Screen Printing and Digital Printing are two different ways to apply a design to a garment. While there are a great many technical and process differences involved this is a basic overview.
We have a new page that covers the differences with detail here:
Decoration Methods Comparison
Screen printing is a stencil process that applies liquid ink to the garment, 1 color at a time. When cured, the ink is extremely durable and washes well. Screen printing has a lot of setup and clean up procedures so it is the best choice for larger orders of a few ink colors. Screen printing can be applied to a wide variety of garments, fabrics, and colors. Learn more.
Digital printing is an electronic printing process that is very similar to an ink jet printer. Once cured, the Digital print is durable but it requires more care in laundry and is not quite as durable as screen printing. Digital printing is much easier to process and is suited for short runs and images of high detail and multiple colors. The process is only available on 100% cotton fabric. Learn more.
What’s the difference between Screen Print and Digital Print?
Ink and Fabric Combination Tips
September 14, 2011
Some ink colors and shirt colors are just not meant for each other!
Here are some general guidelines to get the best looking shirts:
1. Avoid combining bright colors at opposite ends of the spectrum. Bright Red ink on a Bright Blue shirt will look fuzzy around the edges. The eye has a real problem focusing on these combinations. Learn more.
2. Consider Contrast. Dark ink on a light shirt will show off the design much better than light ink on a light shirt. Of course, if you are looking for a subtle look, then stick with low contrast between the ink and shirt. Learn more.
3. Ever use a Black and White filter on a digital camera? Sometimes two different colors are the same intensity. These colors would look the same shade of gray on an picture taken using a B&W filter and are usually a poor choice.
4. Remember the Color Wheel! Complementary colors usually look best. Remember that white and black are also ink colors that we can use to make your design awesome!
5. Just Try it! Use our online designer to experiment with different shirt and ink colors. While the colors shown may not appear exactly the same in reality (Learn more), it will help you choose colors that work well together!
Here are some general guidelines to get the best looking shirts:
1. Avoid combining bright colors at opposite ends of the spectrum. Bright Red ink on a Bright Blue shirt will look fuzzy around the edges. The eye has a real problem focusing on these combinations. Learn more.
2. Consider Contrast. Dark ink on a light shirt will show off the design much better than light ink on a light shirt. Of course, if you are looking for a subtle look, then stick with low contrast between the ink and shirt. Learn more.
3. Ever use a Black and White filter on a digital camera? Sometimes two different colors are the same intensity. These colors would look the same shade of gray on an picture taken using a B&W filter and are usually a poor choice.
4. Remember the Color Wheel! Complementary colors usually look best. Remember that white and black are also ink colors that we can use to make your design awesome!
5. Just Try it! Use our online designer to experiment with different shirt and ink colors. While the colors shown may not appear exactly the same in reality (Learn more), it will help you choose colors that work well together!
Can I mix different shirt colors?
September 14, 2011
You can combine different shirt colors in an order but the imprint color must remain the same for all the shirts.
While we use the same ink for the entire press run, each shirt color reacts differently with the ink. Some people will see the ink colors as changed based on the differences of the fabric colors. This is especially noticable with light ink on dark shirts.
Another issue is contrast. White ink, for example, will stand out and be very visible on a dark color shirt but will be barely noticeable on an Ash color shirt. Choose the shirt colors carefully to achieve the results you are seeking.
Ash and Sports Grey Shirts
September 14, 2011
There are some garment colors in our 100% cotton line that contain a small amount of polyester.
The Ash color contains 1% polyester. The Sports Grey color contains 10% polyester. The Dark Heather contains up to 50% polyester. The polyester is there to properly produce the variegated colors. This is caused by the way the dye works on cotton as opposed to polyester.
The label will state a polyester content but the fabric is heavier than the traditional 50/50 and uses the Ultra Cotton brand garment label.
The Ash color contains 1% polyester. The Sports Grey color contains 10% polyester. The Dark Heather contains up to 50% polyester. The polyester is there to properly produce the variegated colors. This is caused by the way the dye works on cotton as opposed to polyester.
The label will state a polyester content but the fabric is heavier than the traditional 50/50 and uses the Ultra Cotton brand garment label.
Get the kids involved on recruitment night!
September 6, 2011
His pack had a fun idea for recruitment night.
On recruitment night at the elementary school, the night goes just like any other pack’s recruitment night with one key difference. All the boys, both registered cub scouts and visitors get to vote for that year’s pack t-shirts. Before the meeting, the adult leaders narrow the t-shirt designs for that year down to 3 choices to make the vote easier for the boys. The boys really enjoy the participation in picking their shirts. It gives them a sense of connection to the pack. The boys are overheard telling their parents they can’t wait to go to the next meeting to get their shirts. Before the boys have even joined the pack, they feel like they’re a part of it.
The Cubmaster we talked to said it was very successful in increasing their recruitment numbers and it’s one of the best things they’ve done.
If you include the shirt in the fee, then you can tell them they will get their free shirts at the meeting in a few weeks. Be sure to get the kids and parents shirt sizes during the recruitment event.
How do I print off my design?
August 1, 2011
The most ideal screen to be on when printing your designs is the Public View page for your design. The public view page will show your design (front and back) on two images, side by side.
Once on the public view page, you have several options! Both options can be applied to printing the stock designs from the description page for each design.
Print from your browser!
Most internet browsers offer a print option through the menu bar at the top of your screen. This can usually be found under “File”. The keyboard shortcut on Windows is Ctrl + P, and on Mac is Command + P.
One drawback with this method is that you print everything on that web page.
Each t-shirt shown is a separate image. You can save a copy to your computer of each image. Right-click on the image of your design on the left. Choose the “Save Picture As…”(Windows) or “Save Image As…”(Mac) option from the list that appears. This will open a dialog box that will let you choose what name you wish to give the file and where you would like to save it on your computer. Once finished, do the same for the image on the right. You can then print the images from your computer!
The nice part of this method is that you can now use those images in a document to create an order sheet for your group! One drawback is that you will need to remember the design number so that you can order from it later.
Once on the public view page, you have several options! Both options can be applied to printing the stock designs from the description page for each design.
Print from your browser!
Most internet browsers offer a print option through the menu bar at the top of your screen. This can usually be found under “File”. The keyboard shortcut on Windows is Ctrl + P, and on Mac is Command + P.
One drawback with this method is that you print everything on that web page.
For Internet Explorer: When printing, your computer has a Print Background option that you can choose to turn off or on. Some pages on this site use background images and colors in their design. This makes a printout of the page look different than how it appears on screen. By default, Internet Explorer for Windows does not print background images and colors. Check out this link: How To Turn on Background Printing in Internet Explorer
Save a copy to your computer!Each t-shirt shown is a separate image. You can save a copy to your computer of each image. Right-click on the image of your design on the left. Choose the “Save Picture As…”(Windows) or “Save Image As…”(Mac) option from the list that appears. This will open a dialog box that will let you choose what name you wish to give the file and where you would like to save it on your computer. Once finished, do the same for the image on the right. You can then print the images from your computer!
The nice part of this method is that you can now use those images in a document to create an order sheet for your group! One drawback is that you will need to remember the design number so that you can order from it later.
July Photo Finalists Revealed!
August 1, 2011
Last month’s entries to our Scouting photo contest on flickr were some of our strongest entries yet. Here are a few that really caught our eye. One of these photographs will win the taker a $100 Gift Certificate for some sweet custom shirts!
And the winner is…
And the winner is…
July Photo Winner!
How do I order the design I created?
July 29, 2011
You can place an order online by clicking the orange Order Online button. 
This button will take you to our secure online ordering area.
PAGE 1
The first section, “Design Information”, is a general description of what you wish printed on your shirts. If you clicked the Order Online button from an online design or stock design description page, this section should automatically fill in most of the details for you. Please be sure to double check that your print placement, design details (along with any changes you would like an artist to make for you), and ink colors are all correct.
The next section, “Garment Information”, is where you will choose your shirt type, color, sizes, and quantities. This will generally default to the most recent shirt style you have viewed, or it will show our most popular shirt. If you are wanting a different shirt, or wish to add other shirt styles/colors onto your order, you can add new line items by clicking the green plus sign next to the item in the listing below this section. Once the new line item appears, choose a garment color from the drop down list shown on the left side of the new line item. This will then populate the sizes available for ordering.
Click the blue “Continue” button to move forward.
PAGE 2
The next section, “Contact Information”, will be where you input your Name, Organization, address(es), daytime telephone number(s), and your email address*. You can also choose to receive FREE offers emailed once a month from ClassB.
*We send many emails during the order process, so be sure to check your inbox often! If you don’t receive any emails from us regarding your order, check your SPAM folder or call us at 1-800-851-4020
The next section, “Shipping Information”, you will choose which address (from Contact Informaiton) you wish us to ship to, whether or not you wish us to require a signature on delivery, and your preferred turnaround service*
*The Rush and Priority Options are only available in certain circumstances.
Click the blue “Continue” button to move forward
PAGE 3
The next page is a review of your order information followed by your payment information. Please review all of the information contained on this page for accuracy! You can also apply any coupon codes you may have, at this time. On the lower half of the page you can supply your credit card information (including the billing address of the credit card) or choose to pay by check. If paying with a check, we ask that a copy of the check be faxed to 1-888-744-1409 or emailed to questions@classb.com within 24 hours of order placement. You can keep the original check for your files
Once all of your information is accurately entered, click the blue “Place Your Order” button to submit the order with us. Once submitted, a Customer Representative will review your order before processing your payment.
If you have any questions or problems with the online order process, feel free to call us at 1-800-851-4020!
This button will take you to our secure online ordering area.
PAGE 1
The first section, “Design Information”, is a general description of what you wish printed on your shirts. If you clicked the Order Online button from an online design or stock design description page, this section should automatically fill in most of the details for you. Please be sure to double check that your print placement, design details (along with any changes you would like an artist to make for you), and ink colors are all correct.
The next section, “Garment Information”, is where you will choose your shirt type, color, sizes, and quantities. This will generally default to the most recent shirt style you have viewed, or it will show our most popular shirt. If you are wanting a different shirt, or wish to add other shirt styles/colors onto your order, you can add new line items by clicking the green plus sign next to the item in the listing below this section. Once the new line item appears, choose a garment color from the drop down list shown on the left side of the new line item. This will then populate the sizes available for ordering.
Click the blue “Continue” button to move forward.
PAGE 2
The next section, “Contact Information”, will be where you input your Name, Organization, address(es), daytime telephone number(s), and your email address*. You can also choose to receive FREE offers emailed once a month from ClassB.
*We send many emails during the order process, so be sure to check your inbox often! If you don’t receive any emails from us regarding your order, check your SPAM folder or call us at 1-800-851-4020
The next section, “Shipping Information”, you will choose which address (from Contact Informaiton) you wish us to ship to, whether or not you wish us to require a signature on delivery, and your preferred turnaround service*
*The Rush and Priority Options are only available in certain circumstances.
Click the blue “Continue” button to move forward
PAGE 3
The next page is a review of your order information followed by your payment information. Please review all of the information contained on this page for accuracy! You can also apply any coupon codes you may have, at this time. On the lower half of the page you can supply your credit card information (including the billing address of the credit card) or choose to pay by check. If paying with a check, we ask that a copy of the check be faxed to 1-888-744-1409 or emailed to questions@classb.com within 24 hours of order placement. You can keep the original check for your files
Once all of your information is accurately entered, click the blue “Place Your Order” button to submit the order with us. Once submitted, a Customer Representative will review your order before processing your payment.
If you have any questions or problems with the online order process, feel free to call us at 1-800-851-4020!How do I change the ink color for the design?
July 29, 2011
When in the Edit area of your online design:
You should see your shirt on the left and the design options on the right.
The second design element is Edit Ink Colors. Click on the blue ribbon and that should pull up the following menu.
Simply click the Edit Color option next to the color you wish to change. A small selection box will open from which you can choose a different color. Every item in your design that used the old color will then automatically change to the new ink color.
You can also add a new color by clicking the “Add another color” link. The same color selection box will appear for you to choose the new color from. This won’t immediately effect your design, but will allow you to choose the new color when editing a design element. You can choose up to 6 colors for your design!
Note: Some specialty ink colors cannot be used in the Digital Print decoration method, including Glow-in-the-Dark, Metallic Silver, and Fluorescent Pink.
You should see your shirt on the left and the design options on the right.
Notice the design elements to the right of the shirt.
The second design element is Edit Ink Colors. Click on the blue ribbon and that should pull up the following menu.
Notice that the menu shows all of the current colors in your design
Simply click the Edit Color option next to the color you wish to change. A small selection box will open from which you can choose a different color. Every item in your design that used the old color will then automatically change to the new ink color.
Select the color you want from the drop down menu.
You can also add a new color by clicking the “Add another color” link. The same color selection box will appear for you to choose the new color from. This won’t immediately effect your design, but will allow you to choose the new color when editing a design element. You can choose up to 6 colors for your design!
Note: Some specialty ink colors cannot be used in the Digital Print decoration method, including Glow-in-the-Dark, Metallic Silver, and Fluorescent Pink.
How do I change the shirt background color?
July 29, 2011
When in the Edit area of your online design:
You should see your shirt on the left and the design options on the right.
The third design element is Edit Garment Colors. Click on the blue ribbon and that should pull up the following menu.
Be sure to check size and style availability for your color shirt. The colors listed in the menu above are specific to the B110 100% cotton shirt. This is because the B110 has the widest range of available colors. If you garment has a color that is not shown, just choose the closest available match. For example; choose Ash or Sport Grey for Silver.
Only one shirt color can be shown at a time in the Custom T-shirt Designer, but you can select multiple shirt colors in the order form.
Custom Screen Printed T-shirts from ClassB.com
You should see your shirt on the left and the design options on the right.
Notice the design elements to the right of the shirt.
The third design element is Edit Garment Colors. Click on the blue ribbon and that should pull up the following menu.
Notice that some of the colors may or may not be available in different styles or sizes of shirts.
Be sure to check size and style availability for your color shirt. The colors listed in the menu above are specific to the B110 100% cotton shirt. This is because the B110 has the widest range of available colors. If you garment has a color that is not shown, just choose the closest available match. For example; choose Ash or Sport Grey for Silver.
Only one shirt color can be shown at a time in the Custom T-shirt Designer, but you can select multiple shirt colors in the order form.
Custom Screen Printed T-shirts from ClassB.com