When it comes to clothes printing, there are a lot of things you need to keep in mind. Some methods require specialized equipment and supplies, while others work better with certain fabric types. Additionally, some of the techniques are much faster than others, so you can get your apparel printed in a shorter amount of time.
One of the most popular clothing printing options is spot color, which uses pre-mixed colors (usually Pantone) to make up solid colors in your design. This is great for maintaining consistency with a brand identity and is typically used in both screen and litho printing. However, it’s not ideal for printing on dark garments, and can be tricky to use with complex designs.
Another common print method is CMYK, which uses four separate inks to create the desired color on your fabric. Unlike spot color, CMYK inks are transparent and build up solid colors through layering. However, this process can be difficult to work with on complicated designs and is not compatible with many non-cotton fabrics.
Finally, there’s the screen printing method, which is widely considered to be the highest-quality option. It’s also a great choice for printing in large quantities and is compatible with most fabrics. To begin, you’ll need to cover a hard, flat surface with a cotton pillowcase and clear it of any dust or debris. Most ironing boards won’t be suitable due to their metal bars and grating, so you might need to find an alternative surface like a laminate countertop.