Last updated on April 23rd, 2024
T-shirts are versatile pieces. Printing your own custom t-shirt allows you to use it for brand promotions or gift it to relatives for family reunions and other celebrations. No matter for which purpose you print a t-shirt, it calls for a specific approach to ensure the design looks impressive and lasts longer.
Printing a design on a T-shirt can promote a brand or make apparel look attractive. Today, many printers print T-shirts online. They receive your design online and print it according to your requirements on your choice of t-shirts.
T-shirt printing involves creating designs, graphics, text, or your logo design on it. Printers use ink and various other tools for this purpose. Many printing techniques are available today; however, not all of them are suitable for all printing needs.
Then how do you print a T-shirt? If this question is popping up in your mind, here are some tips to help you out.
Crucial tips for t-shirt printing
You should adhere to some basic aspects when printing a design, such as a symbol, image, logo, message, and more on a t-shirt. Here are some helpful tips to help you get the perfect custom clothing in terms of print.
Get an impressive t-shirt design
The first consideration when printing your T-shirt is to get an impressive and memorable design. The design should tell your brand story and not be a generic design. Ask yourself what exactly you want to convey through the design. Who is your target audience?
Choose the colors, fonts, and images of the design carefully to target your audience. Make sure that all the design elements are in synch. Discuss your design needs while working with a professional designer on your t-shirt design.
Know that the t-shirt design should be eye-pleasing, unique, and printed professionally. So, consider different aspects of printing a shirt when designing your t-shirt. For instance,
if your design has multiple colors it may not be ideal for a specific printing technique. Also, the cost may go higher.
Consider your budget
Printing costs a lot of money, especially for bulk printing. So, consider your budget first if you need T-shirts for commercial purposes. Ordering a more significant number of T-shirts for printing will cost a lot. But if you order in bulk, the printer might offer you discounts, bringing your overall printing costs down.
For instance, printing a single T-shirt usually costs from $15 to $30. However, bulk orders may lower the costs per shirt by $5 to $10.
Also, note that some bigger t-shirt sizes, such as merchandise sizes, involve higher printing costs. Compare different printing methods for their expenses; some are less costly for smaller orders.
Choose the right printing method
Choose the right printing method for your t-shirt design. Assess the type of printing based on your budget, fabric material, appearance, and production time. You will also pick a printing technique, even for t-shirt printing online. Screen printing, vinyl graphics, and direct-to-garment are a few printing methods that you must choose carefully.
Screening printing is considered the gold standard of t-shirt printing. In this method, the printer makes screens of a t-shirt design for printing. This printing technique is reliable and cost-effective, ensuring high-quality results. However, this method may not be suitable for multicolor designs, as you need a different screen for each new color.
The vinyl graphics method is used to print t-shirts with vinyl graphics. This is the right method for shirt designs with bright colors. However, a disadvantage of this method is that each additional color adds to the printing cost.
Direct-to-garment printing allows for high-quality, customizable designs. This method is ideal for designs with multiple colors and intricate details. However, it is not suitable for dark-colored garments.
Find a printer
After deciding on your t-shirt design, it is not time to hand it over to a qualified and experienced printer. When selecting one, consider the printer’s experience, printing method, and budget. Find out the printing time printers take, the printing colors they offer, and their support system.
First, request samples of finished printed t-shirts from the printer. Then, visit the printer to see and feel the customized shirts. Read reviews of the printing company before placing your order with it to print designs on your custom clothing.
Find out the timeframe the printer will take for printing and shipping. If you need the shirt quickly, prefer a local printer.
Explore the right fabric option
Choose your t-shirt fabric carefully for comfort and style. Explore various fabric options and then select the one that you think would suit your style and provide comfort to your body. Go for cotton materials or fabrics for breathability and utmost comfort.
You can also explore mixed fabrics such as 50% polyester and 50% cotton blend. This mixed fabric is a good alternative to pure cotton and also feels light on your pockets.
Submit your files to the printer
Once you have taken care of all of your t-shirt designing aspects, submit your design file to the printer of your choice. Ask your printer about the specific file types to submit your design. In advance, you should also ask the printer about the color requirements and file size.
Usually, the printer will ask you to submit your design file in PDF or EPF files in vector format. You can also submit your design file in PDF format.
Get your sample
You should ask you’re the printing company to provide a sample of the printed design so that you can inspect it for errors. When the printer sends the sample, recheck it and if you find any errors, you should promptly correct it by taking it to their support department.
Please note that the offline or digital proof of the design of your custom t-shirts is your last chance to make corrections, if necessary. Check the design for its text, such as your company name, slogan, colors, numbers, and alignment.
Tips to maximize print quality
Print quality is the catalyst in customizing t-shirts for promotions or gifting. Here are some tips to help enhance your print quality.
- Pick high-quality shirts – The quality of the t-shirt is a vital determinant of print quality. Select the right size and right fabric to ensure your design looks great after printing.
- Cure inks thoroughly – To achieve long-term wash durability of the print, you should first cure inks using a heat press or conveyor dryer. Make sure the in reaches at its defined heating point before bonding with the fabric.
- Use white and light shirts – White and light T-shirts help increase the ink gripping for durable prints.
- Explore print-on-demand methods – Prefer print-on-demand methods over batch printing for better quality printing of the latest designs. You’ll get your t-shirts customized on your demand and not before that. So it ensures design freshness and quality products.
- Prefer reputed printer – Choose a printer known for its quality, timely delivery, and affordable prices.
These are the essential tips to consider when printing a T-shirt. Pay heed to each aspect to ensure quality results.
PrintShop by Designhill helps you customize your t-shirts in bulk or in a single piece. You can use the DIY online t-shirt maker to personalize tees for promotions, group activities, personal style, or gifting purposes.
Wrapping Up
T-shirt printing involves many modern techniques. Choose a method that best suits your design and printing requirements. First, create an impressive design, and then pick a printer using a technique that keeps the costs within your budget. Also ensure the fabric quality to get the best results. That’s how you print a t-shirt!
