With so many types of printing available at your fingertips, it can be difficult to decide which is the best choice for you. To help you narrow down your selection, we’re going to discuss the 4 best printing techniques on the market! In this post, we’ll explore Screen Printing, Direct-To-Garment, Laser and Embroidery, and dive into the pros, cons and the most suitable fabrics for each type of print.
Thinking of starting your own t-shirt printing business? Or are you looking to carry out a personal customization project?
Read on to discover which products are commonly used for each method and decide for yourself!
Screen Printing
For any surface you wish to add your images to, screen printing has you covered!
Screen printing (also known as Silkscreen printing) has become one of the most sought-after types of printing as it can reproduce a high volume of high-quality designs. This process requires one or more mesh screens, a stencil and a straight blade (or even a squeegee).
The mesh screens are first prepared with a layer of photosensitive emulsion. Next, once exposed to bright light, it will develop and harden. A clear impression of the design is laid out once any unhardened emulsion is taken away.
Almost there! With this method, one color is printed at a time so several mesh screens are required to recreate a multi-colored logo or design. Once printing is complete, the item just needs to dry.
Pros:
- Great for bulk personalization orders
- Extremely versatile and can be used with a broad range of fabrics
Cons:
- Limited color range
- Not the most eco-conscious method of printing
Which Products Are Best for Screen Printing?
The beauty of screen printing is that it can be used with a variety of fabrics! Create a branded tote bag for employee onboarding Swag along with t-shirts, backpacks and notebooks.
Which Materials Are Best?
When it comes to choice of material, screen printing is extremely versatile! It can be used with plastic, PVC, metal, glass, ceramic wood and fabrics such as polyester, nylon and cotton.
DTG
Wave goodbye to dreaded hours of preparation and waiting! With a DTG printer, a design is replicated on the chosen fabric within a matter of minutes. The machine jets water-based pigment ink onto the t-shirt, hoodie, etc. to recreate the digital file. If you’re planning on printing on a darker fabric, pre- and post-treatments are required to ensure that the design keeps its original colors.
Pros
- High-quality results
- No limitations for colors
- Perfect for small businesses
Cons:
- Not ideal for mass production
- Requires pre- and post-treatments
Which Products Are Best for DTG?
DTG is typically used for t-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts to produce high-quality and detailed designs.
Which Materials Are Best?
The Direct-To-Garment printing process produces the best results when used with natural fabrics such as cotton (50% – 100%), cotton-poly blends with a higher cotton count or linen.
Laser
Whether you’re looking to help your business stand out or create a long-lasting gift, laser engraving is a customization method that produces high-quality results. After the logo or desired design is digitally sent to the laser printer, there are two options to choose from: Fibre Laser and CO2 laser.
If you’re looking to customize hard or rigid material such as metal, choose Fibre Laser. And if you’re planning on engraving a design onto an organic marerial, opt for CO2 laser engraving.
Once you have chosen the correct method for your material, the top layer will be “burned” away to reveal a clean and precise design.
Pros:
- Allows for extremely detailed designs
- A durable, permanent print solution
Cons:
- Laser etching can be slower than printing as it involves the removal of some of the material
- Limited color options
Which Products Are Best for Laser Engraving?
If you’re looking to permanently personalize gadgets and promo products, look no further than laser. Ensure that your brand will be seen forever on pens, keychains, customized mugs, or thermos. This form of customization is extremely popular within the medical field to etch and identify instruments and devices such as stethoscopes.
Which Materials Are Best?
Laser engraving is popular due to its versatility and it’s the optimum choice for engraving hard materials! Choose from metal, wood, aluminum, glass, fleece, felt, leather, paper and polyurethane (PU).
Embroidery
Unlike the other methods that we’ve discussed, embroidery involves sewing a design onto a garment. Done by hand or machine, the design is recreated by stitching threads directly into the fabric. In the case of machine embroidery, the design is first uploaded digitally and is then carried out automatically.
Pros:
- Provides long-lasting results
- Polished and professional finish
Cons:
- It is not an ideal choice for intricate and details designs
- Strict design requirements
Which Products Are Best for Embroidery?
Custom embroidery provides/entails a sense of professionalism and high-quality. And if you’re looking to make sophisticated products that represent your business, choose this method when creating promotional backpacks, tough outdoor wear, hats, polo shirts, t-shirts and hoodies and even laptop bags, for that extra touch.
Which Materials Are Best?
For best results, we recommend using materials such as nylon, fleece, polyester and cotton.
Choose the Best Type of Printing for You!
The best type of printing for you will take into consideration your goals : one-off prints, bulk-printing, intricacy of designs, desired fabric and time-frame.
And while we’ve whittled it down to the top 4, there are many different types of printing out there! Whether you’re looking for the best t-shirt printing method or which will make your employee’s uniforms look crisp, you’re simply spoiled for choice!
Customize your world with Wordans!
Feeling inspired? Good, that was our intention! Now, why not take that inspiration over to our new Custom Lab and bring your ideas to life?
