Printing Methods Used For Funny T Shirts

When you see a funny t shirt in a clothing store when you’re shopping on a weekend you instantly see the slogan or the print on the t shirt and then you go to it. You pick it up and buy it because you want a funny t shirt.
The tee shirt may be of a good quality and you assume that it will last for a very long time to come. But do you know what kind of print your funny t shirts has been printed with? Chances are you don’t.

Screen printing method of print.
This is the traditional way of method of printing funny t shirts and slogan on t shirts because it was quite literally the first method mankind found of printing on clothes. This is by far the cheapest way of printing on clothes. But it is the most complicated because a lot needs to be done before you can buy the t shirt in store. You need to make the frame with the design you then need to put the ink on the frame, then press the squeeze on the screen frame then after the print is done you then need to cure by pre heating  the t shirt. You can only limit the design colour by how many frames you have on your screen printer carousal.

Transfer printing method of print.
Transfer printing is like printing a clear A4 sheet on your printer at home and then pressing it on with a commercial iron. Although it’s not as easy as that the principal is the same and things are done on a much bigger scale. This method of printing was recently criticised because the print only lasts for roughly 30-35 washes before it starts fading because the transparent sheet may have gone through crinkles and it may have been ironed on.

Vinyl cutting and heating method of print.
This method is usually seen on the sports team kits where each player their number and name printed on the back. This is done by selecting the colour required, designing the shape and logos on the computer and then sending it out on a plotter cutter to cut out the shape. Then you have to take out the excess vinyl so that only the shape that you want to stick on the t shirt is the only vinyl you want. This method of printing is best as set up time and cost is minimal, custom printing is very easy to do and the durable is fantastic.

As you can see these are the main selections of the printing method done on clothing and apparel around the globe, although there are new innovative printers like the direct to garment printing machine but due to its costs its not very economically viable as of yet. So next time you pick up a funny t shirt you will be able to note which printing method was carried out. Although there are many printing methods to choose from only these methods are chosen for their commercial viability and costs. Because no one wants to pay for an expensive t shirt now do we?