How are T-shirts printed?

A T-shirt with a pattern is a popular item of casual or sportswear, an element of corporate style, and a beautiful and useful gift. You can purchase it in a store with a ready-made pattern, or buy a plain model and choose the image yourself. There are several printing methods used to apply logos, inscriptions, and drawings to T-shirts. And for each case (type and location of image application, circulation) you can choose the appropriate technology for custom t shirt printing.

Digital type of printing on T-shirts

Progress does not stand still, and if previously a printer was used only for working with paper, today no one is surprised by a textile printer. The device operates on the principle of inkjet printing. This innovative T-shirt printing method allows you to directly print images, even large ones, onto the fabric. The print is fixed in the drying device. The method is used for working with single copies or producing small runs.

Advantages of the technology : no restrictions on the type of fabric, excellent image quality, detail, gradient fill. Items with this print can withstand numerous hand washes, but they are not recommended to be washed in a machine. There are also restrictions. A high-quality image is obtained on white fabric, and a white backing is applied to the colored one under the design. The disadvantages of digital printing technology on T-shirts are high cost and long printing period.

How is sublimation printing done on T-shirts?

This direct screen printing is suitable for large print runs - 100 thousand copies or more. The drawings are clear. Printing is first applied with special dyes to paper, which is then pressed onto the item. The paint passes into the fabric, staining all the threads. The image cannot be felt by hand. This method is used only for light-colored items that contain at least 65% synthetic fibers. For the sublimation method, plastisol and water-based paints with different effects are used - “metallic”, with “glitters” (sparkles), “foam”.

The advantages of this method are : image resistance to washing and ultraviolet radiation, the possibility of ironing. Printing can be single or full color.

How are T-shirts printed using Magic Touch technology?

Magic Touch technology is used to produce prints on cotton T-shirts. The image is printed on film, which is then glued to the product using a heat press. This print feels like a sticker to the touch.

Silkscreen printing: pros and cons

This method can be used both at home and in a printing house. It requires a frame, stencil, and paints. The print is made by pressing a stencil onto a surface. This technology allows you to obtain images with “gold”, “silver”, 3D effects.

Pros : good speed of the process, cost-effectiveness, ability to create artistic effects. The disadvantage is the long preparation period for the process.

What is the name of the method that makes it convenient to print on pockets and sleeves?

To apply images to pockets and sleeves, thermal transfer is used - a type of indirect printing method. The first stage of this method is printing images using silk-screen printing or offset on special paper. The print is transferred to the fabric using a heat press or iron. Only the dye transfers to the item, there is no rectangle effect.

Advantages of the technology : multi-color images, the ability to store transfers for a long time and use them as needed, the ability to print on any type of fabric, high speed of the process. The disadvantage is the long preparatory period.