Do you have a dream of selling t-shirts, and you are finally working towards it? Though the goal might sound dreamy and exciting, making it happen is tricky. Starting a clothing brand requires various steps; the first is choosing the best printing method. So many print methods exist, so you might muddle over selecting the best one.
The right way to ensure you choose the correct procedure is by first getting acquainted with all the options. Thus, we present our guide to choosing the best way to print t-shirts for your clothing brand. It will delve deeper into four methods and their pros and cons to help you make the right decision.
The Methods!
- Screen Printing
Screen printing is not only the most famous method for t-shirts but also the oldest one. These days, the process can take place by both hands and machines. This procedure involves the usage of inks that are comparatively thicker than inks used in other options. The thickness allows the design to stay longer on the garment, and colours do not fade away. Use high-quality inks for best results, as low-quality ones gradually diminish the hues.
Pros:
- During this process, the garment absorbs the ink on a deeper level. Due to this, the colours appear bright and resulting in maximum durability
- After setting up the system, you can churn out hundreds of shirts with the same pattern at a flashing speed
- This technique works well on all fabrics using a correct mixture of inks and screens.
Cons:
- It allows the placement of limited artwork
- The targeted spot of a garment must have a dark colour
- If setting up the system for screen t shirt printing in Sharjah or elsewhere, you will require an ample space
- If you think of making it work in your home, remember that the procedure is messy. You will encounter spillage that can damage your items in the room
If you are receiving a ton of orders and you have to deliver them in less time, this method is the best way to go. However, if you have just started a company, consider other options to be more practical.
- Direct-to-Garment Printing
Direct-to-garment printing is an inkjet technology that offers the best-quality, vibrant colours and photographic designs onto a shirt. It suits complex artwork that may not churn out well from other methods. DTG can produce designs with even the tiniest and most intricate details.
Pros:
- You can get the designing in as many hues as you desire
- It requires less set-up duration. It can produce a single product in less than 25 minutes
- DTG machine is neither gigantic nor weighty. Hence, offering mobility for your venture
- The technology injects the ink directly into the fabric. So while touching the garment, you would not feel any raised surface
- During the application, the room does not get much messy
Cons:
- The DTG method works best on 100% cotton materials or fabrics that contain a high amount of cotton
- Purchasing the DTG technology may cost you an arm and a leg, plus it requires maintenance
- Colours fade away after multiple washes
- It restricts the placement of various types of artwork
If you have to get designing onto a couple of shirts, this method is convenient for you. All you have to do is to keep the garment inside the DTG machine, select the pattern, and print directly onto it. The process is quick compared to the above option, which has a back-breaking procedure. Moreover, you can also adhere fancy or minimalistic customized patches to your shirts to amp their look further. It is a great way to attract customers towards your products and boost sales.
- Dye Sublimation
Dye Sublimation is one of the most advanced and famous methods. It requires digitally printing graphics and then using the heat to transfer the pigment onto the shirt. Dye Sublimation involves a dye-based ink that converts into a gas overheating. Appropriate heat, pressure, and time make the dye turn solid to gas and back to a rigid state.
Pros:
- As we described above that the dye becomes a part of the fabric, therefore it becomes durable
- The printed spot feels gentle when touched and is highly breathable
- The print will not wash out, crack, peel, or diminish so easily
- It allows designers to express their creativity through clothing and make their shirts unique
Cons:
- The dye sublimation method is pricy
- It will not work on areas which contain folds and creases
- The dye sublimation process suits the best polyblend-based clothing. The higher fabric contains polyester; the better garment will have vibrant colours
- The procedure is too time-consuming
There are mixed reviews related to the dye sublimation option. Nevertheless, it is an excellent technique for printing in a large area. It will not work on t-shirt printing patches as well.
- Heat Press
Here comes the last option on our list: a heat press machine. The technology utilizes a specific amount of heat and pressure for a particular duration to transfer the pattern onto the garment. It is best for various types of fabrics. Moreover, there are two options for the machine: manual and automatic. You should go for automatic only if you get orders in bulk quantity.
Pros:
- The heat press technique is fast and affordable
- The process is simple and effortlessly applicable at home
- You can apply any desired virtual design to any area of the t-shirt
- Whether you want to add more colours or amp up your old apparel with metallic or glitter, the heat-pressing machine will do it
Cons:
- The cost of a heat press machine is a bit steep
- The duration of large prints is time-taking
- Heat-sensitive fabrics are not suitable for this technique
Investing in a heat press machine is risky if you can’t make up a return for your investment. You should look for other choices if you are on a strict budget. Moreover, opt for this option only if you are interested or have someone who likes to take control of this technology.
Closure
When selecting the printing option, it depends on what kind of shirts you plan to sell and your business model. Thus, we enlightened you on the four best ways to print t-shirts for your clothing brand. Choose the method that aligns with your goal, design, budget, and audience. Thanks for reading!