When you’re looking for an affordable way to have a design on your favorite apparel, there are several different types of printing options. Screen printing, for instance, is a traditional method of decorating apparel. It involves the placement of a stencil on the garment, and a manual press that forces the ink through a screen onto the fabric. This process is very complicated, and requires many different steps.
Apparel printing allows companies to create a visual brand, which benefits the company as a whole and employees individually. It also promotes key branding messages and builds brand recognition. Additionally, apparel printing helps you keep your business name front and center. This creates a positive impact on your business by increasing brand awareness and boosting traffic.
Screen printing is the most affordable option for printed apparel, and it is one of the fastest ways to print large orders. The cost of screen printing is determined by the number of colors on a shirt, the style of the shirt, and the quality of the garment. Single-color printing uses only one screen and is the least expensive.
DTG printing is another popular option. Unlike screen printing, DTG printing is an ideal choice for low to medium-runs. Its low minimum order requirement and less waste make it a popular choice for small businesses. It’s also an ideal option for customized designs. It works well with entertainment brands and on-demand apparel companies.
Fabric type can also play a role in determining the method of printing. A silk dress is not an ideal candidate for dye-sublimation printing, and a cotton t-shirt should not be printed using plastisol transfers. Color calibration is also important, and PLC Print is happy to help you make these decisions.
Another popular method of apparel printing is screen printing. It requires little ink and has minimal fading. The screen printing process involves several variables, including screen tension and mesh tension. These factors can affect ink viscosity, screen mesh, flash dry temperature, and registration. Having all these variables optimized will ensure that your design looks as good as possible.
Heat transfers are another popular method. This method involves printing a design on garments using specialized transfer paper and a heat press. The most common complaint with this method is the cost per print. In addition, it can be time-consuming and is not recommended for production quantities of apparel. However, it is a great option for small businesses and experimental designs.
Sublimation is an alternative method for decorating non-textiles. This technique produces a print that has minimal feel but is more expensive than thermal transfer printing. Sublimation inks can cost up to $500. It also requires a synthetic substrate, so it won’t work on cotton t-shirts. If you’re not sure on how will you design your apparel, you can consult a reliable Tacoma printing company to plan your next campaign.