Print shop basics

” I don’t know which process to use for my shirts”

What is screen printing?

Screen printing is a process of creating a stencil, using what we call a screen, to push ink through onto a garment. Screen printing is optimal for displaying vibrant colors especially on dark garments. The thick ink derived from screen printing will have a soft feeling touched and can make for a really amazing look at an affordable price. Screen printing is ideal for large quantity orders, and here at K and B Promotions, we usually start screen printing on orders of 15 pieces or more.

When to screen print:

  • When you’re printing large quantity orders
  • When your design is the same for all pieces
  • When you’re using between 1-6 colors

What is embroidery?

Embroidery is simply the creation of art with nothing more than some fabric, thread, and needles. With this method, your image is expertly sewn onto a product for a clear, classic look. Embroidery is long lasting and allows for a variety of colors, its only drawback is its generally more expensive than the other alternatives. If you are interested in embroidering, something cool we offer is a sew out. We use a scrap piece of fabric and embroider your design on it to give you an exact look before we print the real deal.

 When to embroider:Image of a embroidered baseball cap

  • when you’re looking for a more classic look
  • when you don’t mind the cost you just want the good quality
  • embroidery can be done to shirts, but its more commonly done to hats
  • multiple color small logos or names on polo or company shirts for a professional look

What is Direct to garment?

Direct to garment, also known as D2G, is a newer style of printing with a quick turn around time and little to no set up costs.  Unlike screen printing, which lays layers of color on top of the garment, D2G goes straight into the fiber, meaning you don’t feel the ink when you touch it. Direct to garment is only ideal when printing on a light colored garment and small quantity orders. A neat feature of direct to garment printing is that we can print color photos right onto your shirt

 

 

When to print D2G?

  • when you are printing onto light colored garments
  • photos, drawings, or multiple color designs
  • small quantities with a fast turn around time

What is heat press?

A heat press is used to permanently apply a heat transfer to a surface. Heat-applied materials contain a heat-sensitive adhesive on one side, so when heat is applied by a heat press to the material, the material sticks to the surface. The end result is a decorated garment. The most common use for heat transfers is for sports jersey. We can easily apply names and numbers to a shirt with a professional look and affordable.

When to heat press?

  • Jersey type shirts
  • Names and numbers
  • Not very detailed work