Sunburst Logo LLC

T-shirts are a staple in everyone’s wardrobe, and customizing them with designs, logos, or images can add a personal touch to your outfit. T-shirt printing has come a long way over the years, and now there are several methods to choose from, each with its pros and cons. In this guide, we will cover the different t-shirt printing methods and help you choose the right one for your needs.

Screen Printing

Screen printing, also known as silk screening, is one of the most common and traditional methods of printing. It involves creating a stencil (screen) of your design and using it to apply ink to the shirt. This method is best for designs with simple shapes and bold, flat colors. Screen printing is a cost-effective option for large orders, as the price per shirt decreases with the number of shirts ordered.

Pros:

Durable and long-lasting
Good for large orders
Can print on a variety of materials

Cons:

Not ideal for complex designs or multi-colored images
Limited color options
Expensive for small orders

Direct-to-Film Printing

Direct-to-Film(DTF) printing is a newer method that uses specialized printers to print designs directly onto the shirt. This method is ideal for high-quality, detailed designs with a large number of colors. DTF printing is best for small orders. However, this method may be good for larger order with large number of colors.

Pros:

Can print detailed and multi-colored designs
Good for small orders

Cons:

Can be expensive
Not as durable as screen printing

Heat Transfer Printing

Heat transfer printing involves printing your design onto transfer paper, which is then heat-pressed onto the shirt. This method is good for small orders and designs with a limited number of colors. Heat transfer printing is also a cost-effective option for printing photos or complex designs, as there are no setup fees involved.

Pros:

Good for small orders and complex designs
Cost-effective

Cons:

Not as durable as screen printing
Limited to light-colored shirts
May peel or crack over time

Embroidery

Embroidery is a method of decorating clothing using a needle and thread. This method is best for designs with simple shapes and a limited number of colors, such as logos or text. Embroidery is a durable option, and the stitching will not fade or crack over time.

Pros:

Durable and long-lasting
Good for simple designs

Cons:

Limited to simple designs
More expensive than other methods
Not suitable for detailed or multi-colored designs

Choosing the Right T-Shirt Printing Method

When choosing a t-shirt printing method, consider the following factors:

Design: Consider the complexity of your design and the number of colors you need to print. Simple designs with a limited number of colors are best suited for screen printing or embroidery, while detailed designs with a large number of colors are best suited for DTG printing.

Order size: If you are ordering a large number of shirts, screen printing is the most cost-effective option. For small orders, DTG printing or heat transfer printing is a good choice.

Shirt color: If you want to print on a dark-colored shirt, we suggest screen printing or DTG.

Contact us in St. Louis, MO. We would love to bid on your projects.