Choosing the best t-shirt printing method can be confusing, especially with so many options available! Here’s an overview of the five most popular methods, including pros and cons for each one.
This article will help you figure out which one best suits your needs and resources as you start your t-shirt printing business.
The Top 5 Best T-shirt Printing Method
1) Direct to Garment
Direct to garment printing is a digital sublimation process used to create high-quality custom t-shirts in relatively small quantities (1-500). While D2G does require special equipment, it offers some distinct advantages over traditional silkscreen printing. For starters, it can produce very fine details that result in crisp images and bold colors. Also, since there is no screen involved with direct-to-garment printing, you have more freedom when choosing colors.
What’s more, direct-to-garment technology also allows you to include dye sublimation designs on your shirt, something that isn’t possible with standard silk-screening techniques. In short, direct-to-garment is an excellent choice for small or startup businesses looking for economical, high-quality t-shirts printed quickly and professionally at an affordable price.
2) Screen Printing
What is it? Screen printing, also known as silk-screening, is a process used to print designs onto items such as t-shirts. By using a screen and a stencil, an artist can paint or place ink over portions of fabric.
This type of printing has been around for centuries, but it became much more popular when artists began to use large screens for even greater detail in design. To do their work today, printers will use modern stencils made out of plastisol films that are rolled over inks. Here are some other facts about screen printing.
3) Embroidery
Embroidery is one of the more expensive methods of producing custom t-shirts. However, embroidered shirts are more durable and professional looking than silk screen printed or DTG prints. If you’re looking for a longer-lasting material that’s also visually appealing, go with embroidery.
Embroidery can cost anywhere from $3 per shirt all the way up to upwards of $12 or $15 per shirt depending on what type of printer is used, how large your design is, and if there are multiple colors in your design (which will increase the price). The price can vary based on what type of fabric you’re using as well.
4) Heat Press Transfer
This method is generally used for bigger orders, typically t-shirts with large logos and images. The logo is put on a special paper, which in turn is put on a shirt. A heat press is then used to apply heat through pressure to permanently bond both layers together.
This method can be used by almost anyone with access to a printer and t-shirts. The biggest challenge of using an iron or heat press may be making sure your pieces are properly adhered to your garments before you apply enough pressure for them to stay stuck forever!
5) DTG Offset
Direct to garment printing (also called DTG) is a specialty method of printing that has been gaining in popularity over recent years. Unlike other more traditional forms of printing, DTG doesn’t require screens or plates, which means you have a lot more flexibility with design.
In addition, it doesn’t involve any chemical processing, making it environmentally friendly and safe for your customers. The biggest disadvantage to using DTG technology is that there are fewer printers and service providers compared to screen printing.
However, as demand increases, they will surely increase as well. Because of its speed and economic benefits, along with being able to print on white garments without ink restrictions, DTG Offset is probably one of the most popular t-shirt printing methods today.
Which T-shirt Printing Method is Best?
When it comes to t-shirt printing, there are plenty of options. In fact, if you go to a shop that sells t-shirts and pay attention to what’s on offer, you’ll see plenty of different styles of printing at work. But which ones are the best? That depends on what you’re looking for. You might want a simple print, or perhaps something more complicated, like glitter text or tie-dye designs.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned about five top methods for printing t-shirts, it’s time to decide which one is right for your business. For many startups, choosing a screen printing method is ideal. It produces high-quality products and allows for freedom in custom design.
However, if you’re looking to print large volumes of shirts without breaking your budget, an apparel printer may be your best bet. If you want to pursue retail relationships with major retailers like Target or Walmart, stick with what they know and use DTG inkjet printers as they are already used by many major brands.
Last Updated on October 3, 2022
