Printing Techniques
Screen Printing
Screen printing (also known as silk screening) is a printing technique that uses stencils and ink to create designs on fabric. Although it requires significantly more set-up time than digital printing or heat transfer, screen printing remains popular because it is the most economical method for producing large quantities.
Screen Printing on 100% Polyester
Screen printing (also known as silk screening) is a printing technique that uses stencils and ink to create designs on fabric. Commonly used on cotton or cotton blend apparel, screen printing can be done on 100% polyester using special inks and additives.
Dye Sublimation
Dye sublimation is a transfer process that produces a full-color, photo-quality reproduction of a digital image using ink that turns into gas when heat is applied. Dye sublimation is a tremendously versatile technology with applications in apparel, awards, promotional products, signage and much more.
Foil Printing
Foil printing is a premium process that gives decorated items an attention-getting metallic shimmer. It’s a highly effective way to add a bright accent to traditional screen printing or can be applied to large areas for maximum shine and impact. It requires skill, attention and the right materials, but achieves a special look with a high perceived value.
Heat Transfer
Heat transfer involves creating an image in reverse, printing it to high-release paper, and then transferring the image from the paper to a garment using heat and pressure. It’s ideal for quick turn-around times and small quantities; including one-off items such printing names and numbers on athletic uniforms.
Heat Transfer - Rhinestone and Glitter
Adding special effects such as glitter and rhinestones lets you create dazzling designs that grab attention for your customers – and your business. You can achieve this form of head-turning decoration using heat transfer, which is ideal for quick turn-around times and small quantities, including one-off items.
Direct to Garment
Direct to garment printing (DTG) is printing on textiles using inkjet technology which usually utilizes specialized water-based inks. Most systems are CMYK however there are exceptions like the Kornit DTG Hexachrome system. DTG is particularly effective for short runs, full color printing, or for reproducing fine detail.
Embroidery
Embroidery is the process of turning a graphic or text into a needle-and-thread work of art for application to a garment or other fabric item. Of all the methods of fabric embellishment, embroidery is considered to add the most sophistication and a higher perceived value to a garment.