Philadelphia-based Rush Order Tees decided to put decorating techniques to the test in an ultimate comparison between screen printing and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing. As digital printing has gained popularity and affordability in recent years, the company decided to take a look at the frequently asked question: How does DTG printing stack up against traditional screen printing?

Having the right screen-printing supplies is important for all screen-printing business. One of the best supply items you can have is low cure plastisol inks. Non-cotton fabrics, such as polyester and other synthetic performance and moisture-wicking materials are growing in popularity. While they are popular with customers, screen printers quickly realized that these materials are prone to dye-migration, also known as bleeding (the shirt color coming through the screen print ink).

The latest direct-to-garment (DTG) printers make it easy for your shop to create high-quality, printed apparel without having to hire or train highly experienced operators. When you add a DTG printer to your shop, one employee can take the order, print and prep products for delivery, then start the next job.

Direct-to-garment printers offer some key benefits, including:

Easy-to-follow tips for getting the best results on cotton, polyester, tri-blends and more

MagnaColours is a specialist waterbased ink manufacturer that developed its own universal certificate of compliance & sustainability called 'The GNA Standard'. One of its key aims is to eliminate chemicals from thegarment printing supply chain. Textile Image speaks with MagnaColours Marketing Manager Paul Arnold, about the company's GNA Standard and both the environmental and business benefits that come from making the switch to sustainable water-based inks. 

Every year when the cold weather sets in, it brings along some heat printing challenges with it.
Some shops that utilize empty basement spaces or garages can be exceptionally cold and present extra challenges. The first thing is to make sure your shop or area that you are heat printing in is heated and properly insulated. This can help reduce some of the challenges. When you are not constantly fighting a cold room temperature, your heat press can print.
After your work environment is somewhat warm, the problems related to the cold winter weather can be overcome by following these tips. 

Reducers reduce the viscosity or thickness of an ink when you feel the need to make an ink creamier or easier to print. Most inks come ready for use right out of the container and if needed, inks can be easier to use just by stirring it up for a few minutes. But at times, a reducer can help. Try stirring it first and you may find that that alone may do the trick.

There are several details to consider when preparing to screen print a garment. The following are six that I consider of utmost importance for achieving a great print.

That was the message at the Imprinted Sportswear Show, where exhibits pointed to the trend where consumers increasingly seek to shape the cuts and styles of their clothes.

The process to create a foil print using a vinyl cutter and heat press is simple. 

1. Cut a graphic from an HTV adhesive roll in a mirror image.
2. Weed away the unwanted components from the graphic. 
3. Flip the graphic over, adhesive side down. 
4. Heat apply to your fabric item of choice, removing the carrier when complete. 
5. Heat apply a foil overlay sheet on top of the adhesive in the desired foil color. 

In concept and practice, the process is straightforward. However, just like screen printing foil, there are steps to ensure top-notch efficiency and quality.