How to Go About Apparel Printing
The first step in apparel printing is the selection of a design. There are many ways to choose a design, but the most basic way is by using a screen printing process. Screen printing involves creating a stencil with a design that will be printed onto the garment. After creating the stencil, you load the shirt onto a manual press. The screen is then loaded with ink and the printer presses the ink through the screen onto the fabric. This process is time consuming and requires many prep steps. Sublimation printing uses special ink that is transferred to the fabric without affecting its feel or appearance.
Heat-transfer printing uses a conventional printer and a heat press. This method produces a high-quality image, but it is costly. The most common complaint with this process is the cost per print and inconsistent washing results. Additionally, the transfer paper can peel or crack, leaving an unsightly outline on the garment. And, it has a somewhat unnatural feel. For these reasons, thermal transfer printing is not the best choice for most apparel.
If you’re looking for a more cost-effective way to print on your own apparel, inkjet printing is an excellent choice. For under $2.00 per letter, this process produces a high-quality decal that can be transferred onto a variety of garments. A great advantage of this method is that it’s easy to reproduce at home. Many office supply stores sell “t-shirt printing kits” that can be used to create personalized apparel.
Digital printing has its share of drawbacks. Unlike screen printing, it is not suitable for moisture-wicking fabrics or 50/50 blends. In addition to these issues, DTG printing is slightly duller looking. Screen printing, on the other hand, stands out when the design pops off the shirt. The traditional method of screen printing utilizes Plastisol ink, which is composed of PVC particles suspended in a plasticizing emulsion. Because Plastisol ink is highly opaque, it produces a white underbase on dark garments.
Direct to garment printing in Singapore uses special water-based inks and an inkjet printer. Direct to garment printers are capable of producing full-color, realistic-looking designs. Direct to garment printers require a pre-treatment process that prevents the ink from penetrating the garment. As a result, these garments can last a long time. It’s also very easy to use, with a simple click of a mouse.
Screen-printing also works well for large-scale printing projects. Screen-printing requires loading the design onto the garment before curing it. Once the ink is hardened, it is embedded into the fabric. The finished garment is then pressed onto the drying board. The garment is then packed and ready for pickup. This process is repeated for each new garment. Then, the screen is washed with a special fluid. It can be used again to create stencils.
There are several factors that affect the quality of screen-printed apparel. Firstly, the inks must be chosen carefully. Some fabrics are better suited to certain inks than others. Another factor is the weight. If the garment is made of lightweight fabric, ink with a high water-repellency won’t last as long. Also, the ink must be heat-treated to ensure a long-lasting product. If it is a t-shirt, it may be better to choose a screen-printed version. For more details visit local reliable Tacoma print shop near you.