What are the processes for custom printing of cultural shirts? Which one is not easy to fade?

What are you most afraid of when customizing a cultural shirt? It's not that the style is wrong, but that it will crack, fade, and mottled after washing the printing a few times? Today, clarify the mainstream printing process and help you avoid minefields.

? Screen printing

The most common process. The principle is to scrape the ink through the mesh to the fabric, and then dry and cure at high temperature.

The advantages are high color saturation, low cost, and the larger the batch, the more cost-effective. The disadvantage is that the more colors, the more expensive, and the gradual change of color is difficult to express.

Washable degree: ✅✅✅✅ is very firm after correct curing, and it is not easy to fade.

? Thermal transfer

First print the pattern on the transfer paper, and then press it on the clothes at high temperature.

The advantage is that the full color gradual change is done casually, one piece is printed, suitable for complex patterns and photos. The disadvantage is that the feel is hard, and the edge is easy to peel after washing for a long time.

Washable degree: ✅✅✅ good quality transfer film can withstand multiple washes, but not as durable as screen printing.

? Embroidery

Use thread to embroider patterns on clothes, with advanced texture and strong three-dimensional sense.

The advantage is that it almost never fades, and the more you wash it, the more delicious it is. The disadvantage is that complex patterns and small text cannot be done, and the cost is high.

Washable degree: ✅✅✅✅✅ physical sewing, the process of least fading.

? Digital direct injection

Inkjet directly on the fabric like a printer, it feels soft and breathable.

The advantage is that full color is unlimited, suitable for pure cotton light-colored clothes. The disadvantage is that dark clothes need a base and have medium color fastness.

Washing degree: ✅✅✅ recommended to turn over cold water wash, can prolong life.

? Water slurry/glue printing

The water slurry is breathable but light in color, and the glue has strong coverage but is thick.

Washing degree: ✅✅✅ no problem with normal washing, inferior glue is easy to crack.

Which one is the least likely to fade?

The answer is clear: Embroidery > Screen Printing > Heat Transfer > Digital Direct Injection.

If you pursue the ultimate washable, choose embroidery. If you pursue cost performance and color, choose screen printing. If the pattern is complex and you don't want to open the plate, thermal transfer and digital direct injection are more flexible.

? Choosing the right manufacturer is more important than choosing the process

The same process, different manufacturers make much worse life. Ink quality, curing temperature, pressing time, each step affects the non-fading.

Shenzhen Yasenman Apparel Co., Ltd. has been focusing on cultural shirt customization for many years. From fabric to printing, the whole process of quality control, screen printing curing in place, embroidery wiring is dense, washable and durable without fading. Support small batch minimum order, free proofing, help you wear team culture on your body?

Before choosing a craft, ask yourself: Is the pattern complicated? What is the budget? How long will it take to wear? Think clearly about these three points, and then compare the above washable ranking, which will basically not roll over.