There are many options available for apparel printing. For example, the use of vinyl printing requires a printer, transfer paper, and a heat press. This method produces high-quality prints on a variety of surfaces, but the main drawbacks are cost and inconsistent results. Moreover, thermal transfer printing causes the transfer paper to peel and crack, and the printed design may not be as natural looking as one would hope. Whether you are looking for a print shop that offers high-quality apparel printing service or just need some help, here are the options for you:
Screen printing applies a thick layer of ink onto the fabric and forms a “skin” of color over it. The ink adheres to the fabric beneath, which allows for brilliant hues and crisp images. Screen printing is also a flexible option for apparel printing, as a high-tech ink allows for control over drying time and prevents color bleed. For the most versatile results, opt for screen printing. For more information, check out the benefits of screen printing.
Another option for apparel printing involves using a Direct to Garment printer, which uses specially formulated garment inks. Unlike traditional screen printing, DTG does not require the use of a heat press or a tunnel dryer. The inks are applied directly to the fabric, meaning there is no need to wash the garment first. This type of printing also results in longer-lasting designs. It can be used for apparel printing and garment decoration.
If you choose to use DTG printing, you need to choose a graphic design program like Spark, Photoshop, or Illustrator. AnaRIP is a program that allows you to control the ink settings, image placement, and other print options. Once you’ve finished designing, you can send your graphic to a Ricoh direct-to-garment printer. Loading the garment onto the printer is the next step. You’ll need CMYK ink for light-colored garments and two passes of CMYK ink for dark-colored garments.
While it’s true that everyone wears clothes, apparel printing is a great way to create your own unique brand. Even small businesses have had success with custom work apparel and uniforms. Apparel printing is an excellent promotional opportunity that reaches people and businesses all day long. If you design a catchy design and choose a high-quality garment, the resulting branded apparel is sure to stick around in closets, drawers, and bodies.
Another method used for apparel printing is sublimation. The process uses heat to transfer a special ink from paper to a fabric surface. However, this method is more expensive than thermal transfer printing, and you’ll need to invest in a printer dedicated to it. The equipment costs anywhere from $300 to $500. Sublimation is only suitable for synthetic fabrics and will not work on cotton t-shirts. In addition, sublimation requires a special ink that can withstand heat.
In the same way, screen printing is also a popular method for custom apparel. In this process, a stencil is created with the design on the fabric. Once the stencil is complete, the printer applies the ink to the screen to imprint the design onto the product underneath. The process can be repeated for as many items as needed. The screen is then washed to remove any excess emulsion. Afterward, the stencil mesh is reused and the process can be repeated.