Attributes Of A Perfect Screen-Printed T-Shirt

Screen printing is a popular method for printing designs on T-shirts. It involves creating a stencil of the desired design and using this stencil to apply ink to the fabric. The process is usually done by hand or with a machine, and it can be used to print on various fabrics, including 100% cotton, 50/50 cotton/polyester blends, and 100% polyester. When choosing a T-shirt for screen printing, it is important to consider the fabric type, design, and colour, as these factors will affect the outcome of the final product. Additionally, the number of colours and complexity of the design can impact the cost of screen printing, as multiple colours may require additional screens.

Fabric type: 100% cotton, 50/50 cotton/polyester blend, or 100% polyester are common choices

When it comes to fabric, 100% cotton, a 50/50 cotton/polyester blend, or 100% polyester are common choices. Each fabric type has its own unique characteristics and advantages, and choosing the right one depends on your specific requirements and preferences. Here's an overview of each option:

100% Cotton:

Cotton is a natural, soft, and breathable fabric that is widely used in the clothing industry. It is gentle on the skin, comfortable, and non-clingy. Cotton is a popular choice for screen printing as it is easy to work with and compatible with most inks and printing methods. It holds ink longer than other fabrics, making it ideal for achieving high-quality prints. However, cotton may shrink a bit, and it is prone to staining, wrinkling, and absorbing moisture. Nonetheless, it is a safe and versatile option that suits everyone.

Cotton/Polyester Blend:

The 50/50 cotton/polyester blend combines the benefits of both cotton and polyester fibres. It offers breathability and tear resistance while being less expensive than 100% cotton. This blend provides comparable comfort and prevents the fabric from shrinking, as cotton that has not been pre-shrunk tends to do. It is easy to care for, versatile, and durable. While it can be used for screen printing, it may require some adjustments to avoid dye migration and colour bleeding. A simple solution is to print a grey underbase with a super low bleed ink.

100% Polyester:

Polyester is a synthetic fabric known for its durability, lightweight feel, and silky smoothness. It is resistant to wrinkles, shrinking, and fading. Polyester allows moisture to evaporate quickly, making it a favourite among athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. However, it is less breathable than cotton, tends to cling to the skin, and has limited printing options. The price of polyester garments can also be higher, depending on the brand.

In summary, each fabric type has its advantages and drawbacks. Cotton is soft, comfortable, and easy to print on; the cotton/polyester blend offers the best of both worlds in terms of breathability and durability; and 100% polyester provides lightweight durability and moisture-wicking properties. Consider your specific needs, such as comfort, print method, purpose, and budget, when choosing the fabric for your screen-printed T-shirts.

Design: Artwork should be high-quality and in vector format

When it comes to screen-printed T-shirts, the artwork you start with will determine the quality of the final print. The better the quality of artwork you start with, the better the quality of the screen print.

The artwork should be high-quality and in a vector format. Vector graphics are defined by mathematical points, whereas raster graphics (or bitmap) are made of pixels. Vector files are infinitely scalable, meaning you can resize the image without losing quality. Raster files, on the other hand, will lose quality if you try to resize the image. Vector files are also much smaller in file size, as they only need to store the data for each point, whereas raster files must store the data for each pixel.

For screen printing, the artwork must be submitted in Adobe Illustrator, with a minimum resolution of 400dpi if submitted as Photoshop. The artwork should be in .ai or .eps format, or a .pdf if it contains photographic elements or gradients. If the file is larger than 1 MB, it should be zipped.

When preparing your artwork, keep in mind that screen printing is done one colour at a time, so each colour will require a separate screen. Thus, it's best to limit the number of colours in your design to four or fewer. The thinnest lines in your design should be no less than 0.25 points, as this is the minimum size that can hold the emulsion on the screen mesh. Avoid using gradients, shadows, or colour tints, as these can be difficult to accurately produce in screen printing. All text should be converted to outline form to ensure it displays correctly.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your artwork is of the highest quality and ready for screen printing.

Shirt and ink colours: Light shirt colours make ink appear darker, while dark colours can wash out lighter inks

When it comes to screen printing t-shirts, the colour of the shirt and the ink used are important factors to consider. The choice of shirt and ink colours can impact the overall appearance of the design, affecting how dark or light the ink appears.

Light-coloured shirts make the ink appear darker, allowing the design to stand out more clearly. This is especially useful if you want to create a bold statement with your printed t-shirt. Conversely, dark-coloured shirts can wash out lighter inks, making the design appear less vibrant. If you're looking for a subtle effect, then a dark shirt with light ink can be a great combination.

It's also worth noting that the number of colours used in your design will impact the screen printing process. Each colour requires a separate screen, so if you're printing multiple colours, you'll need to create different screens for each one. This adds complexity to the process and may increase costs.

Additionally, the type of ink used can make a difference. For example, glow-in-the-dark ink is a unique option that can add a fun twist to your design. However, it's important to note that glow-in-the-dark ink typically appears brighter on darker shirts, and the effect may be reduced on lighter colours.

When choosing the shirt and ink colours for your screen-printed t-shirt, it's essential to consider the desired effect and the overall impact of the design. By carefully selecting the right combination of shirt and ink colours, you can create a striking and eye-catching final product.

Ink type: Plastisol, water-based, or discharge ink, each with unique properties and uses

When it comes to screen printing t-shirts, the type of ink you choose will depend on the desired look and feel of the final product. Plastisol, water-based, and discharge inks are the most common types of ink used in the screen printing industry, each with unique characteristics and advantages.

Plastisol ink is a plastic-based ink that has long been the industry standard for screen printing. It is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and sits directly on top of the fabric, creating a bright and opaque print. Plastisol is user-friendly, highly accurate for matching colours, and suitable for most fabric types. It is also more cost-effective and longer-lasting than water-based ink, as it does not soak into the fabric and is less prone to cracking or peeling over time. However, plastisol ink can feel thick and heavy, reducing the breathability of the fabric.

Water-based ink, on the other hand, is a more modern and environmentally friendly option. It is made with water and dye or pigment, and it soaks into the fabric, becoming a part of the garment. This results in a softer and more breathable print that is less noticeable to the touch. Water-based ink is ideal for creating a vintage look, especially on light-coloured fabrics. However, it can be more challenging to work with, as it is influenced by the colour of the shirt and may require additional steps for printing on dark garments.

Discharge ink is a type of water-based ink that uses a discharge agent to create a chemical reaction. When heated, the discharge agent pulls the dye from the fabric and replaces it with the new ink pigment, resulting in bright and vibrant colours. This process works best with 100% cotton fabrics and can create inconsistent results with other fabric blends. Discharge ink is a good option for those seeking eco-friendly printing methods, as it does not require the use of running water.

Ultimately, the choice between Plastisol, water-based, or discharge ink depends on the specific needs and desired outcome of the printing project. Each type of ink has its own unique properties and advantages, and understanding these can help you make the right decision for your screen-printed t-shirt.

Printing method: Direct-to-garment (DTG) or traditional screen printing, with pros and cons to each

When it comes to printing methods, you have two main options: direct-to-garment (DTG) printing and traditional screen printing. Both techniques produce high-quality results, but there are some key differences to consider when choosing the right method for your project.

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

DTG printing is a newer process that uses a specialised printer to spray ink directly onto a garment, where it soaks into the fabric. It works best with natural fibres like cotton and is perfect for producing highly detailed, photorealistic custom designs. DTG printing is ideal for small orders and intricate designs, as it offers photorealistic quality with no minimum order requirements. The main advantage of DTG printing is the ease of printing one-offs, as there is almost no setup time. It is also a more sustainable option, as it uses eco-friendly, water-based inks and minimises waste by printing items on demand, reducing overproduction.

However, one of the cons of DTG printing is that it can be slower and more expensive for bulk orders. It is also not as effective for producing vibrant colours on different fabric types, as it works best with natural fibres. Additionally, garments printed with DTG may not last as long as those printed with screen printing, as the ink can fade over time with repeated washing and drying.

Traditional Screen Printing

Screen printing is one of the most popular printing methods and is ideal for bulk orders. It uses a mesh stencil to transfer ink onto the fabric, producing vibrant designs. This method uses thick inks that lay on top of the material, resulting in longer-lasting prints. Screen printing is more cost-effective for large orders and is perfect for solid graphics without small details. However, it can be time-consuming and inefficient for small orders with complex designs, as each colour requires a separate screen. Additionally, screen printing uses a lot of water and is often done with plastisol ink, which doesn't biodegrade.

In summary, the best choice between DTG and screen printing depends on your specific needs. If you need to print a large number of items with fewer colours, screen printing is a more cost-effective and efficient option. On the other hand, if you have a small order with intricate designs, DTG printing is the way to go.

Frequently asked questions