Different Printing Methods to Create Custom Apparel
Different possible methods that can be used to get custom made apparel for an event, team, business, organization, fundraising, and much more.
Which method will work best depends on many several factors including quantity, type of garment, number of colors in the design, time frame of need to mention but a few.
Screen Printing
This is by far the most common way used to create custom made shirts. The process includes using a mesh screen to imprint the design on the desired surface by pushing the paint through it.
Each color in the design requires a different screen and since this process works like a stencil, the higher quantity of shirts ordered, the lower the unit price it will be.
This process uses the best quality print for a design or logo.
For large quantity orders screen printing is ultimately the better option for its speed and efficiency.
Advantages:
Vibrant colors
High quality image
Durability
Cost effective for large quantity orders
Disadvantages:
Higher set-up cost when compared to other methods
Requires a minimum quantity order
Multiple colors require multiple screens, adding to the set-up cost making small quantities more expensive
Shading and Many Colors
Machine Embroidery
Embroidery is the art of applying designs onto fabric using a needle and thread. Machine embroidery is accurate and designs can be produced with perfect symmetry giving an aesthetic appealing image making the work look elegant.
The benefit of using custom embroidery for a company team apparel can benefit the business in many ways and provide a significant return on the investment as it remains timeless and a popular way to brand apparel.
Advantages:
Durable
Long-lasting color
Suited for Hard-To-Print-On Materials
More colors at no extra cost
Quality look
Ideal for logos
Disadvantages:
Not suited for some designs
Limited to size
Direct to Garment Printing (DTG)
Direct-to-garment, or DTG, is a printing method that adds the ink onto the garment. The ink then soaks into the fibers of the garment. It is precise and a method that allows printing images in higher detail with no limit to colors. The ink remains solid and is embedded into the fabric of the shirt.
Advantages:
Full color high detail printing
Preserves the soft feel of the garment
Single shirts can be produced easily
Disadvantages:
In comparison to Screen Printing for large orders, this process is slow
Not all DTG Printers are able to print white ink or on polyester material
