T-shirts have become more than just everyday clothing. Beyond comfort, they have become a way to express personality, share messages, and promote brands. When you see a custom design, logo, or quote on a t-shirt, you might wonder: How did it get there? Actually, that design is most likely printed using one of many different methods of printing on t-shirts.
Each method has its tools, benefits, steps, and unique charm. Some are best for small batches, while some can handle large-scale production. Are you just starting and curious about how these t-shirt printing techniques work? Then this guide is for you! It will explain everything in clear and straightforward terms. So, let’s get started!
Types of T-shirt Printing
As you can see, t-shirt printing has become very popular. But there is no one-size-fits-all answer. You will find several methods, each offering unique designs. So, before you choose one for your project, it’s crucial to understand each technique. So, let’s take a closer look at different t-shirt printing methods.
1- Screen Printing
It is a traditional and widely used method for printing men’s T-shirts. This method is popular because it creates a bright, bold design that lasts long. But how does this method work? First, you must create or choose a design, such as a logo or a quote, etc., that you want for your T-shirt. After that, take a special mesh screen with fine holes.
Now coat this screen with a special light-sensitive liquid known as emulsion. After coating, print your design on the transparent plastic sheet and place this sheet on the screen. Expose the screen and design to the bright light. When this light hits the screen, the emulsion starts hardening. However, that part remains soft wherever your design is on the plastic sheet.
Wash the screen with clear water. It will wash away the soft part, making the screen like a stencil, and ink can pass through the design. Finally, lay your t-shirt on a flat surface and place the screen on top. Use a squeegee tool to push the ink through the open areas of the screen. This ink perfectly lands on the t-shirt and creates an exact design.
2- (Direct to Film) DTF Printing
As the name suggests, direct to film printing uses heat to transfer the image to the T-shirt. Start this method by creating the design of your choice or requirements. For precision, you should make this design on the computer. After completing the design, it’s time to transfer it to heat transfer paper. For this purpose, a special inkjet or laser printer is used.
Once the design is carefully printed on the paper, place it on the T-shirt. Now, use a heat press machine and press down on the design for 30 seconds. You can also use an iron for small projects. This heat causes the ink to stick to the fabric. After pressing, let the shirt cool and peel off the packing sheet. Your T-shirt is ready with a precise design.
3- Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing
This method works exactly as it sounds: printing directly on the fabric of T-shirts. It uses a special inkjet or printer to spread your design. Like other methods, first, you have to prepare the design on the computer. After that, pre-treat your t-shirt with a special solution that helps the ink stick better. Also, press the t-shirt so that there are no wrinkles.
After all these steps, the final step comes. Place your t-shirt in the DTG printer, which looks like a flatbed scanner. This printer sprays ink onto the fabric directly. As a result, colors beautifully blend with the fabric, and it seems this design is already part of the shirt. This method is handy as it does not require heat paper transfer or a screen. The design goes directly from the computer to the t-shirt.
4- Sublimation Printing
It is also a heat-based method in which special ink turns into gas. Let’s discuss how to perform this method. First, you create the design of your choice on the computer. Remember, this method is more effective for all-over designs. So you should prefer this design for better results. Next, print the design on sublimation paper using sublimation ink.
This paper looks like a regular paper, but it holds the ink until heated. After printing, place this paper face down onto the t-shirt. Then, use a heat press machine and press the paper. On heating, the ink turns into gas, penetrating the fabric. As a result, a permanent design is created on the t-shirts.
Quick Highlight: Remember that sublimation printing is only suitable for polyester fabrics. This material can handle this heat and quickly absorb the sublimation ink. However, cotton doesn’t react in the same way. It is more likely to burn or scorch when heated at this temperature.
5- Heat Transfer Vinyl Printing (HTV)
As the name indicates, this method uses vinyl to cut out designs. Those designs are then transferred to t-shirts using a heat presser. HTV is best for creating custom men’s shirts and jerseys with bold colors. So first, create a design on the computer in vector format to ensure clean and sharp edges when cut. Once the design is ready, send it to the vinyl cutter machine.
This special machine uses sharp blades and cuts out the design precisely from the HTV sheet. After the design is cut, remove the extra vinyl carefully. Once it is ready, place this design directly onto the t-shirt. Use a heat press machine and press it for 10-15 seconds. The heat causes the vinyl to adhere to the fabric firmly. When cooling, peel off the back sheet, and your designed t-shirt will be ready.
6- Plastisol Transfers Printing
Plastisol transfer printing is a method in which a design is screen-printed onto special transfer paper. This method uses plastisol, a plastic-based thick ink. First, create a design and print it on the transfer screen instead of directly onto the fabric. The plus point of this method is that you can store the transfer paper for future use, too.
It will not wear out, deteriorate, or melt. When you are ready to use it, place the t-shirt on the heat press machine. After that, position the printed transfer paper face down onto the shirt. Press the transfer for 10-15 seconds. The heat will melt the plastisol ink and cause it to stick permanently to the t-shirt. Lastly, let it cool down and peel off the remaining transfer sheet.
7- Discharge Printing
This special screen printing technique works only for dark-colored cotton T-shirts. Its specialty is that it does not add color on top of a t-shirt. Instead, it creates a design that looks like part of the fabric. This method uses special discharge ink, which contains bleaching agents or chemicals. When you apply this ink using a squeegee and screen, it removes the t-shirt dye.
As a result, the t-shirt’s natural cotton color appears in the shape of your design. You can also add pigments to this ink that remove the dye and replace it with your chosen color. This way, you can customize your t-shirt with any color or natural-color logos. However, remember that this technique only works with cotton fabric, not polyester.
8- Puff Printing
Puff printing is another screen printing technique that creates raised 3D-like effects on the design. It gives your t-shirt a bold, puffy, textured look. But how does this process work? First, choose a design you want to print. After that, prepare the ink. Basically, this method uses special puff ink. So mix this ink with additives such as puff agents that cause it to expand and rise.
After ink preparation, the next step is screen printing. The puff ink is printed onto the fabric using a screen and a squeegee. Lastly, shirts go through a heat dryer. As the puff ink is exposed to heat, it starts puffing or raising from the fabric’s surface. You can see and feel the puff effect on cooling with your finger. So, this method is ideal for logos and symbols.
How to Choose the Right T-Shirt Printing Method?
Just like every t-shirt is different, so is every printing method. Hence, before you pick a final technique, take a moment and think about what suits you. Confused? Worry not! Here are some factors you must consider while making a final decision.
- Fabric Type: Not all methods work for every fabric. So, first, choose the correct method for the right fabric. For example, DTG, screen printing, and discharge printing are best for cotton. However, sublimation printing is ideal for polyester fabric.
- Quantity of T-Shirts: The type of printing method also depends on your production capacity. So, if you have a small order(1-10 shirts), go with HTV or sublimation. For medium orders, consider plastisol printing. Lastly, for more than 100 shirts, choose screen printing for cost-effectiveness.
- Design Complexity: The complexity of the design affects which method will deliver the best results. HTV and screen printing methods are excellent choices for simple logo designs. However, puff printing or discharge painting can be used for special effects like metallic or 3D prints.
- Number of Colors: Some methods can handle one or two colors only. However, some techniques are specially designed to cover more than one color. So, for full-color images, use DTG or heat transfer. Conversely, for textured printing, go for puff printing.
- Budget: Your budget is the ultimate criterion for determining the correct method. For example, HTV and heat transfer are the most reliable options if you have a tight budget. Conversely, DGT and puff printing require a bigger investment but provide excellent results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is screen printing durable?
Yes, screen printing is a durable and worthwhile process. It uses thick layers of ink that firmly adhere to the fabric surface. The result is long-lasting and stored print.
Can I wash printed T-shirts in a washing machine?
Yes, you can wash a printed T-shirt in a washing machine. However, look for specific washing instructions from the manufacturers. Moreover, you should use cold water, as hot water can fade the print.
Can I print my T-shirts at home?
Yes, you can print your shirt at home using beginner-friendly methods. For example, screen printing requires a screen, ink, and a squeegee. Other easy-to-use methods include heat transfer and DTG.
Conclusion
T-shirt printing is a creative process that turns your ideas into something real. There is a printing method behind every printed shirt that makes it possible. I have discussed some of the top methods in this article. Each of these methods has its own way of working and charm. However, choosing the right one among those is the key to flawless results.
Whether you are printing shirts for your brand or personal use, the right method will help you get high-quality results. Moreover, the best part of all these methods is that you don’t need to be an expert to get started. With a basic understanding and tooling, you can get the desired design on your t-shirts. I hope this article has given you that essential know-how!