When it comes to printing on apparel, there are a number of options to choose from. Screen printing, for example, requires a stencil for the design, loading the shirt on a manual press and pushing the ink through the screen. This process is simple and inexpensive, and is easy to reproduce at home. In addition to screen printing, t-shirt printers often carry “t-shirt printing kits” for home reproduction. These kits can be purchased at local office supply stores.
Before purchasing a screen printer, remember to get the print quality you want. Most fabrics have a matte finish, so it will be difficult for a screen printer to create a picture that looks as if it’s made of plastic. It’s also important to remember that a T-shirt’s print is highly susceptible to moisture and liquids and therefore will need to be specially treated to avoid shrinkage. Even if you have a high-quality design, it won’t look as sharp as you want it to.
While screen printing inks have always been the traditional choice for apparel printing, the advent of modern technology has made it easier to create a softer print with higher color saturation. Water-based screen printing can also be used on garments made from 100% cotton. This method is preferred if you’d like to print over seams and edges. The difference between screen printing and water-based ink is that it’s more durable. It also allows for a softer print and is recommended for 100% cotton garments.
Another option is to choose a customized screen printing process. There are several types of digital printing software to choose from, including UV screen printing, screen-printing, and digital cutting. Roland DG eco-solvent printers allow for a multitude of customization parameters. Depending on the application, they can create corporate branded garments, heat-applied digital cut graphics, and flock-and-glitter-printing. Texart dye-sublimation printers can produce vivid color graphics on a wide range of fabrics.
Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing is the newest apparel printing technology, and it’s best for transferring gradient and photo-realistic images to garments. The result is a soft and durable print that lasts longer than any other type of apparel printing. DTTG printers are particularly great for small print runs and single shirts with multiple colors. DTG is also a faster option for printing multiple colors on a single garment. You won’t have to worry about set-up time and a large upfront cost.
Screen-printing is another common method of apparel printing. A specialized screen allows for a single color to be printed on an item. While screen-printing may seem simple, the intricate process is the most time-consuming and expensive. Using a screen can produce a large quantity of custom garments in a short amount of time. When done correctly, screen-printed apparel is durable and long-lasting. With proper care and attention, your design will last for years.
Ink-jet and laser printers can be used to print on apparel. Direct-to-garment printers are best suited for light-colored garments, as inkjets and lasers cannot print on dark colors. For darker garments, you can buy newer heat transfer paper. If you’re trying to make a more permanent image, you can opt for sublimation. This method allows for dye transfers to pass from solid to gas, imbedding themselves in the fibers. If you’re looking for custom apparel printing services in Tacoma, we recommend Tacoma printing company. If you’re interested in finding a great apparel printing service, call, or visit them today.