All kinds of printing
The oldest printing method you still use today is probably silk screen printing and it is considered to be at the top of the hierarchy.
It takes a lot of ink to make the print and this reason is enough to require a large amount of printables.
It is ecological printing as the ink passes from the thin film onto the fibers of the fabric and waters it to be perhaps the most durable result. In screen printing we can print logos, patterns and letters but not photos with landscapes or faces with details.
Are you planning to make your own t-shirts for your business or for an event? In this case, you should know all about the different printing methods that exist.
In this guide, we will cover the most common types of printing. We will start with the most basic ones and move on to screen printing as well as more advanced techniques.
We will look at methods that are very popular such as direct-to-garment (DTG) printing and then we will also mention heat transfer printing methods such as sublimation and printable vinyl.
So whether you’re looking for a simple solution or something more complex, this guide will help you find the right printing method for your needs. All kinds of printing
The most popular printing methods
Two of the most popular printing methods where the ink is placed directly on the fabric are screen printing and DTG.
Direct-to-Garment Printing (DTG)
In this method an inkjet printer is used to print the image or artwork directly onto the fabric. The method offers high-quality, full-color results. It is a method ideal for complex drawings or photographs.
Apart from the fact that printers are a bit precise this method is effective for small orders.
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Heat transfer printing methods
Of the different methods that exist, heat transfer printing is the most popular. This method uses a heat press to transfer an image or design to the fabric. There are several types of this technique, so in order to choose the one that suits you, you should know a few things.
Dye Sublimation ή All-Over Printing (AOP)
In this method, the graphics we want to print are digitally printed on a special heat transfer paper which is then transferred to the fabric through the application of heat.
Ink is used which turns into a gaseous form when heated, a process completely different from the other printing techniques we mention here. It is a method ideal for synthetic fibers such as polyester fabrics.
Direct-to-Film Printing (DTF)
Here the design is printed on a special PET (polyethylene tetraphthalate) film and then transferred to the fabric using an adhesive powder and heat.
It is considered as one of the best printing techniques and can be used on any type of fabric.
Printable vinyl
In this technique, a machine cuts designs, usually created through a CAD program, into pieces of printable vinyl, which are then transferred to the fabric with a press.
It is a method that requires specialized equipment but due to the precision cutting required it takes a little more time. All kinds of printing
Digital printing:
This involves printing digital files directly onto paper or other materials using a digital printer. It is ideal for short runs and can produce high quality images and text. All kinds of printing.
Offset printing:
This technique transfers an inked image from a plate to a rubber blanket, which then rolls the image onto paper or other materials. It is ideal for larger prints and can produce clear and accurate colors and details.
Letterpress Printing:
This is a traditional technique that involves pressing inked type or images onto paper or other materials. It creates a distinctive, textured look and is ideal for producing invitations, business cards and other high quality products.
Screen printing:
This technique uses a stencil to apply ink to the surface of paper or other materials through a mesh screen. It is ideal for printing on fabric, plastic and other non-paper materials and can produce vibrant, long-lasting colors.
Flexography:
This technique uses flexible plates to print on various materials such as paper, plastic and metal. It is often used for packaging, labels and other products that require high speed printing. All kinds of printing
Gravure Printing:
This technique involves engraving an image on a roller and using that roller to transfer the ink to paper or other materials. It is excellent for printing high-quality images and is often used for magazines, packaging and other high-quality products.
Other printing techniques
These are just a few of the many printing techniques available and each has its own unique advantages and disadvantages depending on the specific requirements of the project. Besides DTG and thermal printing, there are other methods. Each method depends on your needs as well as the final product.
One of them is screen printing, a method that can provide a more sophisticated look to your designs. Here the designs are made with a sewing machine and usually the color combinations are a bit more limited. However, screen printing has a longer lifespan on the finished product than any other method we’ve seen in this guide. All kinds of printing
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