T-shirt printing is a popular and affordable service today. Let's look at ways to print images on fabric and determine the file requirements for this. After all, proper file preparation is the key to a high-quality final item with an image. In the article we will also highlight the pros and cons of printing methods on T-shirts.
Let's start with a method that is very common today, suitable for most private orders.
Direct printing on T-shirts (digital textile printing)
This method of printing on a T-shirt involves direct printing without intermediate image carriers.
Image transfer is similar to conventional printing on paper, but requires a different printing block and inks that can be reliably adhered to the fabric.
The undoubted advantage of direct printing on a T-shirt is the ability to print images on dark media. A primer is used as a substrate before applying a color image.
The image can withstand more than 60 washes without significant loss of quality, and this is a very good indicator!
The composition of the fabric is also good news - printing is possible on 100% cotton. They also use 95% cotton and 5% lycra. In general, printing is possible on any fabric that can withstand heat setting at an average temperature of 150 degrees (for example, linen, jute, jeans, canvas tarpaulin, chintz and others).
Suitable for:
Photographic.
File requirements:
Pros:
- high resistance to washing
- printing on colored objects
- inexpensive print from one copy
Minuses:
- Not a widespread technology yet, but easily available to order online
Screen printing on T-shirts
a method of transferring graphic images using a stencil, through which ink is applied alternately in layers to the printed material. Made before printing printed forms- stencils. This technology makes it possible to achieve excellent abrasion resistance and the ability to obtain a thick paint layer of color. Also, with silk-screen printing, special effects are available for use - glitter (spangles), three-dimensional printing, imitation of velvet or rubber.
Suitable for: drawings, logos, inscriptions.
Received image quality: bright rich colors
File requirements: specially prepared vector and raster files
Pros:
- good durable paints
- cheap technology for large quantities
Minuses:
- labor-intensive and expensive technology for small runs
Printing on T-shirts with flex films (FLEX printing)
The applied image is cut out of a single-color, very thin film on a cutting plotter and glued to the fabric under high temperature. The technology is intended for applying 1-5 color images, such as inscriptions and simple logos. The range of colors and textures of films allows you to develop very interesting prints. The image applied using flex films is almost eternal - the film does not wear off or fade, it is only afraid of an aggressive environment (for example, it dissolves in alcohol). The printing mechanism is similar to making an appliqué from pieces of colored paper. With this method, photographic image quality cannot be achieved. In addition, it happens that studios refuse to print complex images with small details, because... this becomes a labor-intensive process.
Suitable for: simple drawings, logos, inscriptions.
Received image quality: bright colors without halftone transitions
File requirements: vector files, scale 1:1, open and intersecting contours are not allowed, lines must have the smallest thickness (hairline), text is converted to curves, font size 25 pt (about 10 mm), sans serif fonts are recommended for small sizes.
Pros:
- High color quality
- Clear contours
- Printing on colored fabrics
- High resistance to streaking and fading
Minuses:
- Cannot print photographic images
Sublimation printing on T-shirts
The paint is first applied to an intermediate medium (sublimation paper or film) and then transferred to the surface to be painted under the influence of temperature and pressure. At the same time, the paint goes into a gaseous state and, as it were, settles into the fabric. The image is stable and has excellent photographic quality. The best results are only available for fabrics containing at least 65% synthetic (mainly polyester) fiber. The higher the cotton content in the material, the more the image fades when washed. The dyed fabric does not lose its elasticity; when it is stretched, the paint layer does not break. There are special two-layer T-shirts for sublimation: cotton inside, synthetic on top.
Today, sublimation printing with high final quality is not available for dark fabrics.
Note: There are machines for direct sublimation printing, where the dye is applied directly to the product. The ink particles are instantly heated by the print head and mix when they transform into a gas state, penetrating deeply into the structure of the printed material.
It is possible to implement the method of sublimation printing on fabric at home. The main difficulty is to evenly press the entire printed area with a household iron. This can be done successfully if only the area of the pattern is no larger than the area of the sole of the iron. Otherwise, there is a risk of an uneven print of the image. The pressure on the material must be strong enough. You also need to take into account the temperature and holding time during transfer. Average temperature 180-210 degrees Aim with a holding time of 30-60 seconds. These values are individual and depend on the structure and thickness of the fabric, the thickness of the paper and the characteristics of the ink. At the same time, they use special ink and special paper for sublimation printing.
Suitable for: photographs, drawings, logos, inscriptions
Received image quality: full color photographic
File requirements:
raster files: PNG, JPG, GIF, PSD formats; color mode RGB, CMYK; size 2340x3310 px (for size A3) resolution 200 dpi.
vector files: EPS 8 formats version; CMYK model; objects without stroke; the text is converted to curves; Mesh fills and gradients are not allowed (replacement with bitmap).
Pros:
- full color high quality image
- durability
- elasticity (stretches without cracking)
- the image is imperceptible to the touch
- it is possible to implement the method at home
Minuses:
- not suitable for natural fabrics
- poor print quality on colored items.
Printing on T-shirts using thermal transfer. Thermal transfer(thermal transfer).
a method of printing on a T-shirt from special paper using a heat press. Thermal transfer paper is paper coated with a transparent film onto which an image is printed. The application is then transferred to the fabric using heat.
When printing on dark fabrics, a white transfer film is used, which after printing must be cut along the contour and only then transferred to the T-shirt. The image is quite durable, but it is still not recommended to wash the products in washing machines. Moreover, based on experience, printing on colored fabrics is more durable than on white fabrics.
The thermal transfer method can be successfully implemented at home using an iron. Especially for this, there is thermal transfer paper for printing on home inkjet and laser printers.
Suitable for: photographs, drawings, logos, inscriptions.
Received image quality: photographic.
File requirements: high resolution raster files, vector files.
Pros:
- full color high quality image
- possibility of making at home
- suitable for colored fabrics
Minuses:
- The picture is not durable enough for machine wash
- A film is applied to the fabric, which is very noticeable to the touch.
Summary
Image files must be prepared before you can print an image on an item. Requirements for files depend on the method of applying the image to the item.
Each of the described printing methods is good in its own way, and you need to choose a printing method depending on your specific goals. To print large quantities of the same print, it is of course better to use silk-screen printing. And for printing a logo or inscription on a work or sports uniform - FLEX printing. Flex is also used in promotional clothing. By the way, fans of rock bands and various communities of interests actively order the preparation of vector logo files for Flex printing on the site.
If you need a T-shirt with a print in a single copy, we recommend Direct to fabric printing (DTG). Today it is the most suitable way to print on T-shirts made from natural fabrics.
Note: the article indicates the most common indicators of the requirements of printing studios for files for printing on an object. However, some studios may have different requirements. Therefore, always check the file requirements exactly where you plan to print. When ordering the “ ” service, please provide these requirements and the selected printing method. By default, we prepare files in accordance with the requirements set out in the article.
Of all the options for printing on fabric, the most popular is printing on t-shirts. Branded items are used as:
- casual clothes;
- element of corporate style;
- souvenirs;
- presentation/handout material for various events.
Printing technologies
T-shirts are printed using different technologies. Let's write briefly about the most popular ones.
Digital
Direct digital printing is a progressive technology for transferring a pattern quickly and without intermediate steps. Suitable for working with small runs and single items.
Advantages:
- high quality, gradient fills, detailed detailing;
- no restrictions on the choice of fabric;
- Print resistance to washing/ultraviolet radiation.
Flaws:
- T-shirt/fabric hand wash only;
- not suitable for large print runs;
- pre-press preparation required.
With digital printing there are no restrictions on colors and shades
Sublimation
Another name is direct screen printing. Suitable for circulations of 50-100,000 copies or more. The drawings are clear. When producing batches of 200 pieces or more, the cost is reduced.
Two types of paints are used: plastisol and water-based. They come with different effects:
- designs with sparkles - glitters;
- image on dark fabric - etched paints;
- volumetric patterns - foam;
- gloss effect, gilding, silvering - metallized.
Sublimation t-shirt printing technology is only suitable for light-colored synthetics. The pattern is transferred to special paper, and then to the material using a heat press. At high temperature Ink evaporates and penetrates the fibers of the fabric, coloring it.
A high-quality print will be obtained on fabric with a synthetic content of about 65%. The higher the proportion of cotton, the faster the print fades when washed.
The sublimation process requires the following equipment:
- heat press - with its help, the paint turns into a gas and is transferred to the material, giving it a given color;
- computer/laptop - for searching, editing, printing images;
- printer - inkjet models are suitable, for example, 4- or 6-color Epson;
- paint - sublimation ink, absorbed into the fibers of the fabric under the influence of temperature;
- CISS - ensure continuous supply of ink to the printer;
- paper is an intermediate carrier with a loose surface, when heated, the pores expand, absorb the dye, then the paper cools, the pores close and keep the color inside.
As images, raster (RGB / CMYK, with a resolution of 200 dpi) or vector images (CMYK, mesh filling is not allowed, bitmap replacement is not allowed).
Industrial sublimation printer FT-1904X
Advantages:
- no restrictions on image resolution/colors;
- durability of the pattern (at least 50 washes), UV protection - the ink penetrates the fabric,
- becomes part of the fiber;
- practicality of the product - the T-shirt can be ironed, the pattern will not be damaged;
- low cost.
Flaws:
- fabric restrictions - only synthetic;
- high price;
- duration of the manufacturing process.
Sublimation technology for printing on T-shirts is one of the most affordable in terms of the price of the finished product. The average price range is from 10 (one-color printing, a batch of 50,000 pieces) to 200 rubles (full-color patterns, small circulation).
Silkscreen printing
Performed both in a printing house and at home. To work you will need a mesh stretched over a frame, ink, and a stencil. The pattern is obtained by pressing. Silk-screen printing is used when printing on T-shirts with various effects on fabric is required:
- fluorescent patterns;
- designs in gold and silver;
- volumetric ornaments;
- printing reflective images/inscriptions on a T-shirt; 3D, glitters.
The average circulation is from 50 to several thousand units. The larger the circulation, the lower the price.
Silk-screened photos of Homer and Margery
Advantages:
- low cost;
- high speed;
- image durability;
- the ability to create various special effects;
- compactness of the equipment used.
Flaws:
- difficulty in printing photographs;
- duration of preparation;
- application of identical patterns throughout the entire batch of products.
Silk-screen printing is suitable for applying inscriptions, logos and pictures in small print runs. Specially processed vector and raster files are used.
Thermal decal
The color film is cut on a plotter and assembled into a single pattern by analogy with the application. The carrier is fixed to the T-shirt using a heat press. The technology is optimal for applying small inscriptions/logos.
Advantages:
- a wide selection of films of different colors and textures;
- printing on T-shirts of any color - the shade of the fabric does not reduce the saturation of the image.
Flaws:
- long term;
- the complexity of the procedure.
The drawing is voluminous and clear
Thermal transfer technology
Modern indirect printing method. Special transfer paper is used. The pattern is transferred to the fabric using a heat press, or less often, an iron. High-resolution vector and raster files are suitable as source images.
You can print on transfer paper using silk-screen printing or, less commonly, offset.
Advantages:
- multicolor pattern;
- duration of storage of transfers;
- high speed;
- minimal restrictions on the choice of fabric.
Flaws:
- lengthy preparation/setup of equipment;
- impossibility of printing different images within the circulation.
T-shirt printing equipment
The choice of equipment depends on the technology. For sublimation you will need a printer:
- manual - easy to use, inexpensive, suitable for home use/small runs, cost - from 35,000 rubles;
- semi-automatic - the possibility of drying the T-shirt during the intermediate stage of the process is provided, cost - from 60,000 rubles;
- automatic - labor costs are minimal, all processes are debugged, printing speed is high, cost - from 150,000 rubles.
For iron-on you will need a digital/inkjet printer and a heat press. At home, it can be replaced with an iron.
Thermal transfer uses:
- PC/laptop with graphic editor;
- printer and scanner;
- sublimation press - vertically folding (inexpensive, easy to operate) or rotary.
Direct digital printing requires an inkjet printer.
Digital printer for printing on fabrics
You can see how digital printing on T-shirts works in this video:
Results
- Each printing technology has its own advantages. Choose based on your goals/circulation.
- Sublimation and silk screen printing are suitable for applying pictures with a circulation of more than 1,000 pieces. For single orders, the cost will increase significantly.
- For batches up to 50 units - thermal transfer technology. It is also suitable when applying a pattern where direct printing on a T-shirt is not possible.
- For urgent printing - printer transfer. The resulting image will not be very durable.
- Images are prepared taking into account the requirements of a specific printing technology.
- The type of equipment also depends on the specific technology.
A t-shirt with a slogan or a funny picture can be a great holiday gift for friends or a loved one. A unique present from the heart will delight your loved ones, emphasize their originality and personal qualities.
Special textile printer
This highly specialized device works on the principle inkjet printer. The T-shirt is put on a special movable table that extends into the printer. After drawing the picture, the paint is fixed in a drying device or under a heat press. Most often used for printing on T-shirts white, since colored things need an additional white backing under the picture.
The use of this technology allows you to quickly prepare a T-shirt for printing, apply a high-resolution drawing, and change the image for different products. But there are also disadvantages textile printing: high cost and “slowness” of the printer. You will have to spend from 5 to 20 minutes for each piece, so this method is only used for a small number of T-shirts.
Indirect printing on a printer
This type of textile printing can have two options. The first involves sublimation printing technology, which is carried out with special ink on paper, after which the image transfers to the T-shirt fabric under the influence of temperature. The transferred pattern does not feel different to the touch; this type of printing on T-shirts can only be used for polyester products.
The second option is also called “magic touch” technology, it consists in the fact that a drawing or an inscription is first applied to a special film, and then glued to the thing itself using a heat press. In appearance, the finished drawing resembles a sticker; in this case, cotton t-shirts must be used for successful printing.
Thermal application (flex, flock)
This fabric printing technology is more suitable for creating simple lettering and company logos. It involves assembling multi-colored pictures like appliqué; the image is glued to clothing using a heat press. Flex allows you to select original textured films (for example, metallic, smooth, velvety), while the color of the T-shirt does not affect the color of the applied image.
Silk screen printing on fabric
Silk-screen printing is an industrial technology for applying inscriptions and drawings to fabric. To transfer textile paints, special stencils are used for each color. Colors are applied sequentially, and the thickness of the paint layer can be changed. Used for silk-screen printing different types paints, including luminous and metallic ones.
This type of T-shirt printing is convenient for a large number of products (from 50 pieces). It is produced quickly, has a low cost, and the design is distinguished by its quality and durability. However, among the disadvantages of silk-screen printing are the duration of preparation for printing, the impossibility of applying variable information, as well as some restrictions when printing photographs and raster graphics.
Thermal transfer
This method of printing on T-shirts is also more profitable to use for large quantities of products. To implement this, first apply offset printing or silk-screen printing, resulting in “decals.” Application to textiles is done using an iron or heat press. Only paint remains on the T-shirt, without creating the feeling of a sticker.
This type of T-shirt printing allows you to apply multi-color images to any fabric. Thermal transfers themselves are stored for a long time, the printing speed is high, and the cost, on the contrary, is low. However, it can take a long time to prepare for printing, and it is also impossible to apply variable information.
Each method of printing on T-shirts has its own characteristics that must be taken into account when choosing the appropriate option. It all depends on circulation. required quality, the complexity of the images, the type of fabric and dyes used, as well as the period within which your order must be completed.
How to get 30% profit in just a year on 40 thousand? Invest these funds in printing on clothes, or simply on fabric. This capital will be enough to open a printing house with own equipment, monthly costs for materials and workers. It also plays into the hands of the fact that the demand for such a product still exceeds the market supply, so there is a place for those who wish. Today they print on anything, even .
The total market volume of products printed on textiles is difficult to estimate. After all, the number of such products increases many times during political campaigns or mass celebrations, and the manufacturers of these products are not known for certain. There is a belief that every political force or other powerful organization has its own printing house, which it uses for its needs.
Case evaluation
In general, according to the assumptions of printers, the market for products printed on textiles is estimated at approximately $5 million. The global financial crisis has significantly affected the state of the market. It sank by about 40% and has still not recovered to its previous volume. Surprisingly, there is little competition, and demand still exceeds supply, publishers say.
If another company appears that provides a narrow segment of services, other printers will not suffer. No clearly defined market players who could lay claim to a monopoly or oligopoly were found. There is simply a concept of exclusivity for certain product categories.
According to market rumors, it is high-ranking officials who own printing houses that have the right to print such goods. But we note that today it is better not to invest money in opening a newspaper printing house, as experts say that this area refers to businesses that will disappear in 10 years.
It is possible to enter the market, and it is also possible to become successful. However, you should immediately understand the specifics of your company. The market already has quite strong specialists in printing on T-shirts and umbrellas, however, there is still a shortage of printers on workwear or sweaters.
Important business details
The image is applied to any surface using screen printing. Based on the technology, a print is obtained by passing paint under pressure through the printing elements of a screen form using a printing squeegee. This technology was invented centuries ago and was popularly called “printing through silk”, or silk-screen printing.
Unlike other types of printing, screen printing makes it possible to print various image formats, on materials of various thicknesses and structures, as well as on products various shapes. Thanks to this, the range of services that can be provided with a screen printing machine is quite wide, and the costs of materials are lower than in other traditional printing areas. At the same time, the quality finished products doesn't suffer. The image remains stable to various stimuli.
In our country, mass silk screen printing began in the mid-90s. Then an industrial stencil was made and the image was applied to the fabric using paint. Now used
automatic machines that can produce up to 5 thousand impressions per day. But the process itself, according to printers, is long and expensive. If there is no constant client flow, or circulations of less than five thousand prints are ordered, the business may turn out to be unprofitable.
Over the years, printing technology on various fabrics has improved, today there are extremely advanced technologies, new machines are constantly appearing that can print images quickly on a wide variety of materials.
Exclusive on fabric
In order not to be tied to the need for numerous circulations, printers use another method of printing on canvas, which makes it possible to quickly and successfully produce single or exclusive items. This is the so-called thermal transfer technology, the operating principle of which is similar to silk screen printing technology.
The service of printing images on T-shirts sells better on the mass market, printers say. And this is logical, because almost everyone wears T-shirts. In addition, they are suitable for printing experiments - they can be printed with the largest number of colors and images. In addition, printing on a T-shirt is almost half the price than printing on workwear, so the finished product is more accessible to customers.
Initial Investment
Entry into the business is quite low. The simplest machine for applying images on textiles in one color can be bought for 1.5 – 2 thousand euros. It can produce up to 600 prints per day, print on various materials– T-shirts, sweaters, jackets, etc. In addition, the machine is universal - you can also work on paper. Note that the famous one became popular thanks to the sale of T-shirts with a funny inscription.
To open a company that can carry out orders on a larger scale than printing in one color, you need expensive equipment. According to market participants, it will cost $10-15 thousand, and will provide an opportunity to create a full-fledged printing company with a specialization in textile printing. Usually, it is better to have several machines. This is a guarantee of higher capital turnover. However, there is another side to the coin. Even under such conditions, it will still be impossible to produce large quantities of products.
In total, according to market operators, these costs can range from $10 – 20 thousand. Therefore, to enter an average printing business you need a maximum of $40 thousand (however, this amount can be reduced by assessing the needs of the future company).
Calculation of payback and profitability
The optimal circulation for silk screen printing machines is 50 – 5000 pieces. The smaller the circulation, the higher the cost of manufactured products. Therefore, you immediately need to weigh which client to target. If the machines are constantly loaded, the payback period for the enterprise will take six months to a year. Business profitability can be more than 30%.
You can create smaller-scale printing houses, specializing in a narrow segment of services. For example, opening a company that dealt only with exclusive thermal printing would cost $15 thousand. Profitability can be increased if you specialize in large quantities of products. But this line of activity is a double-edged barbed wire. On the one hand, you need a permanent, reliable customer, and if you lose him, you lose your business. On the other hand, there is a large volume of work, thanks to which investments can be recouped in just a quarter of a year. But equipment suitable for quickly applying large quantities of textile products costs more - from $50 thousand.
Because of these factors, there are dozens of small companies specializing in the coloring of textile products on the market. There are chances to open your own printing house and make it profitable. After all, there is constant demand and competition is still insignificant.
Typically, the cost of products printed on canvas depends on the size, shape, amount of materials used, circulation, color, and the like. Therefore, it is difficult to announce exact prices. For example, we can take the most popular position – printing on T-shirts. An image within 20 × 30 cm will cost an average of $1.5 per piece. But in order for production not to be unprofitable, the minimum possible circulation is often set.
Loading...