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This may have been asked before, but is there any kind of printing that is comparable to screen printing for t-shirts? I know there are prints that look good on shirts, but how do they compare on quality, price, durability, etc. and how do they look on dark shirts? Thanks for any input.
-------------------- John Duckett Strike Creative Greenwood, South Carolina Posts: 277 | From: Greenwood, SC | Registered: Feb 2004
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i have a versacamm and you can print heat transfers on their media and they look awesome...BUT...i don't like them...its too plasticy feeling and if you are in the sun it will make your back sweat! ...hence the reason my heat press is for sale.(i have no desire to make tshirts)
i doubt there's anything that compares to screenprinting without some compromise.
-------------------- Karyn Bush Simply Not Ordinary, LLC Bartlett, NH 603-383-9955 www.snosigns.com info@snosigns.com Posts: 3516 | From: Bartlett, NH USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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Thanks Karyn. I don't like that feeling that a lot of prints leave either. I feel screenprinting is the way to go, but I don't know what all is available and the pros and cons that go along with them.
Thanks again for the input.
-------------------- John Duckett Strike Creative Greenwood, South Carolina Posts: 277 | From: Greenwood, SC | Registered: Feb 2004
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As pointed out, the T-Jet is one option, however even it has its limitations. It is better suited for short runs. The durability and hand of the print is very good. The draw back is that it has nothing to help reduce or eliminate fibrillation which can cause some customers to assume that the print has faded when it fact it hasn't. I have some sample shirts and I'm very impressed. The other drawback compared to screen printing is that there is a limitation to what you can print. I do a fair amount of athletic jerseys for the various sports teams around here. The T-Jet (and its imitators) won't work. I also do a fair about of screen printing with specialty inks - gels, high density, blisterbase, puffs and so on. T-Jets can't do that either. The equipment does have its market. I think it makes a good supplement to an existing screen printer, but in no way can it replace it. Plan on an initial investment of about $15k give or take just to get started.
Another option is sublimation. It has excellent hand and color retention. The drawback is that you are very limited to what you can print on. The initial start up costs are low relatively speaking.
Another option is something like the Natura. The initial set up costs aren't as high as the T-Jet but higher than sublimation. It will generate a heat transfer that is very durable and has a very soft hand. The big plus this has over sublimation is that you can print on 100% cotton t-shirts. The draw back is that you are limited to white and light colored shirts.
All in all, they all have a niche, some better than others. But, they won't replace screen printing. The initial start up costs of screen printing is relatively low. You can have a very nice screen printing setup for little more than half the price of what a T-Jet cost.
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Thanks Eric and Glenn for the replies and links. Glenn, thanks for the details and explaining each process. I have designed a line of shirts and wasn't sure which route I wanted to go to have them produced. I had things screen printed in the past, but wasn't sure if anything has come along that was worth looking into. I think I will be sticking with screen printing. Now I just have to find a good printer.
Thanks again for the help everyone.
-------------------- John Duckett Strike Creative Greenwood, South Carolina Posts: 277 | From: Greenwood, SC | Registered: Feb 2004
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If you are looking for someone in your neighborhood, I recommend checking out www.usscreen.com and visit the forum.
I don't know how familiar you are with the process, but in case you aren't there are some things I recommend when looking for a good screen printer.
One, ask to see some samples.
Another is to check to see if they are using retentionable screens. While a screen printer can get a good print from regular static frames, a screen printer who uses retentionables is an indication that they are conscientious about the work they do and are willing to invest in it.
Along that same line, ask if they also have experience printing with specialty inks such as gels, chrystalina and high density. Its makes for a good indication of their experience and knowledge.
Also, ask about what kind of dryer they use. Many shops use an electric dryer. And while many electric dryers are good, a gas dryer will do a better job of thoroughly curing the ink. That's been my experience anyway.
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Glenn, Thanks for the additional information. It helps a lot knowing what to ask and look for. Thanks also for the link to usscreen.com. It looks like I might be spending a good bit of time there.
Thanks again for all of the help.
John
-------------------- John Duckett Strike Creative Greenwood, South Carolina Posts: 277 | From: Greenwood, SC | Registered: Feb 2004
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