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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 (/screen-printing/)

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 (/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 (/screen-printing-vs-dtf/)

Embroidery

Embroidery stitches designs directly into the 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 (/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 1–10 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:

  • 1–10 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:

  • 👉 View real pricing examples (/pricing/)

  • 👉 Learn why screen printing is cheaper for bulk (/why-screen-printing-is-cheaper-for-bulk/)

  • 👉 Request a personalised quote

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

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