So, you’ve got a fantastic design in mind and a bunch of plain t-shirts begging for some personality. But wait! How do you decide on the best printing method to bring your vision to life? Fear not...
May 30, 2024
Here are the key questions you need to ask when determining the right method for your project:
Knowing these details of your project will take the guesswork out of choosing the right printing method. Let's dive into a few of the most common methods and how we execute the printing process to make sure that your custom merchandise comes out just right.
The Project: Screen printing shines when it comes to large orders. This is simply because custom screens need to be made for each layer of the design. Screen printing is our bread and butter, and we think that it makes an impact on both the producer and consumer simply because it can timelessly represent a brand. Think event merchandise, bulk company t-shirts, or team uniforms. It’s cost-effective for high-volume runs, making it perfect for projects where quantity and consistency are key.
The Fabric: Screen printing is versatile and works well on most fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends. It’s especially effective on fabrics where the ink can sit on top without soaking in too much, providing vibrant, durable prints. With screen printing, you can use various water-based and specialty inks like puff, suede, and shimmer.
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A Note On Sustainability at Superior Ink Screen Printing, Denver CO: We know plastisol inks aren’t the most eco-friendly option due to their PVC content. That’s why we’ve committed to more sustainable screen printing practices. When we do screen printing at our shop in Denver, CO we use water-based inks, which are less harmful to the environment and provide a softer feel to the prints. Our water-based inks ensure that your designs not only look good but also feel good and are better for the planet. It's screen-printing you can feel good about.
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The Match: If your project involves large quantities and you’re working with a variety of fabrics, screen printing with water-based inks is your go-to. Any project with a high volume is perfect for screen printing. Pair it with our fulfillment through Superior Pack, and high-volume printing never felt so easy!
The Project: DTG is ideal for smaller orders and intricate designs. Whether you’re creating custom artwork, limited edition pieces, or samples, DTG provides high detail and unlimited color possibilities.
The Fabric: DTG loves cotton. This method works best on 100% cotton fabrics, providing a soft, smooth finish that blends seamlessly with the garment. Unfortunately, DTG can be a bit picky with other materials, especially polyester and blends. This can make it unreliable when it comes to consistency in printing on fabrics other than cotton.
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The Match: For detailed, colorful designs on cotton fabrics, DTG is the way to go. Superior Ink uses eco-friendly water-based inks in our DTG process, ensuring your designs are both stunning and sustainable.
The Project: Heat transfers are fantastic for small to medium-sized orders and complex designs. They’re great for projects needing quick turnarounds or for printing on items like hats, bags, and jackets, where other methods might struggle.
The Fabric: Heat transfers work well on a variety of fabrics, including those with waterproof coatings or heavy seams. This flexibility makes them a good choice for tricky items that don’t lend themselves well to traditional printing methods.
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The Match: If your project involves detailed designs on challenging fabrics, or you need a quick turnaround, heat transfers are your best bet. At Superior Ink, our heat transfers use water-based designs and recycled transfer paper, aligning with our commitment to sustainability. Super popular option for a lot of custom merch makers that are interested in a high-quality print without a high-quantity commitment.
The Project: Embroidery is perfect for adding a touch of class and durability to your designs. It’s ideal for corporate apparel, hats, bags, and any garment that needs a professional, high-quality finish. Embroidery excels in smaller designs like logos and text.
The Fabric: Embroidery works well on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, fleece, and even heavy materials like denim and canvas. However, very fine fabrics might not hold up as well under the needle.
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The Match: For projects that need a sophisticated look and feel, embroidery is the top choice. It’s durable and adds a premium touch to your garments. Plus, at Superior Ink, we use high-quality threads and meticulous techniques to ensure your designs stand out.
The Project: Custom patches are fantastic for adding a unique touch to various garments and accessories. They’re ideal for branding, uniforms, and promotional items, and can be attached by sewing or by heat-press.
The Fabric: Patches work well on sturdy fabrics like denim, canvas, and heavy cotton. They can also be applied to hats, bags, and outerwear, providing versatility across different products.
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The Match: If your project involves adding a standout, durable element to uniforms, promotional items, or fashion pieces, custom patches are the way to go. At Superior Ink, our custom patches are made with high-quality materials and precise detailing to ensure they make a lasting impression.
Choosing the right method isn’t just about the method itself—it’s about how well it marries with your fabric and project needs:
Each method has its strengths, so consider what works best for your project’s needs. And remember, at Superior Ink Printing in Denver, CO, we’re here to help you make the best choice and bring your designs to life with top-notch quality and a touch of fun. Plus, you can feel good knowing that your prints are produced with sustainability in mind. Happy printing!
