Custom artwork on t-shirts, long sleeved shirts, hoodies, jackets, hats, bags and all types of clothing and accessories is a great way to promote a business, organization, team, group or even a particular event.
Screen printing is the most common option to create a beautiful, vibrant and unique design on any item. There is also another option for printing known as digital printing, which can be a good option for certain kinds of designs and applications.
The Basics
In the most basic sense, a screen or a stencil type of method is used for the vast majority of printing on clothing and accessories. The stencil is used to apply layers of colored ink onto the surface of the fabric. Just like any other stenciling project, each color is applied separately creating crisp, clean lines without any blurring or blending of the colors.
The best possible use for this type of printing is simple to detailed designs of a single color or multiple colors. This kind of artwork looks striking on dark colored fabrics, and thicker layers of ink than found with the digital printing method allow the colors to pop.
With the new designs in screens, screen printing can be applied to any surface from fabrics to plastics or even on metals. The screen can be flexible and can be used on even curved surfaces such as water bottles or mugs.
As there is the need to create a screen or a stencil for each color, there will be a minimum order required for this type of printing depending on the specific items printed.
Digital Printing
The new technology of digital printing is very much like a standard computer printer. The ink is distributed in a thinner layer directly from the printer, which means it is possible to create photographic quality printing.
This type of printing is ideal on a lighter colored shirt or with highly detailed artwork. It is also a printing method that requires no screens, so most companies will not have a minimum order number.
Either printing option can be highly effective to get the look necessary for any type of clothing or specialty items. By choosing a printing service that offers both screen printing as well as digital printing, it is possible to compare the two options and discuss the process most suited to the project.
At Tampa T-shirts, we are here to help with all screen printing and digital printing needs. To learn more about the different printing options, visit us online.
