Screen printing needs a separate screen per colour, which makes it efficient for low-colour designs at volume; because the ink settles into the fabric it stands up to washing. Where a design carries gradients or photography, however, the screen count and cost rise quickly.
Digital methods (DTG and DTF) come into their own on short runs and full-colour work. DTG soaks ink into the fabric, so the texture survives and the result breathes, though dark garments need a white underbase. DTF transfers through a film, which lets it hold on polyester and blended fabrics too.
Fabric composition directly affects how long a print lasts. On pure cotton the colours are brighter and more durable, while high-polyester fabrics carry a risk of dye migration, where the garment colour bleeds into the print; a suitable barrier layer reduces this.
Technical options
- Products
- T-shirts, sweatshirts, workwear, caps, bags, aprons
- Methods
- Screen print, DTG, DTF, transfer, embroidery
- Fabrics
- Cotton, combed cotton, polyester, blends
- Placements
- Chest, back, sleeve, inner label
Related services
Frequently asked
Can you print small quantities of t-shirts?
Yes — digital methods involve no screen preparation, so low quantities are viable. With screen printing the screen cost is fixed, so unit price rises as quantity falls.
How many washes does a print survive?
It depends on method, fabric and wash temperature. Washing inside out at a low temperature extends the life of the print whichever method is used.
Can you print on dark fabric?
Yes; digital methods lay a white underbase beneath the artwork. That layer keeps the colours accurate but stiffens the handfeel slightly.