Let’s dissect two digital shirt printing methods to kick start your own t-shirt line.
Sublimation Printing
• Process
It is also known as dye-printing, dye-sublimation, and all-over printing. The design is printed on a special sheet of paper which is used to transfer image onto the fabric. This technique uses heat sensitive inks that into gas when heat is applied. Sublimation printers are available with four, six, or eight color models.
• Shirt fabric
Sublimation printing works best with 100% polyester fabric. It’s preferable that the fabric is pre-shrunk to avoid shrinking when heat is applied.
• Pros
- extensive color option
- maximum detail in design
- seam-to-seam / all-over design
- cost efficient for small quantities
• Cons
- not cost effective for large batches
- no volume discount
- limited design placement (but not as limited as DTG)
- limited fabric option
DTG (Direct to Garment)
• Process
A specialized printer directly applies ink onto the shirt with inkjet technology. Think of it as your typical printer, but instead of using paper, fabrics are used. Specialty inks are absorbed by the fibers of the garment. It handles detailed designs with a wide color range.
• Shirt fabric
DTG works best on high-quality 100% cotton tees. Final output varies depending on the type of fabric used.
• Pros
- extensive color options
- maximum detail in design
- suitable for small batches
- minimal upfront investment
- easily customized design
• Cons
- not cost effective for extremely large batches
- no volume discounts
- limited design placement
- limited fabric option
-2.jpg)
