Types of Printing on Fabric and Clothes - Which Printing Technique is the Best in 2024?
Types of Printing on Fabric and Clothes - Which Printing Technique is the Best in 2024?
As the holiday season approaches, your business might be thinking of excellent merchandise as a gift for your employees. This merchandise could be printed shirts, sweaters, hoodies, or a combination of any customized prints on fabrics.
There are different types of fabric printing in the fabric printing industry. All kinds of clothes yield different results based on quality and durability. Results rely on the fabric and pattern that you desire for these products.
Buckle up as we unravel different types of printing on fabric and their advantages and disadvantages. With this, you can quickly decide which printing technique suits your company's style.
As the holiday season approaches, your business might be thinking of excellent merchandise as a gift for your employees. This merchandise could be printed shirts, sweaters, hoodies, or a combination of any customized prints on fabrics.
There are different types of fabric printing in the fabric printing industry. All kinds of clothes yield different results based on quality and durability. Results rely on the fabric and pattern that you desire for these products.
Buckle up as we unravel different types of printing on fabric and their advantages and disadvantages. With this, you can quickly decide which printing technique suits your company's style.
As the holiday season approaches, your business might be thinking of excellent merchandise as a gift for your employees. This merchandise could be printed shirts, sweaters, hoodies, or a combination of any customized prints on fabrics.
There are different types of fabric printing in the fabric printing industry. All kinds of clothes yield different results based on quality and durability. Results rely on the fabric and pattern that you desire for these products.
Buckle up as we unravel different types of printing on fabric and their advantages and disadvantages. With this, you can quickly decide which printing technique suits your company's style.
Updated on Jun 14, 2024
Updated on Jun 14, 2024
Guides & Insights
Guides & Insights
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Min Read
Min Read
Types of Printing on Fabric
1. Screen Printing for Fabric and Clothes
First on our list of fabric printing techniques is screen printing, which is rapidly making its name in the professional world of textile printing. Screen printing has three types:
Flat screen printing, which is best for shirts and bags.
Rotary screen printing, which is suitable for rolls of fabrics.
Hand-screen printing, which works for shirts or any homemade constructions.
The screen printing procedure is more likely to be applied individually, which is a challenging job because having a smooth tonal transition is tough, especially when aiming for a two- or three-color gradient.
Screen printing involves creating a stencil (or screen) to apply layers of ink onto a surface. Ink is applied directly through a mesh screen with small openings. A photosensitive layer is exposed to UV light with the artwork or logo, leaving the mesh open where the logo is. The screen is then placed in a carousel, ink is added, and a squeegee presses the ink onto the item. After printing, the item must be dried using a drying tunnel. Each color requires a separate stencil.
Pros:
➕Print lasts a long time due to larger ink transfer
➕Cost-effective for mass production
➕High-quality and soft-to-touch finish
➕Ideal print technique for solid color
Cons:
➖Requires ample space to print and dry
➖The printing process requires skilled workers
➖Detailed printing on rough materials not possible
2. Indirect Screen Printing for Fabric and Clothes
Next on our list is indirect screen printing, which utilizes plastisol ink. It uses a plastisol sheet with ink at first; then, it will need to be dried in a nice place to remove the peelable graphic film. The last step involves squeezing the film with a wet wire to peel off the base, then blow-drying it to maintain the screen print longer.
Some designers collaborate with fabric printing shops that can mass-produce the design on plastisol sheets to narrow down the cost. Furthermore, fabrics with 50% polyester and 50% cotton perform more promisingly with plastisol ink.
Pros:
➕ A lesser amount of mess
➕ High-quality and durable design
➕ Suitable for small amounts of orders
➕ Less amount of time compared to regular screen printing
Cons:
➖ Applying plastisol is tricky
➖ The plastisol transfer sheet is costly
➖ The design might crack soon if done incorrectly
3. Screen Transfer Printing for Fabric and Clothes
Another printing technique for fabric and clothes is Screen Transfer Printing. A screen is created in the same way as a “normal” screen print. Transfer printing involves printing a design onto transfer paper and transferring it onto the desired surface using heat and pressure. After all colors are printed, a layer of glue is printed in the same shape as the logo, and a special powder is applied.
Pros:
➕ No limitation in the number of colors
➕ Exact Pantone color match possible due to white base
➕ Printed colors are very bright
➕ Small details printable
Cons:
➖ Print prices are higher than screen (because of the extra applying step)
➖ Production times are longer
➖ Print surface needs to be flat, so printing close to zippers, buttons, cords, seams, etc., is not possible. Some materials are not printable with a transfer (PVC, for instance, will melt when applying)
4. Silkscreen for Fabric and Cloth
Silkscreen Transfer involves creating a stencil on a mesh screen and applying ink directly onto the substrate through the stencil. This method is more cost-effective for large production runs and produces vibrant, durable prints. However, it is less suited for highly detailed and multi-color designs due to alignment challenges and longer setup times.
5. Digital Printing for Fabric and Clothes
When using this printing method, transferring a design involves using heat and pressure to move it from special transfer paper onto the desired surface. A cutter shapes the design, which is then applied to the item with a heat press, similar to standard transfer printing. On a plotter, the logo is printed on special paper with a white base and glue, pre-applied by the manufacturer. The cutter shapes the design, and a heat press transfers it to the item, just like in regular transfer printing.
Pros:
➕ No limitation on the number of colors due to the digital print process
➕ Any desired shape is possible
➕ No setup costs, making it cost-effective for small batches
➕ Printed colors are very bright
Cons:
➖ Pantone colors cannot be used because of the 4-color print process
➖ More expensive with big order amounts or print sizes (prices per cm2)
➖ Only suitable for “single cut forms” (For instance, in text, all the insides of letters need to be peeled out by hand)
6. Embroidery for Fabric and Clothes
With this printing technique, a digital logo undergoes a "redrawing" process to determine the necessary stitch count, leading to higher setup costs. Once the logo is redrawn, a ring is placed on two sides of the item that needs to be embroidered. Then, the item is placed under a large sewing machine with sewing heads capable of containing up to 15 needles.
Pros:
➕ Offers up to 15 colors
➕ Provides long-lasting results
➕ Delivers a luxurious appearance
Cons:
➖ Can be more expensive (costs are calculated per cm2)
➖ Unable to accommodate small details (lowercase letters must be at least 5-6 mm in height)
➖ Exact Pantone color matching is not possible
7. DTG Printing for Fabric and Clothes
Another type of T-shirt printing is DTG, direct-to-garment, or direct-to-fabric printing. This new fabric printing process uses a large flatbed printer with a conveyor belt to transfer the print on the T-shirt. The best thing about DTG printing is that you can easily print any complex design with various colours, even a photo, on the fabric of your choice.
Other than that, the print on the shirt is much softer; you won't even feel any stiff or bulky pattern somewhere on your shirt. DTG is perfect for T-shirts, sweatshirts, polo shirts, and bags.
Pros:
➕ Good for bulk orders
➕ Good for customizing products
➕ Less costly in terms of printing
➕ Works with any dark-colored fabrics
➕ Perfect for full-color and complex designs
➕ Good investment for a fabric printing business
Cons:
➖ Expensive setup
➖ Ink is pretty expensive
➖ Installation requires a lot of space
➖ Requires a significant amount for a down payment
8. Dye Sublimation Printing for Fabric and Clothes
Another fabric printing method is dye sublimation printing. Sublimation printing works best on polyester materials and blends only because fabric with natural fibres like cotton doesn't work with gas. This fabric printing method requires the printer to heat the ink, making it sublimate and creating a unique, breathable, satiny print on the polyester material.
What's the catch? A dye sublimation print on polyester or blend material doesn't crack or peel, making the garment last longer.
Pros:
➕ Waterproof
➕ Comfortable print
➕ Ideal for bulk orders
➕ Works well with full-color designs
➕ Long-lasting ink that does not wash off or peel
Cons:
➖ Labor-intensive
➖ Expensive ink
➖ Requires a lot of commercial equipment
➖ Limited to specific fabric types
➖ The process is slower compared to other inkjet printers
9. Heat Transfer Printing for Fabric and Clothes
Heat transfer printing, also known as thermal printing, works in several ways, making it more accessible and fun to use. This printing process allows you to print on a project using wax-based ink, transferring the print from one surface to the fabric material. As the ink melts onto the garment of your choice, it creates a smooth, durable, and waterproof image, increasing its demand among the public. Heat transfer print works with fabrics like cotton, polyester, and cotton/poly blends. Remember not to use synthetic materials, as they can melt under iron heat.
Pros:
➕ Design can be easily transferred to the garment.
➕ Results in a durable, smooth, and waterproof print on the chosen garment.
➕ Offers a cost-effective, easy, and quick setup.
➕ Supports full-color printing.
Cons:
➖ Sometimes may look unprofessional.
➖ Prints can tear or break if not transferred carefully.
➖ Demands significant electricity consumption.
➖ May appear unprofessional in certain situations.
1. Screen Printing for Fabric and Clothes
First on our list of fabric printing techniques is screen printing, which is rapidly making its name in the professional world of textile printing. Screen printing has three types:
Flat screen printing, which is best for shirts and bags.
Rotary screen printing, which is suitable for rolls of fabrics.
Hand-screen printing, which works for shirts or any homemade constructions.
The screen printing procedure is more likely to be applied individually, which is a challenging job because having a smooth tonal transition is tough, especially when aiming for a two- or three-color gradient.
Screen printing involves creating a stencil (or screen) to apply layers of ink onto a surface. Ink is applied directly through a mesh screen with small openings. A photosensitive layer is exposed to UV light with the artwork or logo, leaving the mesh open where the logo is. The screen is then placed in a carousel, ink is added, and a squeegee presses the ink onto the item. After printing, the item must be dried using a drying tunnel. Each color requires a separate stencil.
Pros:
➕Print lasts a long time due to larger ink transfer
➕Cost-effective for mass production
➕High-quality and soft-to-touch finish
➕Ideal print technique for solid color
Cons:
➖Requires ample space to print and dry
➖The printing process requires skilled workers
➖Detailed printing on rough materials not possible
2. Indirect Screen Printing for Fabric and Clothes
Next on our list is indirect screen printing, which utilizes plastisol ink. It uses a plastisol sheet with ink at first; then, it will need to be dried in a nice place to remove the peelable graphic film. The last step involves squeezing the film with a wet wire to peel off the base, then blow-drying it to maintain the screen print longer.
Some designers collaborate with fabric printing shops that can mass-produce the design on plastisol sheets to narrow down the cost. Furthermore, fabrics with 50% polyester and 50% cotton perform more promisingly with plastisol ink.
Pros:
➕ A lesser amount of mess
➕ High-quality and durable design
➕ Suitable for small amounts of orders
➕ Less amount of time compared to regular screen printing
Cons:
➖ Applying plastisol is tricky
➖ The plastisol transfer sheet is costly
➖ The design might crack soon if done incorrectly
3. Screen Transfer Printing for Fabric and Clothes
Another printing technique for fabric and clothes is Screen Transfer Printing. A screen is created in the same way as a “normal” screen print. Transfer printing involves printing a design onto transfer paper and transferring it onto the desired surface using heat and pressure. After all colors are printed, a layer of glue is printed in the same shape as the logo, and a special powder is applied.
Pros:
➕ No limitation in the number of colors
➕ Exact Pantone color match possible due to white base
➕ Printed colors are very bright
➕ Small details printable
Cons:
➖ Print prices are higher than screen (because of the extra applying step)
➖ Production times are longer
➖ Print surface needs to be flat, so printing close to zippers, buttons, cords, seams, etc., is not possible. Some materials are not printable with a transfer (PVC, for instance, will melt when applying)
4. Silkscreen for Fabric and Cloth
Silkscreen Transfer involves creating a stencil on a mesh screen and applying ink directly onto the substrate through the stencil. This method is more cost-effective for large production runs and produces vibrant, durable prints. However, it is less suited for highly detailed and multi-color designs due to alignment challenges and longer setup times.
5. Digital Printing for Fabric and Clothes
When using this printing method, transferring a design involves using heat and pressure to move it from special transfer paper onto the desired surface. A cutter shapes the design, which is then applied to the item with a heat press, similar to standard transfer printing. On a plotter, the logo is printed on special paper with a white base and glue, pre-applied by the manufacturer. The cutter shapes the design, and a heat press transfers it to the item, just like in regular transfer printing.
Pros:
➕ No limitation on the number of colors due to the digital print process
➕ Any desired shape is possible
➕ No setup costs, making it cost-effective for small batches
➕ Printed colors are very bright
Cons:
➖ Pantone colors cannot be used because of the 4-color print process
➖ More expensive with big order amounts or print sizes (prices per cm2)
➖ Only suitable for “single cut forms” (For instance, in text, all the insides of letters need to be peeled out by hand)
6. Embroidery for Fabric and Clothes
With this printing technique, a digital logo undergoes a "redrawing" process to determine the necessary stitch count, leading to higher setup costs. Once the logo is redrawn, a ring is placed on two sides of the item that needs to be embroidered. Then, the item is placed under a large sewing machine with sewing heads capable of containing up to 15 needles.
Pros:
➕ Offers up to 15 colors
➕ Provides long-lasting results
➕ Delivers a luxurious appearance
Cons:
➖ Can be more expensive (costs are calculated per cm2)
➖ Unable to accommodate small details (lowercase letters must be at least 5-6 mm in height)
➖ Exact Pantone color matching is not possible
7. DTG Printing for Fabric and Clothes
Another type of T-shirt printing is DTG, direct-to-garment, or direct-to-fabric printing. This new fabric printing process uses a large flatbed printer with a conveyor belt to transfer the print on the T-shirt. The best thing about DTG printing is that you can easily print any complex design with various colours, even a photo, on the fabric of your choice.
Other than that, the print on the shirt is much softer; you won't even feel any stiff or bulky pattern somewhere on your shirt. DTG is perfect for T-shirts, sweatshirts, polo shirts, and bags.
Pros:
➕ Good for bulk orders
➕ Good for customizing products
➕ Less costly in terms of printing
➕ Works with any dark-colored fabrics
➕ Perfect for full-color and complex designs
➕ Good investment for a fabric printing business
Cons:
➖ Expensive setup
➖ Ink is pretty expensive
➖ Installation requires a lot of space
➖ Requires a significant amount for a down payment
8. Dye Sublimation Printing for Fabric and Clothes
Another fabric printing method is dye sublimation printing. Sublimation printing works best on polyester materials and blends only because fabric with natural fibres like cotton doesn't work with gas. This fabric printing method requires the printer to heat the ink, making it sublimate and creating a unique, breathable, satiny print on the polyester material.
What's the catch? A dye sublimation print on polyester or blend material doesn't crack or peel, making the garment last longer.
Pros:
➕ Waterproof
➕ Comfortable print
➕ Ideal for bulk orders
➕ Works well with full-color designs
➕ Long-lasting ink that does not wash off or peel
Cons:
➖ Labor-intensive
➖ Expensive ink
➖ Requires a lot of commercial equipment
➖ Limited to specific fabric types
➖ The process is slower compared to other inkjet printers
9. Heat Transfer Printing for Fabric and Clothes
Heat transfer printing, also known as thermal printing, works in several ways, making it more accessible and fun to use. This printing process allows you to print on a project using wax-based ink, transferring the print from one surface to the fabric material. As the ink melts onto the garment of your choice, it creates a smooth, durable, and waterproof image, increasing its demand among the public. Heat transfer print works with fabrics like cotton, polyester, and cotton/poly blends. Remember not to use synthetic materials, as they can melt under iron heat.
Pros:
➕ Design can be easily transferred to the garment.
➕ Results in a durable, smooth, and waterproof print on the chosen garment.
➕ Offers a cost-effective, easy, and quick setup.
➕ Supports full-color printing.
Cons:
➖ Sometimes may look unprofessional.
➖ Prints can tear or break if not transferred carefully.
➖ Demands significant electricity consumption.
➖ May appear unprofessional in certain situations.
1. Screen Printing for Fabric and Clothes
First on our list of fabric printing techniques is screen printing, which is rapidly making its name in the professional world of textile printing. Screen printing has three types:
Flat screen printing, which is best for shirts and bags.
Rotary screen printing, which is suitable for rolls of fabrics.
Hand-screen printing, which works for shirts or any homemade constructions.
The screen printing procedure is more likely to be applied individually, which is a challenging job because having a smooth tonal transition is tough, especially when aiming for a two- or three-color gradient.
Screen printing involves creating a stencil (or screen) to apply layers of ink onto a surface. Ink is applied directly through a mesh screen with small openings. A photosensitive layer is exposed to UV light with the artwork or logo, leaving the mesh open where the logo is. The screen is then placed in a carousel, ink is added, and a squeegee presses the ink onto the item. After printing, the item must be dried using a drying tunnel. Each color requires a separate stencil.
Pros:
➕Print lasts a long time due to larger ink transfer
➕Cost-effective for mass production
➕High-quality and soft-to-touch finish
➕Ideal print technique for solid color
Cons:
➖Requires ample space to print and dry
➖The printing process requires skilled workers
➖Detailed printing on rough materials not possible
2. Indirect Screen Printing for Fabric and Clothes
Next on our list is indirect screen printing, which utilizes plastisol ink. It uses a plastisol sheet with ink at first; then, it will need to be dried in a nice place to remove the peelable graphic film. The last step involves squeezing the film with a wet wire to peel off the base, then blow-drying it to maintain the screen print longer.
Some designers collaborate with fabric printing shops that can mass-produce the design on plastisol sheets to narrow down the cost. Furthermore, fabrics with 50% polyester and 50% cotton perform more promisingly with plastisol ink.
Pros:
➕ A lesser amount of mess
➕ High-quality and durable design
➕ Suitable for small amounts of orders
➕ Less amount of time compared to regular screen printing
Cons:
➖ Applying plastisol is tricky
➖ The plastisol transfer sheet is costly
➖ The design might crack soon if done incorrectly
3. Screen Transfer Printing for Fabric and Clothes
Another printing technique for fabric and clothes is Screen Transfer Printing. A screen is created in the same way as a “normal” screen print. Transfer printing involves printing a design onto transfer paper and transferring it onto the desired surface using heat and pressure. After all colors are printed, a layer of glue is printed in the same shape as the logo, and a special powder is applied.
Pros:
➕ No limitation in the number of colors
➕ Exact Pantone color match possible due to white base
➕ Printed colors are very bright
➕ Small details printable
Cons:
➖ Print prices are higher than screen (because of the extra applying step)
➖ Production times are longer
➖ Print surface needs to be flat, so printing close to zippers, buttons, cords, seams, etc., is not possible. Some materials are not printable with a transfer (PVC, for instance, will melt when applying)
4. Silkscreen for Fabric and Cloth
Silkscreen Transfer involves creating a stencil on a mesh screen and applying ink directly onto the substrate through the stencil. This method is more cost-effective for large production runs and produces vibrant, durable prints. However, it is less suited for highly detailed and multi-color designs due to alignment challenges and longer setup times.
5. Digital Printing for Fabric and Clothes
When using this printing method, transferring a design involves using heat and pressure to move it from special transfer paper onto the desired surface. A cutter shapes the design, which is then applied to the item with a heat press, similar to standard transfer printing. On a plotter, the logo is printed on special paper with a white base and glue, pre-applied by the manufacturer. The cutter shapes the design, and a heat press transfers it to the item, just like in regular transfer printing.
Pros:
➕ No limitation on the number of colors due to the digital print process
➕ Any desired shape is possible
➕ No setup costs, making it cost-effective for small batches
➕ Printed colors are very bright
Cons:
➖ Pantone colors cannot be used because of the 4-color print process
➖ More expensive with big order amounts or print sizes (prices per cm2)
➖ Only suitable for “single cut forms” (For instance, in text, all the insides of letters need to be peeled out by hand)
6. Embroidery for Fabric and Clothes
With this printing technique, a digital logo undergoes a "redrawing" process to determine the necessary stitch count, leading to higher setup costs. Once the logo is redrawn, a ring is placed on two sides of the item that needs to be embroidered. Then, the item is placed under a large sewing machine with sewing heads capable of containing up to 15 needles.
Pros:
➕ Offers up to 15 colors
➕ Provides long-lasting results
➕ Delivers a luxurious appearance
Cons:
➖ Can be more expensive (costs are calculated per cm2)
➖ Unable to accommodate small details (lowercase letters must be at least 5-6 mm in height)
➖ Exact Pantone color matching is not possible
7. DTG Printing for Fabric and Clothes
Another type of T-shirt printing is DTG, direct-to-garment, or direct-to-fabric printing. This new fabric printing process uses a large flatbed printer with a conveyor belt to transfer the print on the T-shirt. The best thing about DTG printing is that you can easily print any complex design with various colours, even a photo, on the fabric of your choice.
Other than that, the print on the shirt is much softer; you won't even feel any stiff or bulky pattern somewhere on your shirt. DTG is perfect for T-shirts, sweatshirts, polo shirts, and bags.
Pros:
➕ Good for bulk orders
➕ Good for customizing products
➕ Less costly in terms of printing
➕ Works with any dark-colored fabrics
➕ Perfect for full-color and complex designs
➕ Good investment for a fabric printing business
Cons:
➖ Expensive setup
➖ Ink is pretty expensive
➖ Installation requires a lot of space
➖ Requires a significant amount for a down payment
8. Dye Sublimation Printing for Fabric and Clothes
Another fabric printing method is dye sublimation printing. Sublimation printing works best on polyester materials and blends only because fabric with natural fibres like cotton doesn't work with gas. This fabric printing method requires the printer to heat the ink, making it sublimate and creating a unique, breathable, satiny print on the polyester material.
What's the catch? A dye sublimation print on polyester or blend material doesn't crack or peel, making the garment last longer.
Pros:
➕ Waterproof
➕ Comfortable print
➕ Ideal for bulk orders
➕ Works well with full-color designs
➕ Long-lasting ink that does not wash off or peel
Cons:
➖ Labor-intensive
➖ Expensive ink
➖ Requires a lot of commercial equipment
➖ Limited to specific fabric types
➖ The process is slower compared to other inkjet printers
9. Heat Transfer Printing for Fabric and Clothes
Heat transfer printing, also known as thermal printing, works in several ways, making it more accessible and fun to use. This printing process allows you to print on a project using wax-based ink, transferring the print from one surface to the fabric material. As the ink melts onto the garment of your choice, it creates a smooth, durable, and waterproof image, increasing its demand among the public. Heat transfer print works with fabrics like cotton, polyester, and cotton/poly blends. Remember not to use synthetic materials, as they can melt under iron heat.
Pros:
➕ Design can be easily transferred to the garment.
➕ Results in a durable, smooth, and waterproof print on the chosen garment.
➕ Offers a cost-effective, easy, and quick setup.
➕ Supports full-color printing.
Cons:
➖ Sometimes may look unprofessional.
➖ Prints can tear or break if not transferred carefully.
➖ Demands significant electricity consumption.
➖ May appear unprofessional in certain situations.
More Printing Techniques for Clothes and Fabric
We've already covered nine printing techniques, but there are still more unique options to explore.
Curious to learn more? Keep reading as we unveil these additional methods!
10. Stamp Printing for Fabric and Clothes
Believe it or not, stamp printing offers another pleasant method for fabric printing. The best part is, you can print any pattern with your color of choice. However, stamp printing can be labor-intensive due to the need for repetitive and precise printing. With ready-made stamps and ink, you can easily add prints to clothing. Moreover, any fabric can be used, but ensure it doesn't have irregular surfaces to keep the print consistent.
Pros:
➕ The printing method is easy and accessible for everyone.
➕ It does not require expensive items.
➕ There is no standard size for the print.
➕ Craftsmanship is highly recognized in this printing method.
Cons:
➖ Labor-intensive.
➖ Slow and low output is expected.
➖ It requires the hand of a real craftsman when it comes to color combination and repetitive stamping.
➖ Producing delicate and refined designs nicely can be challenging.
Stencilling Printing for Fabric and Clothes
Stenciling printing is known for being one of the oldest fabric printing methods. The design is traced onto a flat or waterproof sheet and then cut out one by one using a sharp-pointed craft knife. Unlike traditional printing processes, this method does not involve printing but is instead applied by brushing or spraying ink onto the pattern cut out from waterproof paper, laminated sheet, or flat sheet. For those new to stencil printing, any fabric will suffice, although most shops prefer working with natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, linen, and silk. Another fun fact is that fabric paint is superior to acrylic because it leaves a softer, non-crispy finish on the chosen fabric.
Pros:
➕ Graded colors and shades can be obtained.
➕ You can use different colors on different parts.
➕ Stenciling printing does not require expensive equipment.
➕ Anyone can do stencil printing in the comfort of their home.
Cons:
➖ Manual work means it is labor-intensive.
➖ Metal sheet for stencil printing is costly.
➖ If the design is made on the wrong sheet, expect inconsistent lines and strategy.
➖ Not suitable for large-scale production, especially with a limited number of employees.
Discharge Printing on Fabric and Clothes
Discharge printing uses water-based inks to bleach the preferred design onto the shirt and replaces it with the dye of your choice. The bleach doesn't sit on the surface of the fabric but is soaked in, ensuring the design remains vibrant. This printing method is suitable for use on black, grey, or any darker colored fabrics. The ideal materials for discharge printing are 100% natural fabrics like cotton and hemp. Tri-blend shirts or those made with a 50% natural fiber and 50% synthetic blend also work well. Avoid attempting it on polyester, as the design will only bleed, resulting in a messy shirt.
Pros:
➕ Print is lightweight
➕ No cracks or peeling
➕ Design has a softer look and feel
➕ Vibrant colors can be seen on custom designs
Cons:
➖ Accurate colors can be quite tricky
➖ Water-based inks are pricey
➖ Works with natural fiber or 50/50 fabric
➖ Fabric must be in a dark color
Vinyl Printing on Fabric and Clothes
One astounding and popular type of printing is vinyl printing, which requires a heat transfer machine to adhere the design print onto the clothes. Designs, patterns, and letters are cut out from pieces of colored vinyl. This specific technique also comes with hardware and software to grow your business, though it is also accessible for those starting small. If you are considering vinyl, the best materials are cotton, polyester, or a combination of the two.
Pros:
➕ Low setup cost.
➕ High-quality color print.
➕ Works with different garments.
➕ Complicated designs are achievable.
➕ Good starting option for fabric printing business.
Cons:
➖ Labor-intensive, especially for bulk orders.
➖ Colors depend on the available vinyl stock.
➖ Care is essential when washing the garments.
Pigment Printing on Fabric
Pigment printing is one of the fundamental elements of the textile industry. The digital pigment ink printing process only colors the fabric's surface. This means that the colorful pattern sits on top of the fabric, while the underlying fibers remain their natural, usually white, color. Unlike reactive dye printing, these inks don't seep into the fibers.
As you have read, it is all about pigment, meaning dye is vital throughout the process for clothes and other fabrics. In terms of fabric, the most predominant is cotton, though it does not exclude other materials such as polyester, Tencel, and lyocell. Still, pigment printing was a known method for cellulose fiber. The only exception is leathery or waterproof fabrics because they do not absorb the ink's pigment very well.
Pros:
➕ High-quality print
➕ Good for bulk orders
➕ Very affordable and achievable printing technique
Cons:
➖ The pigment is not controllable
➖ Rollers are affected during the process due to several pigment printings
➖ Errors in the first printing phase can affect the second phase, which will impact the pigmentation of the fabric
➖ Solvent has its impact, such as odor and flammability
We've already covered nine printing techniques, but there are still more unique options to explore.
Curious to learn more? Keep reading as we unveil these additional methods!
10. Stamp Printing for Fabric and Clothes
Believe it or not, stamp printing offers another pleasant method for fabric printing. The best part is, you can print any pattern with your color of choice. However, stamp printing can be labor-intensive due to the need for repetitive and precise printing. With ready-made stamps and ink, you can easily add prints to clothing. Moreover, any fabric can be used, but ensure it doesn't have irregular surfaces to keep the print consistent.
Pros:
➕ The printing method is easy and accessible for everyone.
➕ It does not require expensive items.
➕ There is no standard size for the print.
➕ Craftsmanship is highly recognized in this printing method.
Cons:
➖ Labor-intensive.
➖ Slow and low output is expected.
➖ It requires the hand of a real craftsman when it comes to color combination and repetitive stamping.
➖ Producing delicate and refined designs nicely can be challenging.
Stencilling Printing for Fabric and Clothes
Stenciling printing is known for being one of the oldest fabric printing methods. The design is traced onto a flat or waterproof sheet and then cut out one by one using a sharp-pointed craft knife. Unlike traditional printing processes, this method does not involve printing but is instead applied by brushing or spraying ink onto the pattern cut out from waterproof paper, laminated sheet, or flat sheet. For those new to stencil printing, any fabric will suffice, although most shops prefer working with natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, linen, and silk. Another fun fact is that fabric paint is superior to acrylic because it leaves a softer, non-crispy finish on the chosen fabric.
Pros:
➕ Graded colors and shades can be obtained.
➕ You can use different colors on different parts.
➕ Stenciling printing does not require expensive equipment.
➕ Anyone can do stencil printing in the comfort of their home.
Cons:
➖ Manual work means it is labor-intensive.
➖ Metal sheet for stencil printing is costly.
➖ If the design is made on the wrong sheet, expect inconsistent lines and strategy.
➖ Not suitable for large-scale production, especially with a limited number of employees.
Discharge Printing on Fabric and Clothes
Discharge printing uses water-based inks to bleach the preferred design onto the shirt and replaces it with the dye of your choice. The bleach doesn't sit on the surface of the fabric but is soaked in, ensuring the design remains vibrant. This printing method is suitable for use on black, grey, or any darker colored fabrics. The ideal materials for discharge printing are 100% natural fabrics like cotton and hemp. Tri-blend shirts or those made with a 50% natural fiber and 50% synthetic blend also work well. Avoid attempting it on polyester, as the design will only bleed, resulting in a messy shirt.
Pros:
➕ Print is lightweight
➕ No cracks or peeling
➕ Design has a softer look and feel
➕ Vibrant colors can be seen on custom designs
Cons:
➖ Accurate colors can be quite tricky
➖ Water-based inks are pricey
➖ Works with natural fiber or 50/50 fabric
➖ Fabric must be in a dark color
Vinyl Printing on Fabric and Clothes
One astounding and popular type of printing is vinyl printing, which requires a heat transfer machine to adhere the design print onto the clothes. Designs, patterns, and letters are cut out from pieces of colored vinyl. This specific technique also comes with hardware and software to grow your business, though it is also accessible for those starting small. If you are considering vinyl, the best materials are cotton, polyester, or a combination of the two.
Pros:
➕ Low setup cost.
➕ High-quality color print.
➕ Works with different garments.
➕ Complicated designs are achievable.
➕ Good starting option for fabric printing business.
Cons:
➖ Labor-intensive, especially for bulk orders.
➖ Colors depend on the available vinyl stock.
➖ Care is essential when washing the garments.
Pigment Printing on Fabric
Pigment printing is one of the fundamental elements of the textile industry. The digital pigment ink printing process only colors the fabric's surface. This means that the colorful pattern sits on top of the fabric, while the underlying fibers remain their natural, usually white, color. Unlike reactive dye printing, these inks don't seep into the fibers.
As you have read, it is all about pigment, meaning dye is vital throughout the process for clothes and other fabrics. In terms of fabric, the most predominant is cotton, though it does not exclude other materials such as polyester, Tencel, and lyocell. Still, pigment printing was a known method for cellulose fiber. The only exception is leathery or waterproof fabrics because they do not absorb the ink's pigment very well.
Pros:
➕ High-quality print
➕ Good for bulk orders
➕ Very affordable and achievable printing technique
Cons:
➖ The pigment is not controllable
➖ Rollers are affected during the process due to several pigment printings
➖ Errors in the first printing phase can affect the second phase, which will impact the pigmentation of the fabric
➖ Solvent has its impact, such as odor and flammability
We've already covered nine printing techniques, but there are still more unique options to explore.
Curious to learn more? Keep reading as we unveil these additional methods!
10. Stamp Printing for Fabric and Clothes
Believe it or not, stamp printing offers another pleasant method for fabric printing. The best part is, you can print any pattern with your color of choice. However, stamp printing can be labor-intensive due to the need for repetitive and precise printing. With ready-made stamps and ink, you can easily add prints to clothing. Moreover, any fabric can be used, but ensure it doesn't have irregular surfaces to keep the print consistent.
Pros:
➕ The printing method is easy and accessible for everyone.
➕ It does not require expensive items.
➕ There is no standard size for the print.
➕ Craftsmanship is highly recognized in this printing method.
Cons:
➖ Labor-intensive.
➖ Slow and low output is expected.
➖ It requires the hand of a real craftsman when it comes to color combination and repetitive stamping.
➖ Producing delicate and refined designs nicely can be challenging.
Stencilling Printing for Fabric and Clothes
Stenciling printing is known for being one of the oldest fabric printing methods. The design is traced onto a flat or waterproof sheet and then cut out one by one using a sharp-pointed craft knife. Unlike traditional printing processes, this method does not involve printing but is instead applied by brushing or spraying ink onto the pattern cut out from waterproof paper, laminated sheet, or flat sheet. For those new to stencil printing, any fabric will suffice, although most shops prefer working with natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, linen, and silk. Another fun fact is that fabric paint is superior to acrylic because it leaves a softer, non-crispy finish on the chosen fabric.
Pros:
➕ Graded colors and shades can be obtained.
➕ You can use different colors on different parts.
➕ Stenciling printing does not require expensive equipment.
➕ Anyone can do stencil printing in the comfort of their home.
Cons:
➖ Manual work means it is labor-intensive.
➖ Metal sheet for stencil printing is costly.
➖ If the design is made on the wrong sheet, expect inconsistent lines and strategy.
➖ Not suitable for large-scale production, especially with a limited number of employees.
Discharge Printing on Fabric and Clothes
Discharge printing uses water-based inks to bleach the preferred design onto the shirt and replaces it with the dye of your choice. The bleach doesn't sit on the surface of the fabric but is soaked in, ensuring the design remains vibrant. This printing method is suitable for use on black, grey, or any darker colored fabrics. The ideal materials for discharge printing are 100% natural fabrics like cotton and hemp. Tri-blend shirts or those made with a 50% natural fiber and 50% synthetic blend also work well. Avoid attempting it on polyester, as the design will only bleed, resulting in a messy shirt.
Pros:
➕ Print is lightweight
➕ No cracks or peeling
➕ Design has a softer look and feel
➕ Vibrant colors can be seen on custom designs
Cons:
➖ Accurate colors can be quite tricky
➖ Water-based inks are pricey
➖ Works with natural fiber or 50/50 fabric
➖ Fabric must be in a dark color
Vinyl Printing on Fabric and Clothes
One astounding and popular type of printing is vinyl printing, which requires a heat transfer machine to adhere the design print onto the clothes. Designs, patterns, and letters are cut out from pieces of colored vinyl. This specific technique also comes with hardware and software to grow your business, though it is also accessible for those starting small. If you are considering vinyl, the best materials are cotton, polyester, or a combination of the two.
Pros:
➕ Low setup cost.
➕ High-quality color print.
➕ Works with different garments.
➕ Complicated designs are achievable.
➕ Good starting option for fabric printing business.
Cons:
➖ Labor-intensive, especially for bulk orders.
➖ Colors depend on the available vinyl stock.
➖ Care is essential when washing the garments.
Pigment Printing on Fabric
Pigment printing is one of the fundamental elements of the textile industry. The digital pigment ink printing process only colors the fabric's surface. This means that the colorful pattern sits on top of the fabric, while the underlying fibers remain their natural, usually white, color. Unlike reactive dye printing, these inks don't seep into the fibers.
As you have read, it is all about pigment, meaning dye is vital throughout the process for clothes and other fabrics. In terms of fabric, the most predominant is cotton, though it does not exclude other materials such as polyester, Tencel, and lyocell. Still, pigment printing was a known method for cellulose fiber. The only exception is leathery or waterproof fabrics because they do not absorb the ink's pigment very well.
Pros:
➕ High-quality print
➕ Good for bulk orders
➕ Very affordable and achievable printing technique
Cons:
➖ The pigment is not controllable
➖ Rollers are affected during the process due to several pigment printings
➖ Errors in the first printing phase can affect the second phase, which will impact the pigmentation of the fabric
➖ Solvent has its impact, such as odor and flammability
Types of Fabric and Clothes Printing that Monday Merch Uses
At Monday Merch we make most use of Screen Transfer, Digital Transfer, Silkscreen Transfer and Embroidery. These techniques are long-lasting and cost-effective, and the prints look attractive and versatile. Apart from that, it works like magic with several fabrics such as polyester, silk, cotton, or any synthetic fibers like terry cloth and rayon. Our team puts considerable effort into printing, going beyond the customer's wants and needs. All items undergo meticulous attention to detail throughout the process to maintain neatness, accuracy, and excellent order. We believe that every merchandise package should represent your organization's culture and values, thus becoming something your employees are proud to wear.
At Monday Merch we make most use of Screen Transfer, Digital Transfer, Silkscreen Transfer and Embroidery. These techniques are long-lasting and cost-effective, and the prints look attractive and versatile. Apart from that, it works like magic with several fabrics such as polyester, silk, cotton, or any synthetic fibers like terry cloth and rayon. Our team puts considerable effort into printing, going beyond the customer's wants and needs. All items undergo meticulous attention to detail throughout the process to maintain neatness, accuracy, and excellent order. We believe that every merchandise package should represent your organization's culture and values, thus becoming something your employees are proud to wear.
At Monday Merch we make most use of Screen Transfer, Digital Transfer, Silkscreen Transfer and Embroidery. These techniques are long-lasting and cost-effective, and the prints look attractive and versatile. Apart from that, it works like magic with several fabrics such as polyester, silk, cotton, or any synthetic fibers like terry cloth and rayon. Our team puts considerable effort into printing, going beyond the customer's wants and needs. All items undergo meticulous attention to detail throughout the process to maintain neatness, accuracy, and excellent order. We believe that every merchandise package should represent your organization's culture and values, thus becoming something your employees are proud to wear.
What is the Best Type of Printing for T-shirts?
There are several options for T-shirt printing, and all of them have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages. The best method might depend on your budget, the design complexity, the colors, and the fabric you will use. Fabric printing techniques are pretty versatile and might work according to your offer.
There are several options for T-shirt printing, and all of them have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages. The best method might depend on your budget, the design complexity, the colors, and the fabric you will use. Fabric printing techniques are pretty versatile and might work according to your offer.
There are several options for T-shirt printing, and all of them have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages. The best method might depend on your budget, the design complexity, the colors, and the fabric you will use. Fabric printing techniques are pretty versatile and might work according to your offer.
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