T Shirt Printing Techniques

Are you thinking of getting a custom T-shirt printed soon? If so, consider different methods.

With advanced technology, you can choose from several types of T-shirt printing services according to your liking. But you might wonder what they are and how you pick the right one.

Let's examine some of the most common techniques. We've also compiled the pros and cons of various T-shirt printing methods to help you decide. Here's where to begin.

Screen Printing

Screen printing is the oldest way to print designs on a T-shirt. It survived years of use for its versatility and durability, making it one of the best options up to this day.

The process involves pushing ink through a mesh screen, usually with the help of a squeegee. This allows the T-shirt design to properly adhere to the surface, creating an effective and long-lasting print.

Compared to other options, this is one of the cheapest to try if you want to make it yourself. All it takes is a proper screen, the right ink, and a sturdy squeegee!

Keep in mind that screen printing requires you to make your own templates. However, you can use different materials for it. So, the precision and detail of your design depend on your tools and how much care you put into it.

The Pros

This method is truly exceptional when it comes to handling large-scale orders. It's easy to execute, making it a good choice when working on multiple tees without compromising quality.

Depending on the ink you use, custom t shirt printing can also deliver long-lasting results. Usually, they stay intact even after you wash them a few times.

Another advantage of screen printing is that it allows you to create accurate colors, as you can manually mix them yourself.

The Cons

Due to the nature of screen printing, creating designs with intricate details requires more effort. You might have to exert extra work to achieve such style precision, including using layering techniques.

Sometimes, you might need more quality checks to ensure the final product meets expectations.

Direct-to-Garment or DTG Printing

Direct-to-garment or DTG printing is a technique that revolutionizes custom t shirt printing.  It’s a process where the ink is sprayed directly onto the garment, allowing for high-quality, full-color prints. DTG prints are known for being soft, breathable, and very durable, making it a popular choice in on-demand production.

Here are some critical points about DTG printing:

  • Suitable Fabrics: DTG is best suited for fabrics like cotton, bamboo, and other natural materials, as these materials absorb the ink well.
  • Print Quality: DTG printers produce high-resolution images, offering a cleaner and easier setup than traditional screen printing.
  • Process: The process involves applying a pre-treatment to the garment to help the ink bond with the fabric. Then, the design is sprayed with water-based inks on the fabric, and finally, the ink is cured to make the print more durable.
  • Advantages: DTG printing offers the ability to print complex, multi-color designs with excellent color accuracy and detail. It’s also eco-friendly and suitable for small batch orders due to its on-demand nature1.
DTG printing has revolutionized the fashion world by producing detailed and vibrant prints directly onto garments. It offers a modern alternative to traditional printing methods like screen printing. If you’re considering DTG for your designs or brand, it’s a great choice for creating custom apparel with a professional finish.

This method allows you to create vibrant and long-lasting prints with less work. Moreover, it allows you to achieve more detail with each design.

Many also prefer DTG custom T-shirt printing because it offers more customization options. It allows you to explore wilder graphics and color combinations that screen printing usually takes more time to create.

The Pros

This method offers a range of benefits that make it suitable for complex or photorealistic designs. Its ability to capture intricate details and provide various color options ensures exceptional precision and vibrancy in the final product. Additionally, it is an excellent option for small-batch orders. This allows personalized and customized creations with more attention to detail.

The Cons

The downside is that it might be slower than other T-shirt printing methods. This is because a printer can only print one shirt at a time, so it will take longer to complete a larger batch. Moreover, color output can vary according to the ink, shirt color, and printing method.

Heat Transfer Vinyl Printing

Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) printing is a popular method for creating custom designs on various textiles. It involves cutting out designs from a special vinyl material and then using heat to transfer them onto the fabric. Here are some key points about HTV printing:
  • Versatility: HTV is suitable for various fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends1.
  • Durability: Designs created with HTV are known for their durability and long-lasting quality, even after multiple washes.
  • Variety: There’s a vast selection of HTV types, including glitter, flock, metallic, and more, offering a range of textures and finishes1.
  • Customization: HTV allows for high levels of customization, making it ideal for personalized items or small-batch production.
  • Process: The process involves cutting the vinyl into the desired shape, weeding out the excess material, and then using a heat press to apply the design to the fabric.
HTV printing is an excellent option for creating custom apparel or fabric designs with a professional touch. It’s relatively easy to get started with a primary heat press setup, and the results can be both impressive and unique. Whether you’re making team uniforms, custom t-shirts, or personalized gifts, HTV offers a flexible and reliable solution.

This technique allows for the creation of vibrant, long-lasting images and graphics that seamlessly integrate with the fabric. Since you don't have to make the piece from scratch, it also creates pieces with high attention to detail.

The Pros

This method gives you more color and material options, so you can customize and personalize your order just as you like it.

It's a great method to use luxurious or eco-friendly materials since you only need to attach the design. You can also check out sustainable T shirt printing methods for more details.

The Cons

The design quality for heat transfer vinyl printing may vary based on your printer. It could also affect color output and accuracy. Even so, you can achieve accurate and high-quality results by paying closer attention to the details.

Dye Sublimation

Dye sublimation is a digital printing technique that uses heat to transfer dye onto fabric, metal, and plastic materials.  It's an innovative method that produces vibrant and unique outcomes. Here’s an overview of the process:
  • Sublimation Process: The dye sublimation process involves a direct dye transition from a solid state to a gas, bypassing the liquid state.
  • Ink and Printers: Special sublimation inks, which become gas under heat, are used. The printers are designed to handle these inks and ensure precise application1.
  • Materials: This method works best on polyester and polymer-coated substrates, which can adequately bond with the sublimated dye.
  • Quality: The result is a high-quality, durable print with vibrant colors that do not fade quickly over time.
  • Applications: It’s widely used for printing on garments, signs, banners, and novelty items like mugs and phone cases.
Dye sublimation is appreciated for its ability to produce sharp, vivid, and long-lasting imagery, making it a popular choice for promotional items and custom apparel. It’s also cost-effective for small-volume production, keeping the budget low while delivering stunning products1. If you want to create unique items with high-quality prints, dye sublimation is worth considering.

This method works best on polyester fabrics because of their properties. They embed the dye into the fabric fibers, making your prints vivid and durable.

The Pros

It's excellent for creating intricate and elaborate designs, resulting in a flawlessly smooth print that seamlessly blends with the fabric.

At the same time, it allows you to enjoy designs without fading, cracking, or peeling compared to other methods. So, it feels more like an intrinsic part of the garment and enhances the results.

The Cons

Dye sublimation is a custom T-shirt printing method less effective with natural materials like cotton or silk. The color can gradually fade over time and, with frequent washing, affect the fabric's appearance.

Moreover, it requires proper skill and practice to become more precise. This way, you can create excellent results at a consistent pace!

Explore the Types of T-Shirt Printing to Make Unique Pieces

Several types of T-shirt printing methods are available. But choosing one usually depends on your preference.

Each method offers different pros and cons. So, it's best to know what you're looking for in a custom shirt. This way, you can achieve an outcome that meets your expectations and lasts.

So, what do you think? Check out the rest of our blog to learn more!