Hey, I've been out of the 'hands on' part of the industry for so long now that I see things have changed quite a bit in the manner in which shirts are printed. I just want a simplified breakdown of what different methods are now used, what are the drawbacks, what are the positives, etc. I am familiar with direct imprinting with plastisols which seems to be 'Old School' with what I'm seeing on sites like CafePress, Threadless, etc. Can somone tell me specific differences of like using Vinyl, Flock, Die Sublimation, whatever method Threadless uses, Transfer (laser and inkjet), what does CafePress use? Etc. I know direct with automatics is the way to go on production runs (1000's), or short runs with a manual press, but I'm just kind of confused on the other methods I see out there. Thanks in advance for any info.
Threadless screenprint, mostly with plastisol ink I think.
The core hasn't really changed. Screenprinting is still king, but now there are more options for ultra small runs (1-20), and technology that may take over one day (DTG). But for now... old school still works just fine if that's what you know.
If you want to know more about DTG, dye sublimation, etc. try reading some threads in each of those sections on the forums.
Threadless screenprint, mostly with plastisol ink I think.
Thanks for the info, I'll do some research. If Threadless is direct print, I wonder why they require so many specifics on how the design is produced, perhaps just to create the feeling that so many thousands of different design are created by a handful of people. They limit to 5 colors, no screens, no graduated fills, they seem to prefer designs lacking in tight registration...hell, you're handcuffed before you start. If you scan their catalogue there is a certain "sameness" in the feel of the designs.
I think I may also purchase shirts produced in the different methods just to get a feel of the 'hand' of the print. What I'm seeing on the racks these days in retail sure has a different appearance.
If Threadless is direct print, I wonder why they require so many specifics on how the design is produced
I think it's largely to keep their costs down; more need for those restrictions with screenprinting than, say, DTG. They also break their own rules occasionally.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tmacker
I think I may also purchase shirts produced in the different methods just to get a feel of the 'hand' of the print.
That would be a good idea.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tmacker
What I'm seeing on the racks these days in retail sure has a different appearance.
A lot of it is printed with waterbased inks or thinned down plastisol.
Screen print methods question 
Re: Screen print methods question 
