1. DTF Technology : This is a recent method of tee shirt printing where the multi-colour image is printed by using Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black and an additional White DTF pigment ink with the help of a modified or specialised inkjet printer to a PET film (Poly Ethylene Terephthalate – thin transparent polyester film). A4 and A3 size PET cut films available in the market.
Advantages of DTF Printing:
- Able to print on a wide variety of fabrics
(e.g. natural fabrics, polyester, nylon, rayon, blends, and cotton) - Can print on light or dark garments with vibrant colour and excellent resolution
(image is laid on the top of the fabric) without dye discolouration. The colour won’t fade or crack
over time. - Less investment as compared to DTG. No need for pre-treatment of fabrics.
- Starters can convert EPSON printers like EPSON L 805(A4) or L 1800 (A3) the price of
these printers are low compared to original branded DTF printers.
Disadvantages :
- Frequent head cleaning is needed as the white ink can clog the head nozzles.
- PET film is not reusable.
- Time-consuming and applicable for short-run tee shirt printing.
2. White / Light color 100% polyester tee shirts : Printing is done digitally using sublimation ink by heat transfer. Color is bright, permanent resistant to washing and sunlight. The ink deeply penetrate into the fabric and get fixed strongly.
2. White / Light color polyester blend or 100% cotton tee shirts : Printing is done digitally using sublimation ink by heat transfer using special coating. Color is bright, permanent but the colour will fade after several washes.
4. Dark coloured Polyester or 100% cotton tee shirts : Print and cut vinyl materials are used to fix letters or image by heat transfer.
5. Cotton / Polyester / Light / Dark tee shirts : Embroidery method is used. It takes 7- 12 days and minimum order is 12 tee shirts.
6. Cotton / Polyester / Light / Dark tee shirts : Screen printing of white ink possible on dark colored tee shirts using plastisol ink. For light colored image color letters can be printed. Screen printing is costly and minimum 50 tee shirt order needed.
