Tips For Choosing Shirts For Your Screen Printing Project

25 September 2017
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If you're a business owner looking to create screen printed shirts for your staff or for giveaways, you need to be selective about the type of shirt that you choose. From the fabric to the color, the decision is a complex one. If you choose the wrong one, the printing will fade quickly when washed and worn on a regular basis. Here are some things to consider as you choose the shirts for your screen printing project:

What Are The Shirt Options?

You can find t-shirts in a few different styles, including natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or a blend of both. Natural fibers, like cotton, are not altered or heavily processed. Synthetics, on the other hand, are man-made. They are usually created with plastic and polymers, and they're crafted through a chemical treatment process.

Which Material Is Best?

When it comes to actually choosing the material for your shirts, you might be tempted to choose the synthetic fibers because they are more affordable. In this case, you will find truth in the phrase "You get what you pay for." The polymers used to create synthetic fibers are made from oils. That means they repel water. This can actually interfere with how well the screen printing image is accepted into the fibers of the shirt. You'll find that synthetics don't absorb nearly as well as cotton or other natural fibers.

What Kind Of Cotton Should You Choose?

If you opt for cotton to take advantage of the natural fibers, you will need to decide if you want regular or ringspun cotton. Ringspun cotton is crafted by straightening the cotton fibers, then thinning them before softening them. You'll find that ringspun cotton is more durable and stronger than traditional cotton, but you'll also pay more for it because of that.

You should also choose a thicker t-shirt instead of thin ones because the thick fibers will absorb the ink better, so they'll result in more vibrant, long-lasting colors in your image.

What Color Should You Choose?

There are so many different colors of cotton, and choosing the one you want is a serious step. If you choose the wrong color, your image might not show up. White is the best for screen printing because every color stands out on white.

Talk with a local screen printing shop for more advice about what kinds of materials, colors, and designs would be best for your company's needs. The more you understand, the better your final product is likely to turn out. Contact local screen printing services for more information and assistance.