Whether you’re a designer, a business owner, or a brand looking for ways to personalize your apparel, there are many different options out there. The right custom apparel print shop will be able to help you make informed decisions so you can get exactly what you want for your brand’s custom clothing.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is a common custom t-shirt customization method that allows you to create intricate, vibrant designs that can last for a long time. However, it is an expensive customization option and can be difficult to learn. It is best suited to printing large orders of t-shirts, and the number of colors in your design will determine how much it costs to print.
This printing method involves burning each color of a design onto a fine-mesh screen, which is then applied to the shirt to transfer the ink. The design is then printed on each t-shirt in sequence, layer by layer. This process is extremely labor-intensive and requires a lot of prep work before each print can be completed. If you’re a large company or business, you may want to hire a professional printer to handle your orders. Alternatively, you can look for a reputable Salt Lake City printing company that can take care of your needs.
Direct to Garment Printers
Direct to garment (DTG) printers are similar to a screen printer, but the main difference is that instead of using a screen to create the design, a digital printer is used. It is a relatively new technology that has revolutionized the apparel industry.
DTG printing is usually recommended for full-color designs that include a lot of details, such as textures or fine lines. This type of printing is also ideal for creating high-resolution images and can be highly effective on a variety of fabrics.
Special Effects Inks
There are many specialty inks and additives that can be used to add texture, shines, sparkles, or glows to a t-shirt design. Some of the most popular options are:
Glitter Inks
Using glitter inks can give your design a very unique look and feel. They are often used in combination with other colors and can be created in many different shapes, including diamonds, triangles, circles, and squares.
Texturized Inks
Adding a bit of texture to your design can really enhance your custom apparel product’s appearance. Generally, textured inks use a pigment-based ink that is dyed into the fabric before being printed on it. They can be found in a wide variety of colors and are ideal for making your custom t-shirt stand out from the rest.
Puff Inks
These inks expand while being cured, giving your custom clothing design a soft, raised appearance. These inks are a good choice for printing on light-colored shirts and can be found in a wide range of colors.
Water-Based Inks
Water-based inks are a great choice for printed t-shirts because they’re easier to clean than plastisol inks and they are less likely to fade with washing. They can be found in a wide range of shades and are suitable for a variety of fabrics, but they aren’t as vibrant as plastisol inks.
Discharge Inks
Another type of ink that’s used to print on dark-colored shirts is discharge inks. These inks chemically remove the color from the pigment of the fabric, so they aren’t as vibrant as a plastisol ink, but they still have the ability to show up on the shirt.