T-Shirt Printing: Supplies For Success

T-shirt printing is a great way to express your creativity and can even be a lucrative business opportunity. Whether you're printing as a hobby or starting a small business, you'll need some essential supplies to get started. Here's a list of the most common supplies you'll need for successful t-shirt printing:

1. Printer: Invest in a good quality inkjet or laser printer to print your designs. Laser printers are ideal for vector-based images, while inkjet printers offer high-quality image printing.

2. Heat press machine: This machine transfers your designs onto the t-shirts. You can choose between manual, electronic, or commercial-grade heat press machines based on your budget and requirements.

3. Transfer paper: Choose the right transfer paper compatible with your printer type and fabric colour. Light transfer paper is for light-coloured garments, while dark transfer paper is for dark-coloured fabrics.

4. Ink: High-quality ink is crucial for premium prints. Solvent ink containing an oil-based solution is typically used for t-shirt printing, and you'll need a range of colours.

5. Screens: Screens are important for screen printing and creating stencils. You'll need a separate screen for each colour you plan to use.

6. Emulsion: This liquid substance is applied to screens to reduce their sensitivity to light and ensure even printing.

7. Dryer: A dryer is essential to cure the ink and set it firmly into the fabric.

8. Computer and graphics programs: You'll need a computer to run graphics programs like CorelDraw or Photoshop to create custom images and art for your t-shirts.

9. Cutter: A cutter helps cut out digital transfers from images, providing accuracy and precision in printing.

10. Alignment tools: These tools help you centre and straighten your prints to ensure they are applied neatly to the t-shirts.

With these supplies, you'll be well on your way to successful t-shirt printing. Remember to choose supplies that fit your budget and the scale of your operation. Happy printing!

Printer

A printer is an essential piece of equipment for t-shirt printing. The type of printer you choose will depend on your budget and the complexity of your desired designs.

Inkjet printers are a good option for printing high-quality images. If your budget allows, you can also purchase a laser printer, which is ideal for printing vector-based images. Laser printers can be costly, but they offer superior quality. You can use both types of printers for different printing tasks.

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printers are another option, allowing you to print directly onto various items beyond just t-shirts. This opens up a range of prospects for business growth.

If you are looking for a more affordable option, consider a sublimation printer. These printers are great for printing on a variety of materials, including t-shirts, mugs, and cell phone cases.

For heat transfer paper printing, an inkjet printer is required. Make sure to use the right type of transfer paper for your printer. Regular printer paper will not work for this method.

When choosing a printer, look for one that can accommodate different sizes of sheets and paper. This will allow you to work with varying designs, regardless of their size.

Additionally, some printers may require the use of specific software for optimal results, so be sure to check compatibility.

Ink

It is important to note that the type of ink you use will depend on the printing method you choose. For example, if you are using a regular inkjet printer, you will need inkjet ink. On the other hand, if you are using a sublimation printer, you will need sublimation ink. Sublimation ink is a specialty ink that prints designs on paper, which are then transferred to the t-shirt using high heat. This method is permanent and will likely outlive the shirt as the ink chemically bonds to the target material. However, sublimation only works on synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, and rayon, and is not suitable for cotton fabrics.

If you are using a heat transfer method, you can use printable heat transfer vinyl, which can be cut into shapes and then transferred onto the t-shirt using a heat source. This method is suitable for both inkjet printers and solvent printers. Solvent printers offer the best graphics but may be too expensive for a small business. Inkjet printers, on the other hand, are more affordable and can produce high-quality images.

When choosing your ink, it is important to consider the colour of the fabric you will be printing on. For light-coloured garments, you will need light transfer paper, while for dark-coloured garments, you will need dark transfer paper. Additionally, the type of ink you use may depend on the specific printer you have, as some printers require specific types of ink.

Transfer paper

There are various types of transfer paper available in the market. For instance, the A-SUB T-Shirt Transfer Paper collection offers a range of options for both light and dark fabrics, with sheet sizes of 8.5"x11" and 11"x17". Hayes Paper Co. also provides transparent and white heat transfer paper that can be applied to cotton fabrics using any inkjet printer. Their transfer paper comes in a pack of 20 A4 sheets.

Another option is the PPD Inkjet Premium Iron-On Transfer Paper, which is suitable for light-coloured fabrics and comes in a pack of 20 sheets. This product has received positive reviews for its ease of use, print quality, and value for money. However, some customers have reported issues with cracking and peeling after washing. It is important to note that transfer paper should be cut using normal scissors, and a heat press or iron is required for the application process.

When purchasing transfer paper, it is advisable to buy in bulk to lower costs and decrease production time. High-quality transfer paper ensures a quality print, and it is important to select the right type of paper for the specific fabric colour and printing method being used.

Heat press

Electric heat presses, on the other hand, are incredibly efficient, fast, and user-friendly, making them ideal for established businesses looking to boost production capacity and maximise growth. They come in various sizes, such as 15"x15", 16"x20", and larger options like 40"x50". The size you choose will depend on the size of the designs you plan to press onto your t-shirts.

When purchasing a heat press, it is important to consider the opening system. Some heat presses have a manual opening, while others feature an electromagnetic or pneumatic system. Additionally, some heat presses offer an automatic opening function, eliminating the need to wait while the transfer is pressed.

To ensure the safe and proper use of your heat press, it is recommended to invest in heat press accessories, such as heat-resistant gloves, pillow kits, and tape. These accessories help protect you from burns, ensure accurate placement of designs, and facilitate a smooth transfer process.

Screens

Working with screens can be a little tricky as you will need a different screen for each colour you intend to transfer. The screens should also have a mesh count, and the higher the mesh count, the more intricate your design will be. For context, a mesh count of 15–90 is suitable for creating a puff and athletic design, while general printing should use a mesh count of 15–160.

You can make your own screens at home with durable materials such as wood or aluminium for the frame. You can also apply emulsion to the screens to reduce their sensitivity to light. Emulsion is usually applied to the screen before use, and it hardens when exposed to light, creating the stencil. You can use a squeegee or a scoop coater to apply the emulsion. A thick layer of emulsion will give a better printing outcome and colour saturation.

After applying the emulsion, you will need to cure the liquid using an exposure unit, which allows light to pass through the screens. Alternatively, you can use sunlight to cure the stencil.

Frequently asked questions