4 Transfer Printing Techniques Used in Custom T-shirt Printing

When it comes to custom T-shirt printing, one of the most popular techniques used by printers is transfer printing. Unlike DTG and screen-printing, a transfer can be done on virtually any fabric. In this technique, the design is first printed on a non-textile surface and transferred onto the fabric using a different process. Because of its quick process and setup, the technique is considered ideal for marking names and numbers on T-shirts. When the design to be printed is simple, but the units are not enough to justify the setup costs of screen-printing, transfer printing is the best alternative.

Here are 4 transfer printing techniques used in custom T-shirt printing-

• Plastisol - Most transfer techniques use Plastisol. These are screen designs printed on a heat transfer paper instead of the T-shirt. Unlike other transfer papers, Plastisol has a very soft feeling and can last almost as long as a screen print. Although the technique is not ideal for printing too many T-shirts at once, it offers fantastic, vibrant colors.
 

• CAD Cut Vinyl - CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design. Instead of a person, a machine cuts the design, which is what makes the technique different. The artwork is saved as a vector file. Once the design is cut, the excess vinyl is weeded out by hand and sealed on the T-shirt using heat.
 

• Stretch Litho- Litho combines the best of digital and screen printing. Unlike CAD cut vinyl, a litho transfer doesn’t have to be cut. Litho transfer retains the details of the artwork better than other printing technique as it is printed on paper first. Paper is a smoother substrate than fabric.
 

• Sublimation–Sublimation can create some really vivid, long-lasting images. The technique works on plastic and fabrics made out of polyester. It makes use of a special kind of ink that turns into gas whenever heated.

Remember, transfer may not be the best printing technique for you. It completely depends on what type of item you are customizing. Opt for other printing techniques, such as custom embroidery in Orlando, FL in case the design to be printed is less detailed or you want to print on thicker fabrics.