Do you desire unique t-shirts?
Maybe there is a certain style that you like but cannot find in stores.
Perhaps it’s time to think about creating and printing your own tees.
Ever wonder how t-shirt printing is done?
It is a unique process of transforming a basic t-shirt into one that expresses your personality.
So, you need to understand the distinctions between the various t-shirt printing methods, whether you are beginning your own custom Montreal printing business or have just started selling custom t-shirts.
Some printing processes are more suited for particular textiles, while others may be best suited for a task depending on the volume of the work. Moreover, the number of colours in the design you intend to print will also impact the printing technique selection.
So, it becomes challenging to pick a printing process with so many factors!
Read further to know about various printing methods in detail and make an informed decision.
List of various t-shirt printing methods
1. Screen printing
Among all t-shirt printing techniques, screen printing is the most popular. Today, screen printing is done manually as well as by machines.
The inks used in screen printing are thicker than those used in the other t-shirt printing techniques. Thus, they can last longer and provide brilliant colours that are true to life.
How does it work?
The following steps are involved in screen printing:
- Firstly, a design is created and printed on a transparent acetate film.
- Now it’s time for the selection of screen and mesh count (total number of fibres in one square inch).
- The mesh is coated with emulsion.
- The transparent acetate film is placed on the mesh, and the emulsion is allowed to harden and develop. Then, the screen is allowed to dry.
- A t-shirt is placed on the printing board, and the screen is on top of it.
- Then, colour is added on-screen and distributed evenly with a squeegee.
Screen printing is suitable for dark-coloured fabrics. Also, it is an ideal method when you buy bulk t-shirts and need to complete bulk orders because the stencil can be used several times.
2. Dye sublimation printing
This method involves the use of special machines, ink and transfer papers. Even if it is not a complex process, it demands additional supplies. In this process, the dye is transformed into a gaseous state directly from the solid state, surpassing the liquid form.
How does it work?
- A mirror image of a design is created on a computer and sent to the sublimation machine. It is according to the size of the heat setting machine.
- Sublimation printers’ set up work similarly to ordinary printers. However, it requires special sublimation inks.
- Then, a transfer paper is inserted into the printer, which you can use immediately or save for later.
- Then, the printed transfer paper is placed on the t-shirt face down. Here, the print surface should touch the fabric.
- A special heat pressing machine transfers the print on the t-shirt.
This t-shirt printing method works best for manufactured fabrics like polyester or 50% blended polyester. Also, it is best suitable for light-coloured t-shirts. However, it will not work well with cotton t-shirts, and the ink will fade away gradually.
3. Direct To Garment (DTG) printing
DTG is also sometimes known as Direct To Fabric (DTF) printing. This t-shirt printing online method uses a special printer that applies a thin layer of ink directly on the t-shirt. You can use complex designs, several colours, and also photos to print.
The fabric soaks in ink rather than becoming a stiff layer. Hence, the design feels softer. Also, you can quickly change designs without much preparation, unlike screen printing.
How does it work?
DTG printers work similarly to any other inkjet printers. However, fabrics are used instead of paper.
- A t-shirt undergoes pre-treatment before starting DTG printing.
- A white base is applied according to the selected design, which allows other colours to pop.
- Then, CMYK coloured printing starts.
- The DTG printer takes the ink and jets it onto the fabric in a few minutes.
DTG printers are a bit costly. So, if you are starting a business, it can be a good start-up investment. However, there are better options for home artists.
4. Heat transfer vinyl
Heat transfer vinyl is available in several colours, shapes, and patterns. Neverthless, you need to cut it according to your preferred design prior to transferring it to a plain t-shirt.
The design is transferred using a simple iron machine or a specialised heat press. However, you will still need a die-cutting machine to cut out vinyl shapes. This machine will give you high-quality results.
How does it work?
- Create a design on a computer and transfer it to the machine.
- Then, cut the extra parts in the design or the negative pieces.
- Place the vinyl sheet on the t-shirt and heat-press it.
- Finally, slowly remove the glossy sheet starting with a corner and you are done.
Various materials work well with the heat transfer vinyl process. It includes cotton, polyester, rayon, nylon, and burlap.
5. Spray painting and airbrushing
Old-school t-shirt printing methods are trending these days. Hobbyists prefer spray painting and airbrushing techniques to express and experiment with their creativity. However, the outcome largely depends on your talents, skills, and practice.
How does it work?
This is one of the basic t-shirt printing methods, in which you can use fabric or spray paints.
- Check the t-shirt quality and whether it is compatible with the colour you will use.
- Use high-quality paints for better results.
- Now, directly apply paint on the t-shirt and allow it to dry. Also, you can use stencils to paint the designs.
This method is perfect for people who want unique designs as well as for artists. Moreover, this artwork is relaxing and liberating, which is another reason people try this method.
The Final Print!
So, if you are starting your Australian t-shirt printing business or want to print t-shirts for any group event, the guide mentioned above will help you decide on a suitable method. However, the most common t-shirt printing methods are screen printing, DTG, and dye sublimation.
