Digital printing is the latest printing technology, which utilizes computer software to create prints from digital designs.
There is a growing preference for this method over roller, screen, or transfer printing because of its cost-efficiency.
The designs of digital printing can be repurposed. Apparel, accessories, and household textiles may all benefit from the process. Analog printing involves screen printing, while digital printing uses computer-generated designs as a starting point.
When you’re printing clothes, there are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind.
Here are the most important ones:
Do understand the different types of digital printing
If you want to take on digital printing, it is important to be informed of the different types of it. This will allow you to choose the best one for your needs.
There are different types of digital printing such as Direct-to-Garment (DTG), Sublimation, Eco-Friendly Digital Printing (EcoPrint), Heat Transfers, Translucent Prints on Black Fabric, Glitter/Metallic Ink.
Do proofread your text design
Before you send your text for printing, proofread it more than once to ensure accuracy. This will prevent horrible spelling mistakes or typos from appearing on your customized clothing.
Do apply a heat press for best results
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Using a heat press can ensure that the ink is permanently fixed to the fabric. The heat press is usually set to a temperature of 100-200 degrees.
This means that the ink is heated under pressure for at least 3 seconds, which makes the print permanent.
Do get your design printed on stretch fabric if you want it to be extra comfortable
Stretch fabrics are great because they keep the garment in shape while being very comfortable at the same time. Using other types of fabrics such as cotton or viscose will result in a stiff design.
Don’t forget to iron the fabric before printing
Before your garment goes through the printing process, it’s important that you iron the fabric first. This eliminates all wrinkles and gives you a smooth surface for better results.
Wrinkles can sometimes become visible on printed clothes, which is why it’s of utmost importance that they are removed.
Don’t forget to dry clean your garment if you plan on printing on it
Heat transfers are printed on textiles that have already been treated with heat, which is why it’s important not to use this type of print on fabrics that haven’t gone through this process before.
Using untreated fabrics can result in the ink being washed away or otherwise damaged when you try and wash them after printing. For best results, you should dry clean your clothes before using a heat transfer printer.
Many people own their own printer and like to experiment with designs and colors – but there are design mistakes that need to be avoided when printing clothing.
Don’t forget about the details
Details such as patterns and other little touches can make your designs stand out, but they should never compromise the quality of the print. Avoid using patterns that are too small because these tend to have a blurry effect on prints.
Don’t forget what material you want to print on
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It’s important to know what type of material you want to use for printing, which is why it’s best if you decide on this beforehand. This way you’ll avoid making mistakes later when picking out the right material for your design.
Do be careful with fabrics that have a low melting point
Polyester and nylon are amongst the sensitive materials to print on. These have a low melting point, which means your designs will easily wash off or otherwise fade with the wrong treatment.
It’s best to avoid using these fabrics for printing if you don’t want to run into problems later on.
Don’t forget about color tones
It’s important that you use the same color tones throughout your design because this establishes a good look and feel. Using different shades can affect how people view your print, even though it is only subtle differences.
For instance, using too many light colors in one design can make it appear washed out whereas too many dark colors can be overwhelming for the eye.
Don’t forget about practicality
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Clothes are items of practical usage, which means they should be designed with this in mind.
Clothes are used every day so you should always think about how your design will look throughout the different activities that might be done wearing it – for instance, if you print something on a jumper then what happens when someone wants to go jogging?
Don’t forget about fully ventilating the garment after printing
After printing, let the garment dry properly before wearing it. This means that any ink still left on the fabric won’t rub off while being worn.
Ventilate the item by opening up its sides and moving them until they aren’t damp anymore (usually after 10-15 minutes).
Takeaways
The growing popularity of digital printing is easy to understand. It’s a quick, efficient process that can be used to create high-quality prints without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a new way to print your clothes, accessories, or home textiles, consider giving digital printing a try.
Just keep in mind the dos and don’ts we’ve outlined above, and you’ll be able to produce beautiful prints that everyone will love.