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PRINTING METHODS OVERVIEW PAGE

T-Shirt Printing Methods Explained

Choosing the Right Printing Method

There are several ways to print designs onto t-shirts and garments. Each printing method has its own strengths and is suited to different order sizes, artwork styles, and budgets.

This page provides a clear overview of the most common t-shirt printing methods, helping you choose the right option before placing an order.

Screen Printing

Screen printing is a traditional method where ink is applied to fabric using mesh screens. Each colour in the design requires its own screen.

Best suited for:

  • Bulk orders
  • Repeated designs
  • Logos and flat artwork
  • Clubs, teams, and uniforms

 

Key benefits:

  • Very durable prints
  • Consistent results across large batches
  • Lower cost per shirt as quantity increases

 

Limitations:

  • Setup costs make it less suitable for small runs
  • Not ideal for photographic designs

👉 Learn more: Screen Printing Overview 

DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Printing

DTG printing uses digital printers to apply ink directly onto the garment. It works similarly to an inkjet printer.

Best suited for:

  • Small orders
  • One-off shirts
  • Detailed artwork and photos
  • Mixed designs

 

Key benefits:

  • No screen setup required
  • Excellent detail and colour blending
  • Ideal for short runs

 

Limitations:

  • Higher cost per shirt for large quantities
  • Less efficient for bulk orders

 

👉 Compare options: Screen Printing vs DTG 

DTF (Direct-to-Film) Printing

DTF printing involves printing artwork onto a film, then heat-pressing it onto the garment.

Best suited for:

  • Small to medium runs
  • Full-colour designs
  • Multiple garment types
  • Flexible order sizes

 

Key benefits:

  • Works well with complex artwork
  • No screens required
  • Suitable for many fabric types

 

Limitations:

  • Slightly raised print feel
  • Less cost-effective than screen printing at large volumes

 

👉 Compare options: Screen Printing vs DTF

Embroidery

Embroidery stitches designs directly into fabric using thread rather than ink.

Best suited for:

  • Logos on polos, hoodies, and workwear
  • Corporate uniforms
  • Long-lasting branding

 

Key benefits:

  • Premium, professional appearance
  • Extremely durable
  • Ideal for logos and text

 

Limitations:

  • Not suitable for large designs
  • More expensive for complex artwork

 

👉 Learn more: Embroidery Guidelines 

Quick Comparison Table

Method Best Quantity   Artwork Type Durability Best Use
Screen Printing     20–200+ Logos, flat colours Excellent Bulk orders
DTG Printing 1–20 Photos, gradients Very good Small runs
DTF Printing 1–30 Full colour artwork     Very good Flexible orders
Embroidery 10+ Logos, text Excellent Uniforms

How to Choose the Best Printing Method

A simple way to decide:

  • 1–20 shirts → DTG or DTF
  • 20+ shirts (same design) → Screen printing
  • Logos on polos or hoodies → Embroidery
  • Photos or complex artwork → DTG or DTF

If your order falls between categories, we can recommend the best option once we review your artwork and quantity.

Next Steps

To explore further:

Choosing the right printing method ensures the best balance of quality, cost, and turnaround time for your order.

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