Determine which printing method is best for you. Size and location(s) of your design, and the quantity of desired garments.
Types of Garment Printing
These are some of the pros and cons for screen printing.
Pros:
- Cost effective for large batches
- Versatile design placement
- Quantity and Volume discounts
Cons:
- Not cost effective for multiple colors
- Can mainly print simple shape designs
- Large upfront set up and investment
- Not suitable for small Quantities
These are some of the pros and cons for direct to garment also known as DTG
Pros:
- Extensive color options
- Maximum detail in Design
- Suitable for small batches
- Less upfront setup investment
- Easily customized design
Cons:
- Not cost effective for large batches
- No volume discounts
- Limited design placement
- More Expensive per print
These are some of the pros and cons for sublimation printing.
Pros:
- Prints all over the garment
- Extensive color options
- Maximum detail in design
- Suitable for small batches
Cons:
- Most expensive per unit
- No Volume discounts
- Cant color match spot colors
- Must print on white
- Must be %100 polyester or poly-blend
Want to know more or get started on a project?
Screen printing has a rich history with many improvements.
Screen printed originated in China during the Song Dynasty was later adapted by other Asian countries such as Japan. It later spread on into Western Europe from Asia in the late 18th century, and Didn’t become popular until the early 1910 When products and materials were a little bit less costly. When screen printing first started it was done with silk Screens later became made of other materials such as Polyester. Screen printing letter became more of a art form This is known as serigraphy. It became popularized by artists like Andy Warhol back in the nineteen sixties. Andy Warhol was known for his art such as the depiction of actress Marilyn Monroe Which was screen printed in various colors.
Modern garment printing is primarily screen printing, and there is a rise of Sublimation and Direct to garment! We are excited to see what the future brings for Screen printing.
See what Justified Ink has produced for our clothing line and our clients!
Start to finish, this is Screen Printing
This is a basic walk through of how screen printing is done. Screen printing will start with a frame usually with the silk or polyester screen mesh a Image is burned Onto the silk screen. The silk screen is adjusted on to the pallet which is also known as a substrate. In what we do It would be considered a canvas or material.
Once the screen is set up and adjusted To the right level so that the ink does not leak or Mark the pallet Ink is then applied onto the silk screen by our artist. The artist will then use a squeegee or blade to pull the ink from the top of the screen down to the bottom After flooding the ink on the screen. The artist will then Pull the ink down with enough pressure to push the ink through the mesh in which the image was burned onto blocking out the negative and only using the ink to push through the open mesh which is the image and the process is then repeated, print after print.
Once printed, some inks will only need to air dry while most go through a process called curing. Essentially, they are placed on a conveyer and run through a high power and precisely timed dryer to maximize the setting of the ink and longevity of the print. Too long or short can damage the ink as well as the item being printed. As they come off of the dryer they are folded, counted, and boxed! They are now ready to go for the customer or client!