First of all I would like to apologise for my English - you know I'm from eastern Europe ;]
I'm thinking about opening a Internet store with political t shirts and I have no idea witch printing method should I choose. I'm planing to have many different designes (mostly things like that - http://www.demockratees.com), so I will not be printing huge numbers of each shirt. What the best printing method would be for me? I was thinking about heat transfers. I don't have much money - maybe 2000$ for a start.
Thanks for answer Matt. Still I have another question, witch might sound stupid to you but certainly isn't stupid for me ;] Is it possible to print a simple white text on black t-shirt using heat transfer method?
No descriptions for the classics? Like embroidered or airbrushed apparel?
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Originally Posted by Unik Ink
Screen printing uses "ink" not "paint".
In that poster's defense, many screenprinters produce shirts that feel like they've been painted with a roller.
Quote:
Originally Posted by printpuller
where can I find info on dye sublimation on cotton, poly seems to sweat to much
Many of the new poly garments have wicking capabilities that actually make them cooler than cotton. Check out Vapor Apparel. Their Basic T's are indistinguishable from cotton, take to sublimation very well, and are arguably more comfortable than comparably priced shirts from the popular cotton manufacturers (like American Apparel).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tallryn
Is it possible to print a simple white text on black t-shirt using heat transfer method?
Heat transfer vinyls (like Thermoflex Plus) are perfect for what you describe.
hi, I've been reading with interest as I'm a newbie to T-shirt 'printing'. I think I'd like to work with vinyl as my wife has a plotter cutter for her business. It also suits the stencil style designs I produce using a max of two colours (one usually being the shirt itself).
Are there pitfalls I should be aware of? I'll be producing very small numbers to dip my toe and satisfy a long harboured desire to produce my own t's!
If a printer knows what they are doing with dtg, it is not dull at all. I have been printing for a while with my hm1 and in no way are my prints dull. They actually are very vibrant
it took me a long time to read through everything and then finally decide on plastisol. i really think it's the best one to use if you're starting out. it's relatively inexpensive and you get quality results
i have printed every method(yes...I have)on every kind of equipment for over 27 years. You can call me 'Grandpa' for 10 bucks!!! I find that IF(and it is a big if as so many invest way to much in un smart set-ups)you have an ACCURATE(the most important thing in SP)press and the RIGHT knowledge in the support steps(coating and exposing screens for what YOU want to do)you will get the best and most cost effective result in using direct screen printing. You can print for a heavy feel or for a very light feel. There is so much that goes into it and you can very much complicate ANY of these processes(which can not be summed up in a paragraphs)by leaving out even ONE key element. I have worked with private people on/with all kinds of print processes and I assure you that the person who can make the most of the least is better off than the person who thinks that since they bought all the 'right stuff' and read the right books will get the best results. I have seen big shops that were physically able to do much more than their knowledge or skills let them. SP will always be based in a persons willingness to learn the right things BEFORE they buy into ANYTHING or too much. You will no doubt end up trying any or all of these before YOU know which you really prefer? If you can hang in there that long?
I meet VERY intelligent people who have researched SP 'to death' and they still do not know what they need to. Practice and patience with whichever process you choose will be valuable for your first project or for one you decide to do later. Their is no magic bullet style of printing...which is why so many variations exist. But given my own expeirences I would say that direct screen printing is the central skill and the most cost efficient generally. Those who have practiced to the point of basic comfort and or beyond to true proficience will tell you that even a one color and small sized order can still be best cost effective using direct. Conversely...if you are tripping and cussing over coating a screen; mass pin holes or have no clue as to "why my screen did not come out!?' you have some serious issues before you evenopen a can of ink. Screen printing does not start with screen printing. If you are looking for INSTANT ease...may be slapping a transfer on a shirt will be the best for you. Or do you want to develop the skill that can save you money when transfers would cost too much and take too long to do? You are asking the questions and you will get many responses. You will NOT get a definitive answer. it does not exist. You will only know by choosing one and going with it. Each one is it's own process and only the practice in it will take you to the place to decide what you want to do. There is no 'toe in the water' approach to SP that will really enlighten you. So many people think that SP is easier than it often is. so many people make it harder and more expensive than it needs to be. Some of the Biggest names in SP are some of the LAST you should listen to. I am happy for what I know but I will tell you as you enter and grow in it...you WILL get told a lot that is erroneous and you WILL waste money and time. We all have who have been in it for long. I make my living doing my best to change that for as many as I can. yet I make a little dent, I am sure, to what the big names are doing. In the end, it will come down to YOU...the inks...the equipment and you will know what you need to for YOUR project, or not. Thankful for the forums(especially because I so much dig people that do and like what I do!). It/screen printing will be a 'ride' no matter what forums you read, or what direction you choose. Zen...anger management...good t-shirt suppliers...they all go together! Ha! Enjoy!!!
Last edited by youtees; May 19th, 2008 at 11:02 AM.
This is a discussion about Pros and Cons of Each T-Shirt Printing Method that was posted in the General T-Shirt Selling Discussion section of the forums.
Re: Pros and Cons of Each Shirt Imaging Method 
Re: Pros and Cons of Each T-Shirt Printing Method 
