Top 5 Types of Shirt Printing: Pros, Cons, and Costs

Each types of shirt printing can be profitable for one business but another because of various factors. Some businesses can reduce production costs by using screen printing. Some others might need help to search for a suitable marketplace. In this guide, you will see the pros, cons, and costs that are necessary for your business. 

Pros, Cons, and Costs of The Popular Types of Shirt Printing

Gather deeper information about different variations of shirt printing and decide which is one of the most align with your vision. 

1. Air Brushing

Airbrushing is a printing technique that uses an airbrush, which has been filled with paint and attached to an air source. You will simply draw the chosen designs on a white t-shirt, or place your selected stencils to guide your creation. If you prefer an inexpensive production, this type is surely suitable for you.

Moreover, you will be able to be more free with your artistic sense in your designs. Unfortunately, it will be a challenge to apply intricate details with airbrushing, not to mention the manual labour you might face if you suddenly receive large orders. In addition to that, below are the pros and cons for you to consider further. 

Pros

• Perfect technique if you plan to start your business alone.

Cons

• The designs depend on you. If the customers do not enjoy them, you will face a challenge.
• The lack of durability can be the disadvantage of your shirts.

Cost

• You do not need a large budget but around $1,000 or more for the basic tools, such as the airbrush and the hoses.

Also Read: Top 7 Printify Alternatives That Outshine in Customer Support

2. Plastisol Transfer Printing

Plastisol screen printing is one of the types of shirt printing that is more convenient and simpler compared to the others. You only need to prepare the designs and transfer them to the transfer papers. After being dried, apply the sink on the papers. Afterwards, the designs are prepared to be applied to shirts by using a heat press. 

However, the method is unsuitable for any photographic images and half-tone ones. Regardless, plastisol screen printing is often used for demonstrations at events, which might increase your brand visibility. 

Pros

• The designs are usually high-quality and extremely durable.
• You can store designs on the transfer paper to reduce labour.

Cons

• The professional tools are expensive. 

Cost

• The starting kit is only around $200. 
• One pressing machine can cost up to roughly $100,000, with the cheapest being around $1,000.

Also Read: How to Promote a T-Shirt Business Without a Big Budget

3. HTV Printing

HTV printing, or heat transfer printing is a printing technique that requires you to cut the pattern of your design first, either digitally or manually. Then, you will use a heat press or an iron to apply the design on a t-shirt before peeling away the paper, like a sticker tattoo. 

Pros

• The printing process is simple, and therefore good for beginners.

Cons

• Cutting designs can be time-consuming.
• There can be little room for creativity, including unfit for dark backgrounds.
• There are limited fabrics that can withstand heat.

Cost

• The tools are affordable compared to the others’ methods, which are around $700 for the heat press and $200 for the cutter.

Also Read: Is Print On Demand Profitable? Find Out the Tips & Strategies!

4. Direct-To-Garment Printing

Direct-to-garment printing is amongst the types of shirt printing that is safe for the environment, as water-based inks are free from toxic chemicals. Moreover, you will be more flexible in applying colours to your designs, either complex or simple ones. In addition to that, there are lesser tools because you directly pain on the shirts. 

Pros

• The direct-to-garment method allows you to design with various colours and designs.
• The shirts absorb the water-based inks more easily.
• The method is safe environmentally.
• The most suitable method to adopt if you have many orders.

Cons

• Usually, the shirts are weak against sunlight and fade to washing.

Cost

• The tools are relatively pricy, which is usually more than $10,000.

5. Dye Sublimation Printing

Dye sublimation, or all-over printing is a technique that allows you to apply designs to the whole shirt area seamlessly. You can start by preparing your designs digitally and transfer them on transfer papers. Then, you must use heat to engrave the designs on the shirts and cool them down afterwards. 

Pros

• It is possible for you to apply your digital designs everywhere even though the shirts’ surfaces are not flat.
• The inks are designed to blend into the fabric, and therefore smooth-looking appearance and everlasting.

Cons

• The dying method is not suitable for dark-coloured t-shirts or cotton material.

Cost

• The cost of the tools is not affordable for beginners. The heat press only costs approximately $2,000.

Also Read: Digital Products vs Print on Demand: Which Has Better Scalability?

Which Types of Shirt Printing Interest You?

So, those are the most popular types of shirt printing that may be good for your business. After comparing the elements, you can decide your pick by ensuring it aligns with your business goals. 

Don’t forget that your shirt design also needs a good and unique appearance which relies on various design elements, notably the text fonts. You can get inspiration and a choice of diverse kinds of fonts at our DM Letter Studio website. 

Our selection is ready to help you portray your brand identity and value, and embelissh your design, making your shirt products more remarkable and distinctive. 

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