What Is The Difference Between Screen Printing And Heat Transfers?

When you need some promotional garments, try printing on shirts or other garments. You will have a choice between screen printing or heat transfer. Once you understand the difference, it will be much easier to decide which option is right for your business. This content also has some reference value for Eagle digitizing.

Both printing processes involve the transfer from the machine to the fabric of the garment. But they do it in different ways. Here's how these two processes work:

The heat transfer

In the heat transfer process, the combination of heat and pressure applies the image to custom T-shirts and other clothing. There are two seed types of this process: vinyl and digital heat transfer.

The heat transfer vinyl process requires a hot press to cut out vinyl lettering and images to create a complete design. Once the vinyl stencil is designed, the machine presses the stencil onto the fabric to print the design on it.

Digital subtypes work more like typical computer printing. Digital heat transfer machines use solvent inks to print clothing designs onto high-quality paper. The machine then presses patterned paper onto the fabric to complete the transfer process.

Screen printing

The screen printing process begins with the screen. This is why screen printing is often called screen printing. First, machine operators cut the mesh into the shape of the costume design to create a template for it. After that, the screen press uses a scraper to apply ink to the screen and place it on top of the garment. The machine then applies stencils and ink to the garment to transfer the design. Each screen can only handle one ink color at a time, so designs that require multiple colors require multiple screens on the machine to be designed for transfer.

Advantages and disadvantages of heat transfer

The heat transfer process has many advantages, but it also has some disadvantages. Heat transfer printing is suitable for printing clothing in small batches, usually less than 500 pieces. It prints high-resolution images in multiple colors well and can easily adapt to complex designs. It is also environmentally friendly and cost-effective to set up.

However, this printing method is not suitable for large orders and can make the fabric feel stiff underneath the design. It also works poorly on dark fabrics, and the design can break down over time.

Advantages and disadvantages of screen printing

Like hot pressing, screen printing has its advantages and disadvantages. Screen printing is suitable for large orders of clothing, over 500 pieces, for both dark and light fabrics. This printing technique results in brightly colored designs that last longer than most hot press designs. It also creates fabrics that are softer and more flexible than hot press printing.

However, the screen printing process can only handle two or three colors at most at a time. It is also more expensive than heat transfer printing because it requires more equipment and chemicals, and the process can be time-consuming and confusing at first.

How do you choose between screen printing and hot pressing?

The truth about screen printing and heat transfer printing is that both methods are better than the other. Each is better suited to certain order sizes and the number of colors and image types. Ultimately, choosing the right printing method comes down to which printing technology suits your design needs. To choose the best approach for your design, ask yourself the following questions:

How many items would you like to print with this design? If the answer is below 500, select heat transfer. If more than 500, choose screen printing.

How many colors do you need for your design? Screen printing works best with three or fewer colors. If your design requires multiple colors, choose heat transfer.

How complex is your design? Heat transfer printing works best for complex designs, while screen printing works best for simple designs.

Ask yourself these questions about your design, and pay attention to your answers. The answer helps you determine which printing method to use.