Printing Methods
For applying images, we currently use three printing methods – heat transfer, direct-to-garment printing, and DTF printing. Each of these methods has its own features and is optimal for specific tasks. After receiving the technical specifications for the print, our manager will suggest the best option for your order. Of course, if the print can be done in several ways, we will use the method you prefer. Below is a brief description of each printing method.
Direct To Garment Printing (DTG)
DTG (Direct To Garment) printing is a technology where the image is printed directly onto the garment using a specialized textile printer. Textile inks are used for printing. When printing on white fabrics, only colored inks are used, and the fabric at the print location remains soft, with the image not felt to the touch. Printing on colored fabrics is a bit more complex. First, the fabric is treated with a special liquid – a primer. Then, white inks are printed, acting as a base layer. Finally, colored inks are printed on top of the white inks. Therefore, printing on colored fabrics is more expensive, and the image is felt to the touch because the layer of ink is quite thick.
For printing, we use EPSON F2100 textile printers and original EPSON textile inks.
The main advantage of this printing method is the almost complete absence of limitations in terms of image complexity. It is possible to print images with any colors, gradients, and blurred outlines. The main limitation concerns the fabric composition. It should be either cotton or cotton with a small amount of synthetic fibers.
Advantages and possibilities
● No limitations on the complexity of the image● The fabric in the print area remains soft compared to film and DTF printing and "breathes," meaning it allows air to pass through● No special file formats are required for the designs. A file in any raster format (JPG, PNG, etc.) is sufficient● High image detail
Disadvantages and limitations
● The cost of printing on colored fabrics is quite high. The price is due to both the high cost of materials (primer, inks) and the labor-intensive process● Sensitivity to the fabric composition in terms of synthetic content● This is a labor-intensive and not very fast printing method. Therefore, even for large quantities, the price will not compare to the cost of film printing or screen printing ● Large solid color fills may not be completely even and may have defects● Over time, as the fabric stretches during wear and washing, cracks may form in the image
Direct To Film Printing (DTF)
DTF (Direct To Film) printing is a technology where the image is printed with textile inks, like in direct-to-garment printing, but through an intermediate carrier. The image is printed on a special film in mirror reflection and in reverse order. First, the color is printed, then white ink is applied on top, followed by textile heat adhesive. Then, the image is transferred to the fabric using a heat press. The result differs slightly from direct digital printing. The image appears smoother, denser, and more vibrant than direct printing and somewhat resembles film.
The main advantage of this printing method is that it doesn't require pre-treatment of the fabric. The printing process itself is faster than DTG printing, and the price is lower. However, like any printing method, DTF printing has its own advantages and disadvantages, which are listed below.
Advantages and possibilities
● The image is brighter and sharper than with direct printing● High image detail. Even very small details remain clearly visible with DTF printing● No special file formats are required for designs. Any raster file format (JPG, PNG, etc.) is sufficient● No need for pre-treatment of the fabric● The printing process is faster than direct printing, and the price is lower, especially when it comes to printing small logos● Can be applied to fabrics with a high synthetic content
Disadvantages and limitations
● Images with blurred edges cannot be printed.● The image somewhat resembles a film or "sticker," which may not be to everyone's liking● Since the image is quite dense, large images may not allow air to pass through, making the t-shirt uncomfortable to wear ● Large solid color fills may not be completely even and can have defects
Heat Press Vinyl Printing
The essence of this technology is that the image is first cut on a cutting plotter from vinyl colored films, and then, under the influence of high (160-170°C) temperature and pressure, it is transferred onto textile products.
This technology is used when it is necessary to apply text or a logo made up of one or more colors without gradients or blurring. This method ensures high durability of the image over a long period of time. Films are typically used for printing numbers on sportswear and logos on workwear.
In our work, we only use materials from the best premium series manufacturers.
One of the advantages of this method is the wide range of colors and types of materials available for printing. There are over 60 colors of standard films alone. When an image is applied using film, it turns out vibrant and clear.
In addition to the standard colors, the film range also includes neon colors and metallics.
But that's not all. In addition to standard films, the heat transfer arsenal also includes many other materials with various effects:
Advantages and possibilities
● The optimal method for applying text and logos ● The image is clear and vibrant● A wide variety of materials for application● Lower cost compared to direct printing● Can be applied to synthetic fabrics● High durability of images
Disadvantages and limitations
● Cannot print full-color images● It is not suitable to apply large images with solid color fills. The material is quite dense, and the fabric won't "breathe." It may be uncomfortable to wear such a T-shirt ● There are limitations on the size and number of small elements because they are cut on a plotter and then manually weeded. Extremely small elements may not be fully processed. For example, text should be no less than 5 mm in height● A vector file is required for printing