Not many people know that there are many ways to produce or process printed garment. A different technique in making a particular product will lead to a different result. However, each method has its own pro and cons. In this article, we will share some example and the differences between 2 kinds of printing process which is Heat Transfer and Screen Printing.
1. Heat Transfer:
Heat transfer or heat printing is a
process of printing apparel where the
print design is transferred from paper to
the garment utilizing a machine that
provides both heat and high pressure.
They typically require around 350-400
degrees Fahrenheit and a pressure
setting of 40-80 psi. The transfer
material features an adhesive that’s
highly sensitive to heat on one side that
once transferred, it adheres to the
apparel like a large sticker. The medium
to transfer the design is called transfer
paper, sublimation paper etc. Heat
transfer allows you to print full color
images on garments without the time
investment that would be required if it
was done one color at a time via screen
printing. This is a big reason why it is
popular for small run orders.
Pros
· Provides a way to print individual
garments
· Ability to use several colors, as long as
they do not overlap
· Ability to use photographic material
· Can be inexpensive for small runs of
printing.
Cons
· Expensive on large quantities of
garments
· Cannot layer colors because the print
area will become thick & heavy
· Print does not last as long as screen
printing
· They do not look as professional as
screen printed garments
· The print does not breathe
2. Screen Printing:
Screen printing is the traditional method
for custom printing apparel. When a design is produced using this method,
actual screens are used in the process!
Essentially, this screen is cut to make a stencil for the design. Ink is then spread over the screen, passing through to the object underneath only in the areas you want it to be. Only one color per screen can be used – so depending on the number of colors in the design, you’ll need multiple screens to produce the final item.
Pros
· Cost effective for large orders
· Can withstand the roughness of
machine washing as the ink is
heat dried.
· Can provide a softer feel than heat
press
· Provides the highest quality print
Cons
· Expensive on smaller quantities.
· Separate screens are used for each
individual color. So, for each additional
color, a new screen has to be used
(which requires more time and increases
costs).
· Coated fabrics cannot be screen printed.
· It is time consuming to set up and clean.
Screen Printing or heat transfer: Which would you choose?
Both are common methods for customizing items. The best printing type for you depends on what type of item you are customizing and how many you would like in total. Because unique screens need to be cut for each color of a screen printed design, it is much more cost effective to produce a larger number of items with this method, versus just a few at a time. Conversely, the heat transfer process is the same with every print made, so you can order just a couple items at a time without costs ballooning.