The best printing option for garments of any kind comes down to what you need them for, how big the order needs to be, how much time is left, the cost and the materials being used. There are several options when it comes to tshirt printing Singapore but here is a look at the three most popular, Dye sublimation printing, screen printing and direct to garment printing, and what makes them so.
AOP also called Dye sublimation printing
This is a method of printing that uses a heat press to leave all over designs and patterns. The printed image transfers from paper onto the garment because of the heat, and embeds into the fabric. The designs are often vivid, the print is quite durable through multiple washes and you can order in larger and smaller amounts. It does require synthetic fabrics and lighter colors. It is not as crisp on darker fabrics. Printing services will need the heat press, the transfer paper, design software, sublimation printer and inks. It can handle any colors no matter how intricate they might be. It is a low-cost option when looking for tshirt printing Singapore options and the processing speed is average.
DTG aka Direct to garment printing
Direct to garment is the quickest-growing option for garment printing as it can create complex and intricate designs including photographic images. It is good for smaller orders or even single-shirt creations. When it comes to this type of t shirt printing Singapore or anywhere, it is best to use 50/50 polyester blends or 100% cotton. If printing on a darker shirt then it should be pre-treated. The printing service will need a heat press, the design software, the inks and the DTG printer. There are unlimited colors that can be achieved and the results are well blended into the shirt so it remains soft but still vibrant. In most cases orders are smaller so they are quick to produce. It is a longer process for larger orders. It is also one of the more expensive options for t-shirt printing.
Screen printing also called Silkscreen printing One of the oldest and most popular t shirt printing Singapore options for customized garments is screen printing. The designs need to be more simple with fewer color choices and it is not as effective with complicated images. It is one of the cheapest options and so you get discounts as you order more shirts. If you need a large amount with something very simple in design this tends to be the first choice. It can be done effectively with a range of different fabrics. Printing services need screens, inks, a squeegee, a knife, and stencil paper. The reason it is best to limit how many colors is that each color requires a new screen. Large orders are quick to create though which is why it is an affordable option for bulk orders. The more colors you opt for in your design, the more it will cost because the set-up is longer.