Screen printed transfers, also known as Plastisol transfers, are usually printed on T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and polo’s, but can be added to almost any article of clothing. With heat assisted screen printed transfers, you can create thousands of custom designs, logos and patterns to apply to t-shirts, hats and company shirts. This makes it much cheaper than embroidery or other more custom screen printing options. Screen-printing, in general, is durable and outlasts alternatives like iron-on screen-printing by almost double under normal washing conditions. If you are interested in custom tees for your team, band, and local fire rescue group or just for everyday wear, screen-printing can provide an economical and fast option that can last for years.
Common Screen Printed Transfer Methods and How They Stack Up to Each Other
Screen printing is the basic process of applying ink, one color at a time to a T-shirt or other article of clothing, with the use of a stencil. This method is the original industry-standard and offers bright vibrant pattern options which look fantastic on all types of T-shirts and garments; especially when you use darker base colors (the color of your garment). Heat transfer screen printing uses the assistance of heat to lay each color down and help seal it into the fabric. Heat transfer screen printing can offer a more firm bond between the color and the fabric than traditional screen printing. A newer option for consumers is digital screen printing. This method enlists the help of a computer to apply your design directly to your garment and is a great way to introduce even more intricate designs (compared to a live designer and artist) into your creations.
Each screen printing option varies slightly on price and advantages so it is a good idea to consult your local design shop for what option is best. They will choose the right screen printed transfer method based on your color ideas and the amount of detail you would like to incorporate in your design. For example, common screen printing and heat transfer screen printing are often the best choice if you are looking for the most vibrant color options. However, Digital screen printing offers the advantage of more detailed pattern options because it is controlled by a computer rather than a designer and stencil.
Screen Printed Transfers; Durability and Potential Fading Risk
Screen printed transfers look absolutely amazing when they are first printed. They also stand up the test of time through continuous washing; usually for years. However, over time, screen printed T-shirts, sweatshirts and other garments will break down and fade due to regular washing and normal wear and tear. In the long run, screen printed T-shirts and other custom created clothing last long enough to make the initial expense well worth it. Screen printed transfers are one of the most cost-effective ways to create bulk orders of team jerseys, company T-shirts and custom garments. Consult a local screen printing shop when you are ready to design your next custom screen printing project.
