Discuss the different types of equipment needed for screen printing. Topics include manual screen printing presses, automatic presses, dryers, folding machines, starter kits and high end machines.
Hey everyone,
A friend referred me to this forum, everyone seems to be very helpful. I am looking to print photos onto dark colored tee shirts, and would like to know the best way to do this. The shirts will be for sale, and I am looking to make them as cheaply as possible. Should I be screen printing, or should I be heat transferring? Any other options? Thanks in advance
Hey everyone,
A friend referred me to this forum, everyone seems to be very helpful. I am looking to print photos onto dark colored tee shirts, and would like to know the best way to do this. The shirts will be for sale, and I am looking to make them as cheaply as possible. Should I be screen printing, or should I be heat transferring? Any other options? Thanks in advance
Evan
Are these color photo's? If so, look for a DTG printer.
They are color photos of graffiti from the 70's (35mm slides have been scanned and retouched). I have heard that DTG printers are very costly, can a heat press and transfer paper do this job?
You can use transfer paper, though for dark garments you're usually left with a "heavy" print and if there are any blank areas in the design (like where the shirt will show through) you'll have to cut them out before pressing the design onto the shirt.
You can screen print them using a simulated process technique, other than that DTG is the way to go but is more costly if you're printing bulk.
Thanks PWear.
If I am to print onto transfer paper, should i be using an Inkjet or Laser printer? What suggestions or advice do you have in this regard?
So screen printing photos isn't the way to go about it I assume?
Screenprinting is a great way to go.
You just have to have a lot of equipment and software, for starters...
Simulated process is the way to go.
That's what I do.
You'll need a press that can do micro adjustments and the more colors the better, I have a 8/4, Photoshop or similar,RIP software, color sep software, exposure unit, raster printer for the halftone films, screens, emulsion, flash dryer, conveyor dryer, pressure washer, ink, chemicals, etc..........
So you have to ask yourself how committed you want/can be....
How much you can invest in the equipment...
there's a ton to learn...........
You said that you want to do these to sell, so they have to look cool and be high quality...
Transfers look like transfers, not high end.....
I know what you mean about it all seeming so overwhelming.......there is a lot to it.
Good luck to you
You're ahead of the game by asking before you buy.
smart move.
In your case I would suggest, that you sub it out to an established screen printer,and just add on your markup.
Or get some plastisol transfers made for you and just heat press them.
Just my opinion.
thank you for the advice Celtic. My biggest problem with screenprinting these is that each photo has plenty of tones, and as my friend put it, I may not want to have a "windmill" of screens hanging around.
I was considering getting a printer to do it, and I am sure that here in NY there are plenty of capable places.
The first run is going to be of 100 shirts, 5 different photos (1 on each, so 20 of each one)
It will be pricey because of the number of colors needed to "simulate" a full-color photo (hence, simulated process). If you can get away with doing these on white shirts, you can use Jetpro SofStretch paper and heat transfer them in one step with no heavy "feel" to the print.
The first run is going to be of 100 shirts, 5 different photos (1 on each, so 20 of each one)
evan
At 100 shirts total, you might consider finding a contract DTG printer. I would compare contracting digital heat transfers to DTG and see which one might fit your budget. Also I would get samples before I made any decision. Once you see product from the different printing methods, it might help finalize your decision.
I just spoke with a guy in the street about his t-shirts. He uses rubber and heat presses. According to him the quality is a lot better then transferring.
Unfortunately I didn't...He didn't really seem like he wanted to answer many questions or chat about it. I felt the quality and it was very nice with good quality.
Printing photos onto tee shirts 
