The Best Printers For Full T-Shirt Designs

There are several ways to print designs on T-shirts, with the most common methods being direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, screen printing, dye sublimation, heat transfer vinyl (HTV), plastisol heat transfer, and airbrushing. DTG printing is perfect for small businesses as it is a modern digital printing method that operates like an inkjet printer for fabrics, allowing custom designs with vibrant colours and intricate details. However, it is not ideal for bulk orders. Screen printing, on the other hand, is more suitable for large print runs as it can print simple designs in bulk onto various garments. Dye sublimation is another method that uses heat to transfer dye onto polyester fabrics, resulting in durable and vibrant prints. For those looking for an affordable and easy-to-use option, heat press machines are a great choice for applying pre-made designs to T-shirts and other products like mugs and phone cases.

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

The Process

DTG printing involves four steps:

• Artwork preparation: The submitted artwork is checked for any issues that may impact the final print. This includes checking for compression artefacts, colour profiling, and colour correction to ensure it pairs well with the chosen garment colour.
• Fabric pre-treatment: Before printing, the garment is treated with a solution that helps the ink bond with the fabric. This is typically done using a machine that sprays liquid onto the fabric.
• Printing: The design is printed onto the garment using an inkjet printer designed for DTG printing and fabric-specific inks.
• Curing: After printing, the garment is cured using a heat press or forced air dryer to set the ink and ensure it lasts through multiple washes.

Advantages of DTG Printing

• Quick turnaround: DTG printing requires less setup time and resources than traditional methods like screen printing, making it a faster option.
• Short print runs: This method is ideal for small batches since it has no minimum order requirements and can be more cost-effective for fewer items.
• Accurate, high-quality results: DTG printing accurately recreates digital designs with precise details and a wide range of colours.
• Complex colour schemes: Unlike other methods with colour limitations, DTG printing can handle a full palette of colours, making it perfect for photographs.
• Print on various garment colours: DTG printing works on almost any colour garment, giving you more design flexibility.

Disadvantages of DTG Printing

DTG printing is better suited for small batches and may not be as cost-effective for large print runs. While it works on various fabrics, it produces the best results on natural fabrics like cotton. DTG-printed shirts may also be more susceptible to washing and sunlight over time compared to screen-printed shirts. Additionally, the printers themselves are expensive, often costing over $10,000.

Best Practices

For optimal results, use 100% cotton or cotton blends with a high proportion of cotton. Avoid polyester fabrics. When printing on dark shirts or using white ink, a pre-treatment step is necessary, adding a small extra cost.

Heat Press Machines

Types of Heat Press Machines

• Clamshell heat press: This type of machine has a top platen that lifts up and then closes down onto the lower platen, where the item to be pressed is placed.
• Draw heat press: Draw heat presses have a sliding lower platen that moves in and out like a drawer. This design can be more ergonomic and accessible, especially when working with heavier items.
• Swing-away heat press: With this type of machine, the upper platen swings away from the lower platen, providing unobstructed access to the lower platen for loading and unloading items.
• Multi-function heat press: Multi-function heat presses typically combine a standard heat press with additional attachments for pressing on curved or irregular surfaces, such as mugs, hats, or plates.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Heat Press Machine

When selecting a heat press machine, consider the following factors:

• Usage: Consider what you will be using the heat press for. If you plan to press T-shirts, a standard heat press with a flat surface will suffice. However, if you want to press items like mugs or hats, you may need a multi-function heat press with additional attachments.
• Size: The size of the heat press depends on the items you will be pressing. For T-shirts, a standard size is 12" x 15", while smaller presses can be used for children's clothing or badges.
• Automation: Some heat presses offer automated features such as auto-open and auto-release, making them easier to use. Others may have digital temperature and timer controls for more precise results.
• Budget: Heat press machines vary in price, from budget-friendly options to more expensive models for professional use. Consider your needs and budget when making your choice.

Recommended Heat Press Machines

• Cricut EasyPress 3: This machine offers Bluetooth connectivity and adjustable pressure, making it perfect for first-time users. It reaches temperatures up to 400°F (205°C) and has a 60-second transfer time.
• Siser Craft Heat Press: The Siser Craft Heat Press blends old and new technology, offering digital temperature and timer controls. It's easy to use and reliable, producing professional results, making it a great choice for small businesses.
• Cricut EasyPress 2: The EasyPress 2 is ideal for beginners, with adjustable temperature settings and a timer. It transfers designs in just 60 seconds and is portable, making it convenient for small projects.
• HTVRONT Heat Press: The HTVRONT Heat Press is a budget-friendly option that produces good results. It offers manual temperature adjustability and has carrying handles for easy transport.
• Cricut EasyPress Mini: This compact and lightweight heat press is perfect for small projects, such as hats or badges. It has targeted heat for precise results and is easy to use, making it a great choice for sewers and crafters.
• PowerPress Industrial-Quality Heat Press Machine: This machine is designed for professional use, with a large 38cm heat press area and an adjustable pressure dial. The lever design and LCD control board make it easy to use, even for larger projects.
• Cricut Autopress: The Cricut Autopress is a large-format heat press ideal for professional crafters working with various materials. It has a 15" x 12" heat plate, a control pod with four presets, and an auto-release mechanism for convenience.
• Aonsey Heat Press: The Aonsey Heat Press is a Cricut alternative that offers similar features at a lower price. It has an LED display and produces reliable results, but it takes longer to reach full temperature and has a more cumbersome design.
• HTVRONT Autopress: The HTVRONT Autopress is another budget-friendly option for batch projects like shirt designs. It has a large 15" x 15" heat press area, four presets, and two custom presets for personalized settings.
• UKCutter Heat Press Machine 8 in 1: This versatile machine can be used on various items, including mugs, hats, and even mouse pads. It has a 360-degree swivel base for easy maneuverability and an LED display for temperature control.

Sublimation Printers

Sublimation printing is a popular method for printing designs on T-shirts. It involves printing an image in reverse on transfer paper and then pressing it onto the T-shirt, heating it under pressure, and cooling it to transfer the ink. This method is ideal for printing all over a T-shirt, including on seams, and works best with synthetic fabrics like polyester.

There are several options available for sublimation printers, which vary in price and features. Here are some of the top choices:

Epson SureColor F170

This printer is highly recommended for sublimation printing on T-shirts. It produces vibrant prints that transfer perfectly onto T-shirts and other substrates. The printer has a great resolution for sublimation and won't void the warranty if you add ink. The included Epson DS ink set works well, especially on cotton/polyester blends. The Epson SureColor F170 is easy to use, making it ideal for beginners and experienced crafters.

Epson EcoTank ET-15000

The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a versatile and efficient sublimation printer. It offers wireless connectivity and wide-format printing capabilities, allowing you to print images up to 13 x 19 inches. The printer produces rich, detailed colour prints, and its conversion for sublimation is straightforward. While it is not designed primarily as a sublimation printer, it competes with dedicated units and delivers excellent results.

Epson EcoTank ET-2800

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a budget-friendly option for sublimation printing. It features innovative cartridge-free printing, reducing the need for expensive ink cartridges. The high-capacity ink tanks and easy-to-fill EcoFit ink bottles ensure a continuous supply of ink. This printer provides impressive print quality with sharp text, vivid colour photos, and graphics. It also offers modern connectivity options, including wireless features and hands-free voice-activated printing.

Epson SureColor F9470 Series

The Epson SureColor F9470 Series is a 64" dye-sublimation printer that offers high-quality printing for T-shirts and other substrates.

Epson SureColor F7200

The Epson SureColor F7200 is another excellent option in the 64" dye-sublimation printer category.

Epson SureColor F570 Pro

The Epson SureColor F570 Pro is a compact and efficient 44" dye-sublimation printer.

Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500

The Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 is an 8.5" x 14" sublimation printer that delivers high-quality printing for T-shirts and other items like mugs and drinkware.

Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000

The Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000 is an 11" x 17" sublimation printer that provides excellent printing results for T-shirts and other materials.

Mimaki TS55-1800

The Mimaki TS55-1800 is a 76" dye-sublimation printer that offers precision and quality for T-shirt printing.

Mutoh RJ-900X

The Mutoh RJ-900X is a 42" dye-sublimation printer ideal for all-over T-shirt printing.

In addition to the printers mentioned above, other brands like Mutoh, Sawgrass, and Mimaki offer a range of sublimation printers with various features and capabilities. It's important to consider your specific needs, such as the size of your T-shirt designs, the type of fabric you'll be printing on, and your budget when choosing a sublimation printer.

Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printers

Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is a versatile method that can be used on various shirt materials, including cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex, and tri-blends. It is a process where an image is printed directly onto a film and then transferred to the desired fabric. Unlike DTG technology, which mainly works on cotton fabrics, DTF printing does not require pre-treatment and can be applied to both white and dark garments.

DTF printers offer reliability, unmatched quality, and high productivity, making them a popular choice for textile printing. They can handle large production volumes, which is essential in the fast-growing fashion industry. The printers are also scalable, allowing for customisation and making them ideal for small businesses.

There are different types of DTF printers available, from compact desktop printers to super-fast high-output industrial printers, offered by brands like DTFPRO, Roland, STS, Ricoh, and Mutoh. The cost of the printers varies depending on the brand, features, and production capacity.

When using a DTF printer, it is important to wear protective masks and operate in a well-ventilated room as the ink can be harmful if inhaled.

Screen Printing

The artwork is then scanned and colour-separated to make film positives. This is done by printing the artwork in black ink on a clear plastic surface. The film positive is then used to burn the image onto a silk screen. The screen printing frame consists of a wood or aluminium frame stretched with polyester mesh. The mesh is coated with emulsion and exposed to light to harden the emulsion. The emulsion in the areas blocked by the film positive will remain soft and can be rinsed out, leaving the mesh open to reflect the design.

The screen is then set up on a screen printing press, which consists of a base that holds printing platens and colour arms. The number of colour arms determines how many colours can be printed at one time. The screens are registered, or aligned, so that the colours line up correctly.

Before printing, the shirt is loaded onto the press and pallet adhesive is applied to the platen to keep it in place. The printhead is locked into place and the screen is flooded with ink, which is then pushed or pulled across the screen and deposited onto the shirt. This process is repeated for each colour.

After printing, the ink is cured using a conveyor dryer or a flash dryer to set the ink into the garment. The curing temperature varies depending on the type of ink used. If the shirt is not cured properly, the ink will degrade over time.

Frequently asked questions