Screen printing and digital transfer printing. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Screen printing is ideal for a low-volume production and is a great option for custom designs. On the other hand, digital transfer printing can be time-consuming and difficult to reproduce in small quantities.
Screen printing has a low production cost and is the best option for apparel brands looking to print vibrant designs. Direct-to-garment printing uses a computer and textile printer to apply ink to fabric with a high degree of detail and photo-realism. It is also ideal for print-on-demand businesses.
Direct to garment printing uses a modified inkjet printer and a special ink that allows for realistic full-color prints. Unlike conventional screen printing, direct-to-garment printing requires a special chemical pre-treatment process before the garment is printed. More recent technologies have combined the advantages of screen printing and digital printing, resulting in many improvements in apparel printing. These newer machines reduce setup time and eliminate the need for pretreatment of shirts.
Screen printing allows for only one color to be applied at a time. Unlike other printing methods, this process eliminates the rectangle effect and discoloration in the printed design. However, screen printing requires a sophisticated process that involves graphic separation and a screen printing press. Screen printing is not recommended for small-scale production runs and requires large amounts of ink.
Another option for printing apparel is heat transfer. Heat transfer printing requires a heat press and specialized transfer paper. However, it is faster than direct-to-garment printing. It can be used to create more intricate designs. The downside of this method is that the transfer paper will peel off or crack after washing. Also, it takes longer to produce a finished shirt. For these reasons, thermal transfer printing is not the best option for small-scale businesses or experimental designs.
Digital printing is another option for apparel printing. This method allows more color variations than screen printing, which dominated the custom t-shirt market for decades. Some DTG printers at LA Revival Apparels can print up to sixteen million colors on one pass. Another advantage of digital transfer printing is that it dries quickly and absorbs into the garment, making it a permanent part of the shirt. Compared to traditional screen printing, it is easier to match color on dark fabrics.
A number of top businesses use uniforms to project their visual brand. They project professionalism to clients and enhance the company’s image in the marketplace. Aside from giving an establishment a professional image, a custom uniform helps employees and customers to remember your company. You can even use screen printing on a uniform for a corporate event. However, the key is to choose the right type of apparel printing to make a lasting impression. You can find a wide range of services from Spark Embroidery & Printing in Minneapolis.
Sublimation printing is an excellent option for printing on non-textiles. This method produces vibrant prints on the right type of apparel. However, this method is more expensive than thermal transfer printing. The inks used for sublimation printing can cost $300 to $500 each. It is also important to note that sublimation printing requires a synthetic substrate, so it will not work on cotton t-shirts.