A common question on the forum is "What is considered a "quality" printing method?" or "What print method has a better quality printing? "X" or "Y"?" (insert printing methods).
I think listing the printing methods in order as to how they're "generally" perceived by the public and forum, too, will be really helpful.
Please help write this thread. If you think one process is better than another on the list, please add "why" to the thread. Everything you add will help to the quality of this thread, and aid in the sharing of knowledge and learning opportunities.
My disclaimer: This list is not a definitive list on quality ranking, just a general basic guideline. I know debates go on as to which is best, and for different reasons, each makes a valid point.
For anyone who is newer, not yet familiar with the various printing processes, are trying to decide which direction to take, or are looking for a basic informational introduction into print quality and how it is generally perceived, this list is for you:
Here you go on perceived QUALITY of printing method in order, with a brief description:
* Screen printing - The industry standard. Great for volume orders, can be very affordable in volume. Low quantity may be cost prohibitive due to screen/set up charges. Great quality, vibrant colors. Water based inks and discharge screen printing have a softer feel than plastisol screen printing.
* Plastisol transfers - The designs are screen printed with plastisol ink onto release paper that can be applied with a heat press as shirts are ordered. Same quality as plastisol screen printing. Have to be custom ordered unless you can screen print. Best pricing is in bulk orders. Good to gang designs on one sheet for price break when possible.
* DTG - Can print detailed designs with alot of colors, soft feel. Can do 1 offs affordably. DTG is costly to buy. Some Dtg printers mention issues with white ink. Images can look less vibrant than screened. Can do photo like images.
* Vinyl - Durable. Can layer vinyl for designs, up until a certain point, then it can become too heavy of a feel. Can layer in colors. Can do 1 offs affordably. Works on many fabrics. Using a different kind of vinyl - can add signs, banners, decals and more using your cutter.
* Sublimation dye - Works best on 100% polyester, dyes fabric = no hand, lasts. Ink is expensive. Light shirts. Can do photo like images. Can do 1 offs. Can add mugs, tiles and other hard substrates to product list.
* Laser transfers - Can cost a little more to get into than inkjet heat transfer, but I hear the cost per shirt is less to produce, making this process more affordable over time. There is a paper called Image clip that makes it possible to transfer to cotton, cotton blends without a window. Best for light shirts. Products for darks can be expensive, difficult. Can do photo like images. Can do 1 offs affordably.
* Inkjet heat transfers - Affordable to get into. Can do photo like images and 1 offs affordably. Alot of advances in quality due to a paper like Jetprosofstretch for lights. Printers are pretty cheap. Ink is cheap when bought at 3rd party generic ink suppliers. Bulk ink systems for the printer help add to affordability. Re-fill carts are easier to use (so they say.)
While this thread deals with the perceived quality of the print methods, I think it would be super helpful to hear from some owner/operators of the different print methods, asking them to highlight the pros and cons of their printing method. If anyone wants to volunteer, I think it was add so much to this thread, so please do so with my thanks.
Any and all input is appreciated and welcomed. Hearing from others on the quality of printing methods will only help other folks understand more about each printing method, and can help them decide which printing process is the right one for them.
I hope this helps answer some of those questions, best regards.
I think listing the printing methods in order as to how they're "generally" perceived by the public and forum, too, will be really helpful.
Please help write this thread. If you think one process is better than another on the list, please add "why" to the thread. Everything you add will help to the quality of this thread, and aid in the sharing of knowledge and learning opportunities.
My disclaimer: This list is not a definitive list on quality ranking, just a general basic guideline. I know debates go on as to which is best, and for different reasons, each makes a valid point.For anyone who is newer, not yet familiar with the various printing processes, are trying to decide which direction to take, or are looking for a basic informational introduction into print quality and how it is generally perceived, this list is for you:
Here you go on perceived QUALITY of printing method in order, with a brief description:
* Screen printing - The industry standard. Great for volume orders, can be very affordable in volume. Low quantity may be cost prohibitive due to screen/set up charges. Great quality, vibrant colors. Water based inks and discharge screen printing have a softer feel than plastisol screen printing.
* Plastisol transfers - The designs are screen printed with plastisol ink onto release paper that can be applied with a heat press as shirts are ordered. Same quality as plastisol screen printing. Have to be custom ordered unless you can screen print. Best pricing is in bulk orders. Good to gang designs on one sheet for price break when possible.
* DTG - Can print detailed designs with alot of colors, soft feel. Can do 1 offs affordably. DTG is costly to buy. Some Dtg printers mention issues with white ink. Images can look less vibrant than screened. Can do photo like images.
* Vinyl - Durable. Can layer vinyl for designs, up until a certain point, then it can become too heavy of a feel. Can layer in colors. Can do 1 offs affordably. Works on many fabrics. Using a different kind of vinyl - can add signs, banners, decals and more using your cutter.
* Sublimation dye - Works best on 100% polyester, dyes fabric = no hand, lasts. Ink is expensive. Light shirts. Can do photo like images. Can do 1 offs. Can add mugs, tiles and other hard substrates to product list.
* Laser transfers - Can cost a little more to get into than inkjet heat transfer, but I hear the cost per shirt is less to produce, making this process more affordable over time. There is a paper called Image clip that makes it possible to transfer to cotton, cotton blends without a window. Best for light shirts. Products for darks can be expensive, difficult. Can do photo like images. Can do 1 offs affordably.
* Inkjet heat transfers - Affordable to get into. Can do photo like images and 1 offs affordably. Alot of advances in quality due to a paper like Jetprosofstretch for lights. Printers are pretty cheap. Ink is cheap when bought at 3rd party generic ink suppliers. Bulk ink systems for the printer help add to affordability. Re-fill carts are easier to use (so they say.)
While this thread deals with the perceived quality of the print methods, I think it would be super helpful to hear from some owner/operators of the different print methods, asking them to highlight the pros and cons of their printing method. If anyone wants to volunteer, I think it was add so much to this thread, so please do so with my thanks.
Any and all input is appreciated and welcomed. Hearing from others on the quality of printing methods will only help other folks understand more about each printing method, and can help them decide which printing process is the right one for them.
I hope this helps answer some of those questions, best regards.
