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With the fashion industry moving forward fast, new tee designs are coming into the picture. The market for tees has been increasing massively. Printed t-shirts for men are most loved, and printed tops for women are always preferable over any wear.
T-shirt printing includes various technologies and techniques. These tee designs are printed using various printing machinery and methods. While there are many, only a few are standard and reliable. To know the best and professional t-shirt printing methods, let’s first see the criteria for choosing a method.
- Type of apparel.
- Material and design.
- No. of units.
- Production time.
- Price range.
Types of T-shirt Printing:
1) Screen Printing:
Screen printing, popularly known as silkscreen, is a printing technique that includes mesh to transfer ink onto a layer leaving the space sealed with the help of a stencil. This t-shirt printing method has been used for a long time as the designs produced are long-lasting and lively. Once the design is printed, the screen is taken off and is left to dry.
Pros of screen printing:
- Cost-effective for more no. of units.
- Durable designs.
- Compatible with all fabrics.
Cons of screen printing:
- It can be time-consuming when not mastered.
- Unreliable for complex designs.
- Vast space is required.
Unlike the other techniques where various screens are used for each design, a single screen is used several times in screen printing, making it more comfortable for bulk orders.
2) Heat Press Printing:
In heat printing, transfer paper is used to create a design, and then it is transferred to the t-shirt. As the name suggests, heat and pressure are used to print the design on the t-shirt.
Pros of heat press printing:
- It is simple and easy to use
- Accurate designs
- Complex designs are also easy to print
Cons of heat press printing:
- Time-consuming due to the procedure
- Not compatible for all Fabrics
Why Heat Press Printing?
If the producer is new and just starting, this method is easy to figure out and master.
3) Heat Transfer Vinyl:
Heat transfer vinyl also uses a heat press. In addition, small soft clothes are used to print the designs, and these designs are then transferred to another fabric or tees using the heat press.
Pros of HTV
- Easy to use and print
- Lasting print
- Low t-shirt printing cost
Cons of HTV
- Used for only small size
- Not compatible with all fabrics
Why Heat Transfer Vinyl?
HTV can be very efficient for tiny design tees and small orders. HTV can be helpful in learning printing and for all those business owners who are new to the field with low bulk orders.
4) Plastisol Transfer:
Plastisol is a thermoplastic polymer, and the texture is like ink and used for printing designs on t-shirts. Plastisol transfer is the same as screen printing, but the procedure is transferred to the plastisol and then onto the t-shirt.
Pros of Plastisol Transfer
- Clean and mess-free to use
- Suitable for testing and choosing
Cons of Plastisol Transfer
- Time-consuming
- Unfinished or incomplete designs
- In-efficient for bulk orders
Why Plastisol Transfer?
For a small business, plastisol can be reliable as it doesn’t need much space and can be used to produce high-quality designs at a single time.
5) Computer-Aided Design (CAD):
CAD is a digital t-shirt printing method where a computer is used to cut a material that will further be used to print designs onto the shirts. This particular material is called CAD cut vinyl.
Pros of CAD
- Design is reliable and long-lasting
- Quick to produce small designs
- Compatible with all kinds of fabrics
Cons of CAD
- Time-consuming for bulk orders
- Efficient only for basic shapes and designs
Why CAD?
CAD is the best choice for business owners who need durable designs with perfect finishing on all fabrics.
Final Thoughts
Every printing method needs its machinery, setup, and space. Choosing a t-shirt printing machine, you must consider all the factors because wholesale t-shirt printing costs vary from standard charges.
The chemical and materials used for printing differ from each method. The owners can use their creativity and choose a method reliable for their designs and fabric.
