Different decoration methods and how to choose them:
There are many different methods available for decorating your garments with your design. Some methods work only on certain garments or different abilities to resolve details. They all have different price points. This guide gives you all the information you need to make the best choice for your situation!
The different choices:
We currently offer these decoration choices: Screen Printing, Digital Printing, Direct Embroidery, Wick Printing, and Heat Printing. This chart gives a brief summary of the different processes.
Different color threads are sewn into the garment by a computer-controlled machine to create the desired image.
Ball caps, polo shirts, or jackets with left or right chest designs.
Polo shirts, jackets, caps, and other high-end garments
Changing design colors based on garment color or use
Professional looking garments
Withstands repeated washings
Does not work on thin garments
Shading and tiny design details are sometimes lost
Screen Printing
Screen Printing Overview
Screen printing is a decoration process that uses a fine mesh, and ink is pushed through onto the fabric. Screen Printing is a popular method for larger runs of shirts. Every color in a design gets a screen, so it’s more affordable when there are fewer colors. The ‘feel’ of screen printing is a bit rubbery since it’s a plastic-like ink pushed into the fabric.
Direct To Garment printing (DTG) is a decoration process that uses a sophisticated inkjet printer with ink specific for apparel. This method uses a white under base to print any shirt color. On top of the white underbase, six ink colors are used to create all the other colors in the design. Specialty colors like neon and metallic are not possible. This process is best for shorter runs or designs needing a wide range of colors. The ‘feel’ of direct-to-garment printing is lighter than screen printing.
Sublimation is a decoration method that only works on polyester white or very light color shirts. The Wicking shirts weather perfectly through the design, and it’s very durable. Great for outdoor activities.
This shows the image before and after being digitized for embroidery.
Overview
The embroidery process is one of the oldest fabric decoration methods. It consists of strands of thread in various colors sewn into the garment to create an image, text, or design. The threads can be applied in various patterns, lengths, and thicknesses to produce various visual effects.
