Custom T-shirt Printing in Hawaii

Screen Printing:

• Description: Screen printing is one of the most common and versatile t-shirt printing methods. It involves creating a stencil (or screen) for each color in the design and then pressing ink through the screens onto the fabric.
• Pros: Durable, vibrant colors, long-lasting, cost-effective for large quantities.
• Cons: Not ideal for intricate, highly detailed designs with many colors.

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing:

• Description: DTG printing uses specialized inkjet printers to print full-color designs directly onto the fabric. The ink is absorbed by the fibers, resulting in a soft, high-quality print.
• Pros: Ideal for detailed and full-color designs, soft feel, no minimum order requirements.
• Cons: Can be more expensive for large orders, less vibrant on dark-colored garments.

Heat Transfer Printing:

• Description: Heat transfer printing involves using heat and pressure to transfer a design from a printed transfer paper or vinyl sheet to the fabric.
• Pros: Great for small orders, intricate designs, and personalization, durable, can be used on various materials.
• Cons: Can have a slightly rubbery feel, and may crack or fade over time.

Dye Sublimation:

• Description: Dye sublimation printing involves printing a design onto transfer paper and then using heat to transfer the ink into the fabric’s fibers. It’s often used for all-over and full-color designs.
• Pros: Ideal for all-over prints, vibrant colors, no feel on the fabric, durable, excellent for polyester materials.
• Cons: Limited to light-colored or polyester garments, not suitable for dark cotton shirts.

Vinyl Cutting:

• Description: Vinyl cutting involves cutting a design from vinyl sheets and then heat-pressing it onto the fabric. It’s often used for single-color designs or lettering.
• Pros: Precise and clean designs, suitable for small batches and personalization, durable.
• Cons: Limited to one color per layer, may have a slightly raised texture.

Water-Based and Discharge Printing:

• Description: These eco-friendly methods use water-based or discharge inks that are absorbed into the fabric, leaving a soft, breathable feel. Discharge ink can remove the original color of the shirt, while water-based inks work with the fabric’s color.
• Pros: Environmentally friendly, soft feel, great for vintage or distressed looks.
• Cons: May be less vibrant than other methods, limited to specific fabric types.

Plastisol Printing:

• Description: Plastisol ink is a PVC-based ink that sits on top of the fabric. It’s known for its durability and is often used for bold, opaque designs.
• Pros: Vibrant colors, long-lasting, can be used on a variety of fabric types.
• Cons: Can feel slightly thick and may crack or peel over time.