If you are looking to create and print your own t-shirt designs, there are actually many ways in which you can achieve this. Knowing how to print on t-shirts is a very helpful skill, but the main thing to bear in mind from the outset is that having the help of a professional is the most important thing.
Beyond that, there are a wide range of methods for t-shirt printing, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular methods, and discuss what is good – and not so good – about each of them. The best method for you will often depend on the complexity of the design, your budget, and how many t-shirts you’d like to print.
Screen Printing (also known as Silk Screen Printing)
Screen printing is often going to provide you with a vibrant finish, and is best for large quantities rather than small. Traditionally, screen printing is performed with the use of manmade screens and ink. We utilise automated machinery at Teesh, where designs can be placed directly onto garments at double the speed. Want to learn more about our process? Take a look for yourself!
Heat Transfers/Direct-to-Film printing
This method is great for one-off personalisations and small batch orders. You may have seen this print method at pop-up shops or events. We use an industrial heat press to bond the design to the t-shirt at high temperatures. Think of a giant iron-on design with longevity and high quality prints due to the specially made transfers.
DTG
Direct to garment printing covers a range of methods, but the main deal with them is that they are extremely expensive. However, by using professional printers, you can get around that part of the problem. You wouldn’t invest in an entire printing system for a few tees, which is why our dtg printer service is great, especially for print on demand. Using a supplier like Teesh, you’ve got no set-up fees with DTG and access to blank garments at trade pricing too. We’ve got a start to finish production service which is a great way to utilise us as a supplier. We also allow prints on your own garments, under certain circumstances. Get in touch for more info.
CAD-Cut Vinyl
Using computer assisted design to create vinyl prints works effectively, but you need the right software – or to hire someone who has the right software. If you have that, you’ll be able to use vinyl to make whatever t-shirt design you like.
Plastisol Transfers
Plastisol inks can be used to create very vibrant designs. It is also easy to do and affordable, and lasts a long time.
Dye-Sublimation
With this form of printing, you use heat to transfer dye on to the fabric. As long as enough heat and pressure is applied, it should result in a permanent image.
Discharge Printing
This is actually a kind of screen printing, whereby discharge inks are used rather than normal inks. With discharge inks, a shirt’s dye is removed – rather than putting a new colour on it.
Cut & Sew
As the name suggests, this is a low-tech way to make a t-shirt design, where you literally cut and sew the image on to the t-shirt. It’s fun and easy, but by no means permanent – or even survivable in the wash!
Stencil Printing
If you are creative enough, you can make your own stencil and then simply spray paint through it or use another similar medium. This is easy and effective, but not that permanent either. You also need to get it right the first time.
Resist Dyeing
If you have ever tie-dyed anything, you have tried out the resist dyeing method. It provides a beautiful and permanent design for your t-shirt, and it’s affordable too. But it’s not great for more complex designs.