The basic white t-shirt is one of the oldest and still most effective promotional products available. However, in today’s market, it’s all about setting yourself apart from the competition. The decoration capability on apparel has come a long way.
Screen printing is still the most popular form of decoration on custom logo t-shirts. Screen printing is a printing technique that uses a woven mesh that supports an ink-blocking stencil which allows for open areas in the mesh so that ink can pass through onto the fabric. A squeegee-style blade is swiped across the screen stencil, forcing the ink through the mesh openings.
The result is your image printed on the shirt. Like everything else, with the advancement of technology, the art of printing a logo on a t-shirt has evolved.
Using different techniques to screen print can give different looks to an image printed by a screen. By using a soft-hand screen printing technique, the design can have a washed-down appearance, giving a vintage look. This effect is done by adding a soft-based additive to the ink mixture so the design can be printed with a “flash”. A flash is a coat of white ink printed on the garment before the custom graphic so the color of the t-shirt doesn’t bleed through.
If you have a full-color logo that is vibrant and detailed, there is a variety of updated ways to imprint your corporate apparel items depending on the material and color of the shirt.
One popular way to reach this goal, especially for sports teams, is through full-color dye sublimation. The dye sublimation technique changes the actual color of the t-shirt fabric to match the design of the logo, like tie-dying only with a detailed imprint. Dye sublimated shirts are done on white 100% polyester fabrics. The imprint is highly durable, washable, and soft to the touch.
The use of a digital press can bring your t-shirt imprint to life! This high resolution printing gives detailed full-color printing leaving your shirt with a photo quality imprint!
Another great way to get detailed full-color imprint on your t-shirt is through the use of heat transfer. The heat transfer technique prints the image onto a film which then is heat pressed onto the garment. Transfers have a lighter touch and can achieve crisp text using small fonts.
One of the trendiest imprinting techniques on apparel is laser etching. This process etches your logo on a variety of fabrics. Laser etching provides a subtle tone-on-tone look that gives an upscale appearance. It is perfect for waterproof and technical business apparel items.
Another unique imprinting technique that is trendy and offers a high-class look is to deboss. A debossed logo gives a unique 3D appearance. It is great to use on waterproof or technical clothing and provides a rich ton-on-tone look.
Of course let’s not forget the granddaddy of decoration – embroidery. The art of sewing thread into a garment to create an image is a well-known technique that provides a durable, classy look.
All of these decorating techniques offer their own unique feature and benefit. So don’t feel the need to stick to just one when creating your ultimate decorated apparel. Use multiple techniques to make your logo unique and eye-catching with the different dimensions of each imprint technique.
The next time you are in the market for imprinted shirts to promote your organization, consider using one of these different [from the norm] techniques. The options are truly endless when it comes to customizing apparel. Give MARCO a call and let us help you add a new dimension to your logo’d t-shirt that everyone will want to wear!
