Screen printing vs. Transfers

If we had a nickel for every time we were asked to print a full-color image on 12 shirts, we could buy you dinner. There are several ways to get a full-color image on a shirt. Check out the processes we offer and our feedback on the pros and cons and when to use each.

Screen Printing

It is the practically-ancient way to decorate a garment.  We push ink through a screen to create an imprint.  Each color in the design requires an individual screen.  Making screens and setting them up takes time, which is why the rule of thumb is the more ink colors in the design, the higher the cost.

To learn more about what goes into screen printing pricing, check out our article HERE.

The wash fastness of screen printing is incredible.  With plastisol ink, the ink colors are bright and bold.  Although we lay plastisol ink as flat and smooth as possible, the garment can be washed countless times without fading or affecting the print.  With water-based ink, the print actually penetrates the garment.  So, that print will hold up as long as the garment is in good shape.  The only breakdown in a water-based print will occur if the garment is fading due to washing, which does tend to happen over time.

Transfers

For clients looking for a higher number of ink colors with a lower number of shirts, transfers can be a good option.  The transfers come from one of our vendors that preprints the design on vinyl or some comparable material.  We then apply those transfers to garments using a large, professional heat plate.  

We know what you are thinking.  This sounds like an iron-on.  You are not wrong.  But, the technology has come an extremely long way in the last 5 years.  Today, transfers can be extremely smooth and lightweight.  The quality and look of the design on the garment are top-notch.

Here is where the difference kicks in.  Transfers have a variable wash fastness in so much that transfer companies perform a wash test to set expectations.  Our main vendor has completed a 75-wash test and found little to no fading.  But, what happens after 75 washes?  Well, the transfer could begin to slowly break down.  This means its fading could increase slightly with each wash, or some peeling on the edges may begin.  The bright side is you got 75 wears out of this thing, so not too bad for a full-color image at a reasonable price.

Recap

Screen printing is a proven method to decorate garments.  It is what we do, and it is what we recommend our clients use.  However, if you have a full-color logo, screen printing might only make sense if you need 50+ garments.  And even then, it might be a little pricey, especially if you are wanting to resell them for a profit.  In this case, transfers make a great alternative to achieving a full-color logo.  

If you have any questions, hit us up!  We are here to help.  Let’s create something amazing together.