Byeon
T-shirts are a versatile garment that has been a part of human clothing for centuries, evolving from undergarments in the 19th century to a stand-alone, outerwear fashion choice. With the rise of T-shirts as a popular form of self-expression, customisation, and marketing, the graphics on T-shirts have become an integral part of their appeal. The graphics on T-shirts can be made using various methods, including screen printing, heat transfer vinyl, dye-sublimation printing, and direct-to-garment digital printing. These methods allow for vibrant, full-colour designs that can range from simple slogans to complex artworks created by contemporary artists. The graphics are typically printed on soft and breathable fabrics such as cotton, making T-shirts a comfortable and fashionable choice for individuals looking to express their interests, support a cause, or simply make a fashion statement.
What You'll Learn
Plastisol ink
One of the biggest advantages of plastisol ink is its high opacity, allowing it to completely cover the colour of the fabric underneath. This makes it suitable for printing on any colour fabric, including dark fabrics, and still producing vibrant results. The ink is applied using a screen printing process, where a separate screen is created for each colour. Once the ink is applied, it needs to be cured with heat to become permanent.
Another advantage of plastisol ink is its minimal waste. Since the ink does not lose its viscosity, any remaining ink can be returned to its container and used again, saving costs and reducing environmental impact. Plastisol ink is also safe to use, as it does not typically contain dangerous organic compounds, and it remains at a low temperature until the curing process.
While plastisol ink has many benefits, it also has some drawbacks. It is not as eco-friendly as other alternatives, and it can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. Additionally, plastisol ink is not as breathable as water-based inks, which can be uncomfortable in hot weather or during physical activity. Lastly, plastisol ink has a heavier hand feel, which may be preferred by some but considered too heavy by others.
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Water-based ink
One of the main advantages of water-based ink is that it can last longer than plastisol prints. This is because it saturates the fibres of the T-shirt with pigment, becoming part of the garment itself. Plastisol ink, on the other hand, simply sits on top of the garment and can start to fade, crinkle, and chip off after multiple washes. Water-based ink can also allow for higher-detail prints, as it can be made thin enough to be used on extremely high mesh counts, resulting in photorealistic and microscopic details.
However, water-based ink does have some drawbacks. It can be more challenging to work with, especially when printing on dark-coloured garments, as it requires constant movement to prevent it from drying and forming a skin on the surface. It is also less forgiving than plastisol, requiring more skill and experience to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Additionally, water-based ink may not be suitable for printing athletic uniforms, as it is not as durable as plastisol.
Overall, water-based ink is a popular choice for T-shirt printing due to its soft feel, environmental benefits, and ability to produce high-detail and long-lasting prints. However, it requires more skill and experience to work with and may not be suitable for all types of garments.
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Screen printing
Plastisol or water-based inks are commonly used in screen printing. Plastisol, a stretchable and durable ink, allows for more variety in T-shirt designs and can be applied to shirts of varying colours without the need for colour adjustments. However, water-based inks are less common, as they require colour adjustments based on the shirt's colour. While plastisol is the preferred choice for most companies, some specialty inks, such as shimmer, puff, discharge, and chino-based inks, can also be used. These specialty inks tend to be more expensive and are often found on boutique garments.
In addition to inks, screen printing can also incorporate other special effects. For example, a metallic foil can be heat-pressed onto plastisol ink to create a mirror-like effect. Screen printing has been a popular method for T-shirt decoration since the 1970s and continues to be widely used today.
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Dye-sublimation printing
The benefits of dye-sublimation are that it produces prints with rich, vibrant colours and the process is resistant to fading and scratching, making it durable. It is also an eco-friendly option as it requires minimal water and produces less waste than other methods. However, the process can be expensive and time-consuming, and is only suitable for certain materials, such as those with high polyester content.
To get started with dye-sublimation printing, you will need to purchase a heat press, sublimation inks, transfer paper, and a printer. You will also need a computer to design your prints and send them to the printer. When creating your design, it is important to keep in mind the size of the t-shirt and the placement of the design. Once you have your design, load your sublimation printer with the ink and paper, adjust the printer settings, and print your design, ensuring it is centred and mirrored.
After printing, allow the transfer paper to dry, then trim it to the desired size and shape. Preheat your heat press and use a lint roller to remove any debris from the t-shirt. Place the t-shirt on the heat press, ensuring it is flat and smooth, and pre-press it for a few seconds to remove any wrinkles and moisture. Position your printed design face down on the t-shirt, securing it with heat-resistant tape, and place a piece of protective paper on top to prevent any ink transfer to the heat press. Close the heat press and apply pressure, following the manufacturer's instructions for the correct heat and time settings. Once complete, allow the t-shirt to cool before carefully removing the transfer paper.
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HTV (heat transfer vinyl)
Heat Transfer Vinyl, or HTV, is a plastic-based material used to decorate or personalise T-shirts, garments, and other fabric items. HTV contains a heat-activated adhesive backing, allowing the vinyl to transfer to the fabric permanently when heat pressed with sufficient time, temperature, and pressure. HTV is very versatile and will adhere to almost any fabric, including cotton, polyester, and leather. It is also available in a wide range of colours and finishes, such as glossy, matte, flock, stretchy, glow-in-the-dark, and glitter.
The HTV application process is relatively straightforward but requires attention to detail to ensure the vinyl adheres correctly and lasts a long time. The first step is to cut out the desired design using a cutting machine. The vinyl should then be weeded, which involves removing any excess vinyl that is not part of the final design. A test cut is recommended to ensure the correct settings are used, as different brands and types of HTV require different cutting software settings.
Once the design has been cut and weeded, it is ready to be positioned on the fabric. It is important to measure and place the design accurately, especially if the design has multiple colours or layers. A heat press machine is recommended for applying HTV, as it provides a larger surface area and more even distribution of heat compared to a traditional iron. The ideal temperature for HTV application ranges from 275-320 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the specific type of HTV being used.
When using a heat press, it is essential to use a Teflon cover sheet to protect the fabric from direct heat and prevent scorching. The HTV is then placed on the fabric with the adhesive side down and pressed for the recommended time and temperature. After pressing, the plastic carrier sheet can be peeled off, revealing the finished design.
Proper care of HTV-customised items is important to prolong their life. It is recommended to let HTV items sit for 24 hours before wearing or washing. When washing, items should be turned inside out and washed in cool or cold water with a mild detergent. HTV items should not be dry cleaned or dried with high heat. Ironing, if necessary, should be done with a pressing cloth or by turning the item inside out to protect the HTV design.
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Frequently asked questions
T-shirt graphics can be made using a variety of methods, including painting, screen printing, and embroidery. Screen printing is the most common method, as it is typically easier and faster to mass-produce. Plastisol, a type of ink widely used for screen printing, allows designers more freedom in creating graphics.
T-shirts are typically made of cotton, a natural fiber that is comfortable, soft, and breathable. Cotton blends and tri-blends are also commonly used, as they are just as comfortable as 100% cotton but tend to shrink less and are more lightweight.
Graphic T-shirts have gone through several iterations since their early days as casual undergarments. They gained popularity in the 1950s, with celebrities like Marlon Brando sporting them on-screen. The military also played a role in their rise, with veterans wearing T-shirts with the names of their branches even after transitioning to civilian life. Over time, graphic T-shirts have become more fashionable and versatile, suitable for a night out or paired with a blazer for work.
