Whether you are looking at launching a whole new range of merchandise for a brand or wish to surprise your Instagram followers with tailor-made outfits, a custom t-shirt or shirt is always a good idea. And when you want to take charge of the entirety, you can surely use a guide.
The Basics of Printing Shirts
How many times have you looked at the shirts in the stores and felt that you could do better? The fundamentals are always based on two elements—passion and knowledge.
First of all, when you are on the hunt for the best equipment to print shirts, you have to feel the fire within. After all, it’s a creative field, and your work must reflect your imagination.
Secondly, printing garments can be tricky and complicated if you are not aided with accurate info. You have to understand that there are several printing methods available out there, but which one you use will depend on your products’ volume and the number of colors.
With so many variables, it’s important to choose the tools that fit your needs best.
Learn about the Right Equipment to Print Shirts
Designing Software
When you say custom made, you can’t do without cutting-edge software. Now, you can’t simply download and print because:
- The images and motifs available on the internet are all copyrighted, and you don’t want to get into troubled waters while starting something of your own.
- Downloading and printing leave no room for creativity, and it’s cheap business.
- Merchandising or brand promotion calls for fresh thoughts; what’s already there doesn’t count!
Install Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, or Corel Draw on your PC or MAC, watch the software tutorials if you aren’t sound in those, and get started. You can always make the rough layouts on paper if you are more comfortable that way, but the final version has to be a digital version.
Be aware, the file format of your design should be an AI, EPS, or PDF. In case you are not sure, stick to PDF.
Fabric
Next, you have to determine the shirt type, and especially the fabric. The 100% cotton materials are soft and breathable and can be used around the seasons. Round neck cotton t-shirts with an off-white base can be a good choice, to begin with.
However, suppose you are dealing with blended fabrics containing 50% cotton and 50% polyester; there are many textile inkjet printers or digital polyester printers that ensure high definition outcomes and are also suited for big lots.
If you have to achieve a glossy finish on your satin shirt, go for the satin printers.
Embroidery Machine
If you’re wondering how an embroidery machine can serve as an equipment to print shirts, you’re forgetting the branding part. Whether it is your own business or a social media gig, you cannot leave a lasting impression without creating a brand. And an embroidery machine is the perfect gear to get the logo or the brand name stitched on the shirt faster.
As there is more than one type of embroidery machine in the market, you may find some expert suggestions or a particular course useful.
Screen Printing Machine
As a newbie, you might have a limited budget, and that’s why a screen printing machine can be a good option for you. It is one of the oldest methods, and to date, it is regarded as the heart and soul of bulk printing. Depending on the final look and quantity, entrepreneurs use several techniques, like stenciling, rotary printing, or the latest digital fusion.
Screen printing machines are used to achieve better vibrancy levels, specifically when working on darker fabric.
Heat Press Machine
The heat press machines are also widely popular equipment to print shirts and come in manual, automatic, and semi-automatic variants. If you would prefer to go with this one, get yourself the adequate transfer papers and the special type of ink.
Remember, if your fabric is white or of light shade, pick the clear transfer papers. For bright colored fabrics, the opaque ones are best.
DTG Printing Machine
For full-color prints that are complex, the DTG or Direct-to-Garment printing machine is ideal. If your motto is to print a limited series with a high-quality outcome, invest in the top DTG printers. These advanced machines free you from the back-breaking screen printing techniques, delivering speedy results without any color restrictions.
Once you are familiar with the basics, try adding bling and texture to your shirts. Till then, keep exploring and generating new concepts.
