How Are T-Shirts Printed?

When one opts for custom online T-shirt printing, durability is a key factor. Many printers produce designs that crack or peel after just a single wash. To ensure long-lasting results, it’s important to select the best printing techniques.

Finding companies that can accurately execute your design can be overwhelming. But fear not! This article will share all the essential information to help you make the right choice.

Custom T-Shirt Printing Techniques

To get your custom T-shirts printed, it’s essential to understand the basic printing methods and terminology before delving into the types of ink.

Screen printing was traditionally the go-to method for transferring designs onto fabric. This process involves using multiple frames to represent different colors in the design. The printer applies a photosensitive solution to these frames, which hardens around the design cutout. Ink passes through only the exposed cutout area when a squeegee is used.

However, screen printing has limitations in terms of color options. Another technique with similar color restrictions is the 4-color process, which consists of cyan, yellow, magenta, and black dots to create a raster design.

Digital printing, particularly direct-to-garment printing, has gained popularity due to its ability to mimic traditional methods like the 4-color process. This method involves printing designs directly from a computer onto the T-shirt.

Types of Fabric Printing Ink

Fabric ink varieties include plastisol and water-based inks, commonly used in screen printing. Plastisol is durable and oil-based but heavyweight. Whereas water-based inks are softer, more eco-friendly, and suitable for light fabrics.

Other fabric printing methods include appliques and transfers, such as vinyl prints and foil printing, though these can be prone to flaking.

At T-Shirtmeng, plot printing is utilized, with color and transfer type chosen based on each custom design. Options like flex print offer a shiny finish, while flock print provides a matte, felt-like texture.

Where to Find Custom T-Shirt Printing Services Nearby

If you are seeking local custom T-shirt printing services, physical locations may be limited. However, T-Shirtmeng.com offers an excellent platform to bring your designs to life. Additionally, enjoy free shipping within the US when ordering 2 or more items!