Boost Your Brand with These 9 Popular Types Of T-shirt Printing​

Print-on-demand business!! Every single day, you come across people wearing cool t-shirts.

Printed names on t-shirts. Ben 10 images on the children’s shirts. Motivated words on apparel!!

Don’t you think it appears incredible and stylish? Well. The market itself breathes in billions of dollars. (8.5 billion USD market size)

Our t-shirt manufacturers are here to provide all such solutions. Feature the top printing solutions with hundreds of printing types. Dive into the quality colors and expanded range of fabrics. Grow your store from five figures to six figures. Stay in profit now!

Are you ready to know about the types of t-shirt printing? This guide digs up some curious facts about this industry. And helps us understand it effectively. Let us know.

Understanding Different Types Of T-shirt Printing​

There are various types of t-shirt printing​. You can dive into the following types.

1. Direct-to-Film (DTF) Transfers

Direct-to-film transfer is a revolutionary idea! Are you thinking about it?

Relax! The printing process gives the prints a long life. But it comes with many limitations. Let’s learn about the DTF transfers with the heat presses and understand their pros and cons.

How does it work? 

The design transfer occurs on the DTF film with the DTF ink. A robust adhesive material is applied to the DTF film. Now place it under the heat press and let the design cure. All done. Transfer the print from the DTF film to the fabric. 

Pros

• DTF printing is a versatile package. Whether you have cotton or polyester, it works perfectly. Diversify your choice and enjoy reduced prices with informed decisions.
• High-quality prints stay with you even after multiple washes. Retain your brand in consumer’s hearts.
• Excellent colors and details of the designs urge the consumers. Elevate your business reputation now!

Cons

• It creates a less breathable print that can be a problem for consumers.
• Extensive investment is necessary to purchase specialized tools.

2. Screen Printing

Screen printing is one of the widely known printing methods used extensively. The speedy printing allows tons of shirt printing in no time.

It is called screen printing because of the screen creation process. Each stencil helps print the color of the specified areas.

Primary point: Use screen printing when you have a single-color design. It gives the best results and long-term touch.

How does it work? 

Quick and easy printing. Get the following options.

Each color requires a separate screen. So, the screen creation helps define the areas where the printing occurs. Squeegee pushes the ink through the screen to print the color on the material. Finally, you can repeat this process for all the printing methods.

Pros

• Designs are pretty long-lasting and durable. They won’t vanish even after multiple washes. Enjoy long-term prestige.
• Excellent printing speed makes it a perfect stop. For the business looking for bulk printing. Bag more profits with bulk savings.
• Screen printing is ideally used for the shirts but is not restricted to these. It is equally good as other materials. Bag versatile shirts and enhance sales.

Cons

• It is suitable for complex designs.
• Multiple color printing makes this process a hectic one for the consumers.

Suggested Reading: Sublimation vs Screen Printing: Key Differences

3. Sublimation Printing

Dye sublimation printing has taken the industry by storm. Quick and small batch printing is a no-hassle. 

Guess what? Print the quality colors or intricate designs without the risk of fading. Let’s explain each portion in detail.

How does it work? 

I am a big fan of its working system. Commonly used tricks are revived here. Focus on Sublimation inks as they are the magic tools. Print your designs on the sublimation paper with the help of sublimation ink. Sublimation paper is then placed on the fabrics. Heat presses transfer design from sublimation paper to cloth.

Pros

• Long-lasting color printing is the key feature you get with sublimation printing. Make your business undefeatable power in industry.
• It is pretty exceptional at printing 3D or complex structures. With unique designs, make your brand distinctive.
• The soft and aesthetic look of the print makes it a quality printing method.

Cons

• This process is limited to the polyester or its blends but not the other synthetic materials.
• It doesn’t offer next-level printing designs in dark colors.

Suggested Reading: T Shirt Display Ideas: Top 10 Unique Ways to Showcase Your Apparel

4. Heat Transfer Printing

Heat transfer vinyl printing is a traditional method that is easy for users to use. The printing process is straightforward and suitable for various fabrics.

How does it work? 

Design transfer occurs to the transfer paper. Heat press helps transfer this design from the paper to the fabric. The quality of the print signifies the materials. Applying heat strengthens the color printing and takes it deeper into fabrics.

Pros

• You can print quality designs with extensive details. It even works for the images and photos. Drag the attention of more consumers with stylish designs.
• Heat transfer printing is affordable for customized orders. Become financially independent with better margins.
• There are almost no restrictions on the fabrics. Try whatever fabric you want. Create a wide range of collections and boost the opportunity of sales.

Cons

• Print is not very durable. It starts fading after multiple washes.
• The design looks heavier and odd compared to the same quality of other printing methods.

5. Cut/Printed Vinyl

Do you have simple designs to craft on your t-shirts?

Welcome the key methods of cutting or printing vinyl. It is a simple and efficient method with easy production. The design cutting and heat application turns the temporary into the permanent ones.

How does it work? 

Prepare your designs and transfer them to the vinyl paper. Cut the vinyl paper design and deploy a heat press. Transfer the design from the vinyl paper to the t-shirts and fabrics with heat. 

Pros

• This vinyl printing is quite durable if your designs are simple. It offers specialized vinyl cutting and printing. Come with long-lasting prints that pump up your business name.
• Vibrant color printing nurtures the glossy finish of the material. Be a successful business with excellent materials.
• Vinyl printing doesn’t limit itself to the fabrics. You can print the colors easily on whichever fabrics you have. Brand out your prints and defeat your consumers.

Cons

• This method is not ideal for complex designs. Only you can print the simple designs.
• Get access to a limited number of colors and designs.

6. Direct-to-Garment (DTG)

All you have learned until now is the printing of paper through ink. What if we get direct printing on the fabric?

Such a method is called—Direct garment printing. This method allows instant printing and heating to make a seamless printing finish.

How does it work? 

Paper your inkjet printer with the given design to print. Print the design directly to your fabrics. The ink penetrates deep into the fabrics, creating a long-lasting touch. Heat applications cure the colors and design deep inside. Is it even a challenging process?

Paramount choice: Apply the accurate heat process for the deep design penetration. Otherwise, the design doesn’t stand for long.

Pros

• Impressive color and design detail accuracy win the hearts of the consumers. Let your sales grow higher.
• Direct-to-garment printing is perfect for the one-off design. Elevate your business prominence.
• The garment print feels soft and classy with this printing method. Glow your brand with customized printing.

Cons

• The printing cost is high compared to the other competitive printing methods.
• It is ideal for the cotton fabric but not very effective for the other fabrics.

7. Plastisol Transfers

Plastisol transfers are the newer methods coming with long-lasting patterns. Plastisol ink bestows vibrant color printing with rooting into the fabrics.

The design glows on the surface and provides an excellent glaze. Under the working mechanism of the printing process right away!

How does it work? 

Get your ready design transferred to the plastisol transfer paper. Store your paper or use it instantly for printing purposes. Heat and pressure application prints the design on the fabrics.

Pros

• The best thing is the paper storage. This feature is not available with the other methods. Flexible printing can speed up your business progress.
• Bulk and seamless printing make it an exciting printing process. Get non-stop sales without becoming stockout.
• Try the multiple colors and designs on a single fabric with durable construction. Signify your material and differentiate business from competitors.

Cons

• You need the specialized tools and papers for printing.
• The print appears thick and strange.

8. Discharge printing 

If you print bold colors, they create thick layers. Discharge printing is the optimal solution in this case. It removes the already present dyes and eliminates the external layers.

You get a vibrant color layer with an outstanding look.

How does it work? 

Apply the discharge agent to eradicate the dye. Do this until the whole printing area on the t-shirt is clear. Now add the new color, bestowing it with a bleached appearance. Print the design you want to add to your fabric.

Pros

• No more added print layers, which makes it a superb printing technique. Thin and sleek look creates a positive impact on your brand.
• The print is soft and glossy, creating an elegant look for the spot. Make your business more shiny.
• Many eco-friendly options are there with the discharge printing. Show off love for the environment and grow at a high pace.

Cons

• Discharge printing is the only suitable method for natural fabrics. There is no support for the synthetic materials.
• You’ll need to handle chemicals in addition.

9. Embroidery 

Stamp out the printing culture. Shake hands with something more authentic. Embroidery has been part of our culture for centuries. The stitching of the designs on the surface of materials gives it a long-term touch.

There is no risk of fading until the designs start cracking due to low-quality fabrics. However, nothing can match the magic of embroidery.

How does it work? 

Use Photoshop or online graphic designs to prepare your design. Try the fabric stitching and digitization to create a professional look. Assess the quality and redefine the stitching to make it accurate.

Premium Tip: Don’t try complex designs. Opt for embroidery when you want a differentiated look with classy designs. Stay out of tension for the colors and designs.

Arun Prabhakar, Brands & Digital Printing

Pros

• Embroidery gives a matchless appearance and a high-end look. Nurture elegant products and shine your brand.
• Print does not leave the fabric even after multiple washes and handling. Let your brand name glamor in the sky.
• Long-lasting designs pump the significance of embroidery. Enjoy next-level performance and gleam your brand name.

Cons

• It offers an expensive pricing structure to the users.
• Embroidery is a flawless choice for simple designs but not complex ones.

Comparison of all the types of t-shirt printing (80 words)

Factors To Consider for Shirt Printing

DTG printing. Traditional screen printing. Heat transfer vinyl printing. There are so many types.

These create a fussy environment. You get confused. Don’t worry; no more confusion. Look into the following features when selecting them.

Quality

Quality is the prime thing about the shirt printing method. The color printing, accuracy, and consistency across the shirt batches. And finally, the overall look. All factors come under quality. 

Banging the best fabrics with vibrant. And detailed prints shed light on the best printing technique.

Crucial tip: Consistency of printing is necessary. If a t-shirt printing method fades with each coming, abandon it instantly!!

Fabric types

Every printing venom has chosen its host. For example, dye sublimation has a better bond with polyester. DTG Printing is a big fan of cotton stuff.

Similarly, screen printing offers a versatile fabric approach. Whatever fabric type you have, use the relevant shirt printing techniques. Assess the color quality and printing options.

Designs and colors

Simple designs. Classy designs. Intricate designs. Vibrant colors. CMYK colors. Pantone matching.

Hundreds of confusing options. Dive into each one when opting for the best t-shirt printing methods. Kick out the crap. And shake hands with the versatile and high-quality printing techniques. Know your color-to-design boundaries when selecting the t-shirt printing methods.

Efficiency 

Do you run a t-shirt printing business? Bulk printing is necessary.

When deploying the shirt printing techniques, assess the speed. For speedy production, you can opt for screen printing. However, DTG printing is good for small-batch printing.

Key Advice: Don’t compromise the quality for the speed. Bulk orders often get diminished quality. Stamp it out on time.

Cost

Each t-shirt printing technique comes with a quote. 

Obviously. You run a business and need to save money. But think of mass production when selecting screen printing. However, small batches are good with the DTG and dye sublimation.

Insane Advice: Compare the costs of all t-shirt printing methods. Come with the cheapest one for the given t-shirt printing.

Asif Gulzar, Managing Director at PRINT SOLUTIONS

Durability 

Colors fade. Intricate designs fade. That is the irony of printing.

However, some t-shirt printing methods are pretty good at retaining designs and colors. Dye sublimation is a game-changer. Another name is screen printing, which is quite suitable for frequent wear.

Test each t-shirt printing method for its durable printing. Opt for the suitable one with reduced die away.

People Also Ask About Types of T-shirt Printing​

Conclusion

Is choosing a t-shirt printing type difficult for you? Relax! I have got the best tips to rule out the useless methods. Assess your demands and enjoy flawless printing.

Now, jump into the research. Guess what? You’ll find superior types of shirt printing.

Do you want the best company for t-shirt printing?

Contact Jace Apparel. Our extensive manufacturing options get you through the valley of colors. As a t-shirt business, make your future bright with quality prints and speedy growth. Grow now!

Hit us a message to get a 100% free quote!

Sources:

Precedence Research: Print On Demand Market Size

Gelato: 6 Types of shirt printing methods & how they work

Printify: The ultimate guide to the 8 most common types of shirt printing

Kornit: 7 Types of Shirt Printing Methods

Printful: Types of Shirt Printing: Picking the Best Method for Your Brand