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T-shirt printing methods

When it comes to t-shirt printing, the main goal is getting the image to come out in the correct manner, creating a specific style. There are many options from which to choose in order to achieve the desired printing results.  Do you want to use dark or bright colours?  In order to answer the many questions that you have, you will want to have knowledge of the different types of t-shirt printing.  This article will explain some of the most common types of t-shirt printing methods.

One very popular form of t-shirt printing is screen printing.  A screen is produced using a frame of wood or aluminium, which a t-shirt can be stretched over.  There are areas of the screen that are made of non-permeable material.  This is what is used to form a stencil.  This will be the negative of the image.  The person operating through the procedure will begin with the fill bar that is located at the end of the screen, behind a reservoir of ink. The printer will then lift the screen so that the ink is not exposed to the shirt.  The fill bar is then pulled to the front of the screen.  This fills the mesh openings with ink.  It also moves the ink reservoir to the front of the screen. The operator then uses a squeegee type tool to move the mesh over the t-shirt.  The ink that is in the mesh opening is transferred to the t-shirt in a controlled way. As the squeegee moves toward the back of the screen, the tension of the mesh pulls it up away from the t-shirt. This will finish the process off, the ink being on the surface of the shirt.
 
Direct to garment printing, sometimes known as DTG, is a t-shirt printing method that prints an image onto a t-shirt directly using a modified inkjet printer.  The ink is printed directly on the shirt using the shape of the image.  This form of printing offers a wider variety of colours and a quicker turn-around time.
 
Heat transfer printing is a t-shirt printing process in which ink is transferred on a special paper, then to the t-shirt.  The ink is transferred using heat and pressure - an iron is often used on the paper until the image appears on the t-shirt.

There are other methods when it comes to t-shirt printing, but the aforementioned methods are the most popular methods used by companies today.

You can work with a t-shirts printing company to choose the best printing options for your shirt picture, or logo.  You can make it look professional for a work setting, or fun for your personal use.  There are many choices that you have today when it comes to designing T-shirts.  The colours, sizes and textures can differ widely.  This gives you the chance to be unique and stand out among the crowd.  If you have been thinking about having t-shirts printed, you will be amazed at what a good company can do for you.