What are the techniques for printing on clothing

and which one is the best?

Personalization of clothing is one of the most popular ways to build the image of a brand, team or event. Thanks to modern printing technologies, today we can create durable and aesthetically pleasing designs on a variety of materials. In this article, we will introduce the most important techniques for printing on clothing, such as screen printing, sublimation, computer embroidery and the increasingly popular DTF (Direct-to-Film) technology. You will learn which of them will work best for your needs.

1. screen printing – the classic of printing on clothing

Screen printing is one of the oldest and most widespread methods of printing on clothing. It involves the application of ink through special screens to produce precise designs.

Advantages of screen printing:

Durability – prints are resistant to washing and abrasion for years.
Vivid colors – inks used in screen printing produce intense, full colors.
Cost-effective for large runs – ideal for bulk orders, minimum is 20 pieces.

Disadvantages of screen printing:

Design limitations – difficulty printing very detailed graphics.
Costs in small print runs – it takes time to prepare the matrix, which can make small orders more expensive.

When to choose screen printing?

If you need a large number of garments with simple, single-color designs, such as T-shirts with a company logo, screen printing will be the best choice.

Printing workshop with printing tool and color for screen printing.

2. sublimation – ideal for polyester

Sublimation is a printing technique that uses special sublimation inks and high temperatures. The dye changes from a solid to a gaseous state, combining with the fibers of the material.

Advantages of sublimation:

Unparalleled durability – the print becomes part of the material, does not crack or fade.
Full printability – ideal for creating designs all over garments.
Precision – excellent print quality, even for detailed graphics.

Disadvantages of sublimation:

Limited to white and light-colored fabrics – the print looks best on light-colored polyester materials.
Lack of versatility – it won’t work well on cotton or dark fabrics.

When to choose sublimation?

If you plan to print on sportswear, advertising polyester bags, or want full-color graphics on light-colored T-shirts, sublimation is a great choice.

3. computer embroidery – elegance and durability

Computer embroidery is a technique that uses thread instead of ink. The embroidery machine creates a design on the fabric based on the graphic design.

Advantages of embroidery:

Exceptional durability – embroidery does not rub off or fade.
Exclusive appearance – gives garments a professional, prestigious look.
Customizable – ideal for shirts, polos or caps.

Disadvantages of embroidery:

Cost – more expensive than printing techniques.
Design limitations – not suitable for very detailed graphics or small lettering.

When to choose embroidery?

If you want to emphasize the professionalism of your brand, computer embroidery would be an ideal choice, especially for corporate apparel such as shirts and sweatshirts..

4. DTF (Direct-to-Film) – a modern and versatile technology

DTF (Direct-to-Film) technology is one of the latest printing methods, which is gaining popularity due to its versatility and durability. The process involves printing a design on a special film, which is then transferred to the garment using a heat press.

DTF advantages:

Versatility – can be used on a variety of materials, such as cotton, polyester and fabric blends.
Precision – allows printing of highly detailed graphics and full-color designs.
No color limitations – perfect for printing on dark and light fabrics.
Durability – prints are resistant to washing and abrasion.

Disadvantages of DTF:

Specialized materials needed – requires special film and adhesive powder.
Start-up costs – investment in DTF equipment can be high, but cost-effective with more orders.

When to choose DTF?

If you need fast printing on a variety of materials and in full color, DTF is an excellent option. It will work great for promotional, personalized or event apparel. You can order from as little as 1 piece.

Which printing technique to choose?

The final choice depends on several key factors:

The type of garment – Is it cotton T-shirts, polyester blouses or elegant shirts?
Print design – How detailed and colorful is your design?
Budget – How large is your production budget?
Number of pieces – Are you ordering in bulk or just a few pieces?

Summary:

Screen printing: best for large print runs and simple designs.
Sublimation: ideal for sportswear and full-color printing on polyester.
Computer embroidery: perfect for corporate apparel, hats, fleeces and elegant designs.
DTF: versatile and versatile, suitable for personalizing a variety of materials.

If you are still not sure which technique will be best, contact us at Printexpress.co.uk! Our specialists will help you choose the perfect solution and create garments that will impress with their quality and appearance.