which printing method to use for no-feel prints and which blanks should I use?
Alright so as you might have guessed i am just getting started into this business and have a few questions that you can either answer or point me in the right direction.
First of all, I'm looking for the right way to produce images onto a shirt. I am aware of the different methods but am not sure on the right procedure. I want to make intricate images that will have more than a few colors (making screen printing a no-go). Plus i want these images to basically become one with the t-shirt, rather than be thick and on top. Would the correct method for this be DTG printing? If not please advise.
Next, im looking for a blanks provider that fits my desire. I really do not want American apparel, but i do want something for high fashion that is very soft and comfortable. A lot of shirts seem to be produced this way now a days. I was in Urban Outfitters today and most of the shirts seemed the soft thinness that i am looking for...just don't know where to find it. Is this something that i need to go out of country for? Recommendations? Or is this something that is available in Los Angeles??
Lastly, what is the best way to go about dye houses? I am not too sure about where i want to go with dying shirts but i know that in some instance a blend might be better than a solid color. Any reccomendations for Los Angeles??
re: which printing method to use for no-feel prints and which blanks should I use?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Allen459
I'm looking for the right way to produce images onto a shirt. I am aware of the different methods but am not sure on the right procedure. I want to make intricate images that will have more than a few colors (making screen printing a no-go). Plus i want these images to basically become one with the t-shirt, rather than be thick and on top. Would the correct method for this be DTG printing?
You really shouldn't rule out screen printing. SP and DTG will both produce high quality intricate graphics with lots of colors, and both can produce a softhand print.
There are differences between the two processes, but one of the bigger ones is volume. SP tends to be more cost efficient for larger volume print runs, and DTG tends to be more cost efficient for smaller volume print runs.
Start with that, choose the method that fits your needs, then start researching some local shops to find the quality and pricing you're looking for.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Allen459
Next, im looking for a blanks provider that fits my desire. I really do not want American apparel, but i do want something for high fashion that is very soft and comfortable. A lot of shirts seem to be produced this way now a days. I was in Urban Outfitters today and most of the shirts seemed the soft thinness that i am looking for...just don't know where to find it. Is this something that i need to go out of country for? Recommendations? Or is this something that is available in Los Angeles??
Good alternatives to AA would be Bare Apparel, JS Apparel and Royal Apparel.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Allen459
Lastly, what is the best way to go about dye houses? I am not too sure about where i want to go with dying shirts but i know that in some instance a blend might be better than a solid color. Any reccomendations for Los Angeles??
You may be able to do this through the shirt supplier or print ship you use. But if not, try doing a google search for "dye houses in LA," I'm sure you'll get a handful of results.
Re: which printing method to use for no-feel prints and which blanks should I use?
Quote:
Next, im looking for a blanks provider that fits my desire. I really do not want American apparel, but i do want something for high fashion that is very soft and comfortable. A lot of shirts seem to be produced this way now a days. I was in Urban Outfitters today and most of the shirts seemed the soft thinness that i am looking for...just don't know where to find it. Is this something that i need to go out of country for? Recommendations? Or is this something that is available in Los Angeles??
There are lots of fashion blank t-shirt vendors out there that you may want to buy samples from to see if they fit your specific needs. Places like Royal Apparel, Bare Apparel, Continental Clothing, Alternative Apparel, Article1, etc.
First of all, I'm looking for the right way to produce images onto a shirt. I am aware of the different methods but am not sure on the right procedure. I want to make intricate images that will have more than a few colors (making screen printing a no-go). Plus i want these images to basically become one with the t-shirt, rather than be thick and on top. Would the correct method for this be DTG printing? If not please advise.
As Tim said, that can be done with DTG or screen printing.
On dark garments, I would be that the t-shirts you see in stores that have the (soft, no feel) feel you like are actually screen printed using waterbased/discharge inks.
Re: which printing method to use for no-feel prints and which blanks should I use?
As far as printing is concerned, if you went with screen printing, the look and feel you want will be achieved with water base and discharge inks.
As far as garments are concerned, you could check out Sun Apparel's 30/1 and 40/1 garments. They're nice, soft, lighter weight, great quality, and competitive pricing. They also offer PFD (prepared for dye) and may custom dye depending on how many you want, but if you find a dye house elsewhere, the PFD shirts are ready to be dyed. Sun has offices in Fullerton, so pretty close to you. You can reach them at 714.525.4888
Re: which printing method to use for no-feel prints and which blanks should I use?
Do all DTG prints have that glossy feel to them. I received a DTG sample on a Dark Garment and the print felt kind of thick and glossy. I thought I was supposed to have no feel to it, kind of like a discharge print or sub dye print? Was I wrong for thinking that?
Re: which printing method to use for no-feel prints and which blanks should I use?
Quote:
Originally Posted by rrvaldez20
Do all DTG prints have that glossy feel to them. I received a DTG sample on a Dark Garment and the print felt kind of thick and glossy. I thought I was supposed to have no feel to it, kind of like a discharge print or sub dye print? Was I wrong for thinking that?
This is a discussion about which printing method to use for no-feel prints and which blanks should I use? that was posted in the General T-Shirt Selling Discussion section of the forums.
which printing method to use for no-feel prints and which blanks should I use? 
Except mine....
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