Printing Photos On T-Shirts: A Creative Guide

Printing a photo onto a T-shirt is a fun and creative way to express yourself. Whether you're an artist looking to bring your designs to life or want to create a personalised gift for someone, there are several methods you can use to transfer images onto fabric. The most common techniques include using transfer paper and an iron, direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, heat transfer vinyl (HTV), and sublimation printing. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and resources. For example, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn't require any special equipment, using transfer paper and an iron is a great choice. On the other hand, if you're planning to print multiple shirts, DTG printing or screen printing may be more efficient and cost-effective in the long run.

Choosing the right shirt

• Fabric: The fabric of the t-shirt plays a vital role in the printing process and the overall comfort and durability of the shirt. The most common options are cotton, polyester, or a blend of the two. Cotton is soft, breathable, and lightweight, making it ideal for casual wear. However, it tends to shrink when exposed to heat and holds onto moisture. On the other hand, polyester is more durable, stain-resistant, and retains its shape. A blend of cotton and polyester combines the benefits of both fabrics, offering breathability and moisture-wicking properties. Additionally, blends with rayon, a synthetic version of silk, provide even softer and quicker drying properties, making them suitable for activewear.
• Color: The color of the t-shirt can enhance the printed photo and make it stand out. Consider the contrast between the image and the shirt color. For images with rich colors and darker details, opt for light-colored shirts, while softer tones and subdued colors may show up better on darker shirts. White, black, and grey are versatile colors that go well with any outfit, while navy delivers a relaxed and elegant look.
• Fit: The fit of the t-shirt should complement your body type and personal style. Classic fit t-shirts offer a wider cut for comfort, while regular fit hugs the body with a little room for movement. Slim-fit t-shirts are designed to be more form-fitting, accentuating the wearer's muscles. Consider your body shape and the level of comfort you prefer when choosing the right fit.
• Size: Ensure that you select the appropriate size for your t-shirt. The width of the shirt should not be too tight or too loose, and the length should ideally end a few inches below the belt, not exceeding the buttocks. The sleeves should also be the appropriate length, ending at the middle of the bicep. It's worth noting that sizing may vary depending on the region, so be mindful of these differences when purchasing.
• Neckline: The neckline of the t-shirt can either be a crew neck or a V-neck. Crew necks are versatile and suit everyone, especially those who have never bought t-shirts before as they help cover any defects related to weight and chest skin. V-necks, on the other hand, elongate the neck and make it look more attractive. However, they may not be flattering for slim individuals or those with dermatological issues at the neck.
• Durability: Look for a t-shirt with thorough seams and hems, as this indicates better durability. Cheaper t-shirts may not be as long-lasting due to low-cost production, and they may tear or become discolored after a few washes.
• Printing method: Different printing methods are available, such as direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, direct-to-film (DTF) printing, and screen printing. Consider the type of fabric and the desired quality, durability, and cost before choosing a printing method.

Preparing your design file

• Use the right colour modes: Work with PMS (Pantone Matching System) or CMYK colour modes to ensure accurate colour reproduction. PMS colours guarantee consistency and can simplify printing, while CMYK is suitable for DTG (direct-to-garment) printing.
• Convert text to outlines: By doing so, you ensure that the text in your design is viewed as an image, preventing any font substitutions. In Adobe Illustrator, go to "Type" and select "Create Outlines" to convert your text. Remember to save a copy of your original file with editable text for future changes.
• Create your artwork at actual size: Determine the desired size and placement of your design on the T-shirt. Set up your artwork document with the exact dimensions of your T-shirt design in software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. This ensures the design is printed as intended without relying solely on the printer's judgment.
• Utilise vector artwork: Vector graphics, composed of mathematical formulas and paths, offer the advantage of scalability without a loss in quality. They provide more flexibility in colour and design options and enable intricate designs with multiple layers and shapes.
• Expand your strokes: Ensure all colours are set to PMS swatches, then expand your strokes to increase line thickness and make your design more visible and printable. Select the object, click on "Stroke" in the toolbar, increase the stroke weight, and apply. Repeat for multiple objects.
• Set half-tones with PMS colours: If your design includes half-tones (small dots creating shades and gradients), convert your design to grayscale and assign PMS colours to the shades and gradients. Save your design as a high-resolution file, including bleed and trim areas. Provide the PMS colour codes to your printer for consistent results.

Applying your file to the shirt

Now that you have your image file ready, it's time to put your design on the shirt. You can use a platform such as Printify's Product Creator (formerly known as Mockup Generator) to add your photo to the shirt and adjust its size and positioning. This platform will allow you to get a real-life mockup of your shirt before you finalise the design.

If you're using the iron-on transfer method, you will need to print your design onto transfer paper. Check if you need to use a mirror image for your design, especially if it includes text elements. Transfer paper for light shirts is usually applied face down, while the dark one is used face up.

After printing your design, cut around the edges of your picture to ensure there's no excess transfer paper left before you iron it onto the fabric.

Lay your shirt on a flat surface and iron out all wrinkles. Then, place the transfer paper on the shirt, making sure the image is straight and in the right position. Check the ironing instructions included with the transfer paper, and set your iron to the highest temperature possible for the fabric you're using. Make sure it's set for dry ironing without steam.

Press the hot iron onto the shirt and apply pressure evenly for a couple of minutes. The instructions on the transfer paper should indicate how long you should do this for.

Take the iron off and let the shirt rest for a few minutes. Once it's cool, gently peel off the paper, and your custom shirt is ready to go!

Printing methods

There are several methods for printing photos onto T-shirts, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common methods:

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

This method uses water-based ink to print designs directly onto the fabric. It requires minimal setup and produces less waste. DTG printing is suitable for small orders or test prints and can handle a wide range of colours. However, it is more expensive and not ideal for non-cotton fabrics.

Screen Printing

Screen printing uses a squeegee to press ink through a mesh stencil onto the T-shirt. It is efficient and cost-effective for bulk orders but limited in terms of colour options and level of detail.

Heat Transfer Printing

This method involves printing ink onto transfer paper, which is then applied to the T-shirt using a heat press. It produces durable, raised designs. There are several types of heat transfer printing, including:

• Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing: This method uses water-based inks and a PET film transfer sheet. It works with almost any fabric type and produces vivid colours, but it is slower and more expensive.
• Dye Sublimation or All-Over Printing (AOP): This method uses dye-based inks and heat to transfer designs onto synthetic fabrics. It is ideal for all-over prints but is generally more costly.

Vinyl Printing

Vinyl printing involves cutting a design from a vinyl sheet and applying it to the T-shirt using a heat press. It is typically used for lettering or sports team jerseys and produces durable, high-quality results. However, it is not suitable for complex designs.

Plastisol Transfer Printing

Plastisol transfer printing combines screen printing and heat transfer methods. It can achieve special finishes but is not ideal for bulk orders as each shirt requires its own transfer sheet.

Care instructions

Caring for your printed t-shirts doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here are some detailed care instructions to help you keep your custom-printed t-shirts looking new for longer:

Washing Instructions:

• Wash your t-shirts by hand if possible. If using a washing machine, turn the printed t-shirts inside out before washing to prevent wear and tear on the print from rubbing against other garments and surfaces.
• Fill a sink or tub with cold water and add a mild detergent. Turn the t-shirts inside out, then submerge and gently agitate the fabric with your hands.
• Gently buff any stains with a clean washcloth. Avoid using brushes or anything abrasive.
• Rinse the t-shirts thoroughly with cold water and gently squeeze out the excess water without wringing the fabric.
• Avoid using bleach, fabric softener, and harsh detergents as these can damage the print and fabric. Instead, use a mild, eco-friendly detergent.
• Wash similar colours together to minimise colour bleeding and protect your printed t-shirts from damage caused by clothing with zippers or buttons.

Drying Instructions:

• Air-drying is the best method to avoid shrinkage and damage. Hang the t-shirts on a rounded hanger to air-dry, preferably outside in a shaded area or in front of a fan.
• Avoid tumble drying as it can damage the print and cause shrinkage. If you must use a dryer, turn the t-shirts inside out and use the lowest possible heat setting.

Ironing Instructions:

• Only iron your printed t-shirts if necessary, and always iron them inside out to protect the print.
• Use the lowest temperature setting and place a towel or cloth between the t-shirt and the iron as you work.
• Avoid steaming directly onto the print.

General Care Tips:

• Always read and follow the care label instructions.
• Don't wash the t-shirts immediately after purchase. Custom-printed t-shirts require at least 24 hours for the ink to fully cure and set.
• Separate and sort your laundry by colour, weight, and texture. Wash similar weights and textures together, and avoid washing printed t-shirts with heavy or abrasive items like towels and jeans.
• Remove the t-shirts from the dryer early to minimise heat exposure, which can cause fading and shrinkage.
• Store your printed t-shirts properly by keeping them flat in a clean, dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Hanging them can cause the fabric to stretch and the prints to distort.

Frequently asked questions