quantities. The disadvantages of thermal transfer include the possibility of cracking and discoloration of the pattern as a result of washing and lower durability compared to prints made using the screen printing method.

Thermal transfer uses sublimation paints and pigment paints, which are transferred to the fabric under the influence of heat and pressure, creating permanent patterns.

Thermal transfer is popular in the clothing industry and used when printing on sports T-shirts, advertising and workwear.

Computer embroidery

Computer embroidery is a technique that involves making a pattern on a T-shirt using thread and a needle. The pattern is previously prepared in a computer program, and then the embroidery machine makes precise stitches to create the selected pattern.

The advantages of computer embroidery are durability, high quality of workmanship and a three-dimensional effect. Embroidery is very resistant to washing, so the T-shirts, or more precisely the pattern on them, have an extended lifespan.

The disadvantages of embroidery are their higher cost and limitations in creating complex colorful patterns.

Computer embroidery is often used to personalize corporate T-shirts, sportswear, promotional gifts and high-end T-shirts.

Summary

The choice of T-shirt printing technique depends on the preferences of the printing house’s client, the purpose for which he or she is creating a T-shirt with a print, the circulation and the budget. Screen prints are durable and ideal for larger orders, while digital prints allow for custom designs and personalization. Thermal transfer guarantees high-quality printing, and computer embroidery gives a durable and very elegant effect.

Before you order T-shirts with a logo or inscription from a printing house, take into account all these advantages, disadvantages and applications of each technique. With the help of a printing house employee, you will choose the best option for a given T-shirt printing project.