Crafting A T-Shirt Printer: A Step-By-Step Guide

Printing T-shirts at home is an involved process that requires a lot of preparation and the right equipment. The printing methods can be tricky, but it should get easier with practice. Transfer printing is the best choice for a one-time project, while screen printing is more suitable if you want to print multiple shirts from a single image. Inkodye is another option for quick one-time printing that's more substantial than iron-on prints.

To get started, you'll need a design, T-shirt transfer paper, scissors, a pillowcase, a clothing iron, and a T-shirt. Print your design on the transfer paper, cut it out, and use an iron to press it onto the T-shirt. This method is fairly simple and can be done at home with an inkjet printer.

If you want to explore more advanced techniques, such as screen printing or Inkodye, be prepared to invest in specialised supplies and equipment. Screen printing, for example, requires frames, mesh fabric, photo emulsion, and exposure lighting. Inkodye involves using a brush or roller to apply dye directly to the T-shirt, which is then exposed to sunlight to dry and transfer the image.

Regardless of the method you choose, always make sure to follow the instructions and take the necessary precautions to avoid damage to your equipment or injuries.

Pros and cons of screen printing

Screen printing is a popular method for printing t-shirts and has been used for centuries. It involves using screens and ink to transfer an image onto a t-shirt or promotional item. Here are some pros and cons of screen printing to consider:

Pros of Screen Printing:

• Screen printing ink is absorbed deeply, resulting in vivid and bright colours and maximum durability.
• Once set up, screen printing can produce large quantities of t-shirts with the same design at a fast speed.
• It is compatible with most fabrics when the right mix of inks and screens is used.
• Screen printing is more cost-effective for large quantities, and the designs are more durable and last longer.
• Allows for more vibrant colours, even on dark-coloured fabrics.

Cons of Screen Printing:

• Requires a new screen for each colour or design revision, making colourful designs expensive.
• Setting up a screen printing work area requires a lot of space, and it needs to be dust-free and dark to preserve screens and ink.
• The process can be messy and time-consuming, especially for designs with many colours.
• It is expensive to set up and not suitable for small orders.
• Not ideal for photo replication or complex designs with many colours.
• Uses more chemicals and equipment than other methods such as heat transfers.

Pros and cons of direct-to-garment (DTG) printing

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing is a relatively new technology that has become very popular in recent years. It is a cost-effective method of printing detailed designs with no minimum order requirements, making it ideal for small businesses and artists looking to test new designs. The process is similar to that of an inkjet printer, with water-based inks sprayed directly onto the fabric, resulting in bright, full-colour designs.

Pros of DTG Printing:

• High-detail image quality and unlimited colours: DTG prints can recreate intricate designs with an impressive spectrum of colours, resulting in very detailed and high-quality prints.
• No minimum order quantity: With DTG printing, there are no restrictions on the number of products ordered, making it a cost-effective option for small batches.
• Environmentally friendly: DTG printing uses water-based inks and minimises waste, making it a more sustainable choice than traditional printing methods.
• Versatility on fabrics: While DTG printing works best on natural fabrics like cotton, advancements in technology have expanded the range of materials that can be used, offering greater flexibility.

Cons of DTG Printing:

• Limited textile compatibility: DTG printing works best on textiles with a high percentage of cotton to enhance absorption and improve print quality.
• Limited application surfaces: DTG print surfaces are limited, and additional print areas require manual setup.
• Not optimal for bulk orders: DTG printing is a slow process, making it better suited for small orders.
• High maintenance: DTG printing machines require regular maintenance and can be expensive.
• Colours tend to wash out over time: DTG prints may not be as durable as other printing methods and require careful aftercare.

Heat transfer printing techniques

Heat transfer printing is a beginner-friendly method that can be used to print designs on T-shirts at home. It involves printing a design onto heat transfer paper and then using heat to apply it to the fabric. There are several types of heat transfer printing techniques, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is an overview of some of the most common heat transfer printing techniques:

Dye-Sublimation Printing

Dye-sublimation printing is one of the most popular variations of heat transfer printing. This technique involves digitally printing graphics onto sublimation transfer paper and then heating them to transfer the dye onto T-shirts. The unique feature of dye-sublimation printing is that it uses dye-based ink that turns into a gas when heated, allowing the ink to become part of the fabric rather than just sitting on top. This results in prints that last longer, feel soft, and breathe well. However, dye-sublimation printing only works with polyblend-based T-shirts, and the colours may not be as vibrant on the creases and folds of the fabric.

Printing Plastisol Transfers

The plastisol transfer printing process is similar to screen printing, but instead of printing directly onto the T-shirt, the design is first ink-jet printed onto plastisol transfer paper and then heat-pressed onto the shirt. This technique offers similar quality to screen printing and allows for a variety of placements on the T-shirt. It is also good for testing T-shirt designs before moving to screen printing for larger quantities. However, plastisol prints can crack and wash out if not made correctly, and large quantity runs can be expensive and time-consuming.

CAD-Cut Heat Transfer Vinyl Printing

CAD-cut heat transfer vinyl printing is commonly used for printing numbers, names, and logos onto sports jerseys and T-shirts. This technique involves using a machine to cut out designs and letters from coloured vinyl, which are then heat-pressed onto the T-shirt. CAD-cut vinyl is ideal for small orders of 1-3 colours and can be applied to all kinds of fabrics. However, it can be time-consuming to cut and weed the vinyl, and it is only suitable for simple graphics.

Heat Transfer Paper Printing

Heat transfer paper printing is a simple and affordable method that can be done with a regular inkjet or laser printer. After printing the design onto heat transfer paper, it is applied to the T-shirt using heat, just like the other heat transfer techniques. This method works with both cotton and polyester shirts, but when using an inkjet printer, it is recommended to use cotton to avoid the excess ink bleeding through.

How to print on transfer paper

Transfer paper is a paper on which an image is printed and then transferred to a surface such as fabric, canvas, or wood. It is commonly used for printing on T-shirts, especially with a heat press.

Step 1: Getting the Right Tools

Before you start printing on transfer paper, you need to make sure you have the right tools. You will need a functional inkjet printer and the right transfer paper for your project.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Transfer Paper

There are two types of transfer papers: light and dark. Light transfer papers are usually light-coloured and are used to transfer graphics to similarly light-coloured fabrics. Dark transfer papers, on the other hand, are used for dark-coloured fabrics. The ink on light transfer paper is translucent and will not show on dark fabrics. Dark transfer papers have a white background that blocks the colour of the fabric from showing through the ink.

Step 3: Prepare Your Artwork

If your artwork contains numbers or text, remember to mirror or reverse your image before printing. This is because the image will be placed facing down on your garment and will appear the correct way after heat transfer. If you are using dark transfer paper, place the image facing up on your shirt before transferring.

Step 4: Test Your Design

Before printing on your transfer paper, print a sample of your image on a standard piece of paper. This will allow you to see if there are any issues with your artwork. Check if the entire image will be printed and if it will appear the same way as on your screen.

Step 5: Print on Your Transfer Paper

Once you are happy with your image, print it on the correct side of your transfer paper. This is usually marked but, if not, print on the coated side. Remember to reverse the image before printing on light transfer paper.

Step 6: Test Your Transfer Paper

After successfully printing your image, test it out on a piece of fabric to see how it will look. Use old shirts and fabrics for testing. Check the size ratio and colour contrast, then make any necessary adjustments.

Step 7: Print Your T-Shirt

Now that you have tested your design, prepare your heat press machine by adjusting the time, temperature, and pressure according to the type of fabric you are using. Place the transfer paper on the shirt, with the printed side touching the shirt, and then place the Teflon paper on top. Adjust the paper to ensure it hasn't slipped, then press the machine to transfer the design.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not reversing the image before printing on transfer paper.
• Printing on the wrong side of the transfer paper.
• Failing to test the design by printing on transfer paper and fabric.

How to create a screen print

Screen printing is a great way to transfer a printed design onto a T-shirt. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a screen print:

Select a T-shirt design

Keep the design simple, like a silhouette, if this is your first time screen printing. The image must be black-and-white in order to transfer the design onto the screen. You can print the black-and-white design onto a clear transparency sheet.

Set up the silkscreen

Cover your workstation in a dim room with newspaper to protect the surface from harsh chemicals. Elevate a silkscreen by placing a pushpin into each corner on the flat side. A silkscreen is a wooden frame covered with thin mesh. Put 1-2 US tbsp of emulsion into the well of the frame and use a squeegee to spread it over the screen. Flip the frame and cover the flat side with emulsion.

Expose the emulsion to light

Place the transparency sheet and a glass sheet onto the flat side of the frame. Position a light source in the "off" position, about 18 inches above the layered frame. Expose the emulsion to the light according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Prepare the silkscreen

Spray the screen with cold water until all the wet emulsion is removed. Allow the screen to air-dry for 30 minutes.

Transfer the design onto the T-shirt

Position the flat side of the screen against the front of your T-shirt. Put 1 tablespoon of screen printing ink above your design and use a squeegee to pull the ink across it. Remove the screen from the T-shirt and allow the ink to dry.

Curing your print

Before washing your T-shirt, cure the print with some heat. You can use an iron and a piece of brown paper to cure the print.

Frequently asked questions