This printing method is a process print, meaning tiny dots of a few colors make many colors. In this case, it’s cyan, magenta, yellow and black. This method is good for photographic images on light-colored shirts that contain a good amount of cyan, magenta, yellow or black.
Pros: Fewer screens, full color
Cons: Narrow color gamut
This printing method uses solid areas of color. A spot print is the opposite of a process print, only solid areas of ink. Halftone dots would still be considered solid areas if they don’t blend with other colors.
Pros: Easier to control color; solid, bold
Cons: We are limited to 8 colors (7 is ideal for ease of printing)
Similar to CMYK, except colors are chosen that are relevant to the image. This method can use a white underbase to help make shadow areas and a top white to make bright white pop.
Pros: Wide color gamut, full color, best color matching for photos
Cons: More screens, labor intensive to create separations, and colors may require adjusting on press
As the name implies, this ink uses water as a base. This allows for a soft feel and less toxic cleanup.
Pros: Soft, eco-friendly
Cons: Prone to drying in the screen, which limits us to 3-color prints typically. Also dries up in fine detail and halftones; dry water based ink will not pass through the screen and therefore will not print
Discharge is a water based ink that is activated by a chemical powder, which allows it to bleach the cotton fibers of a garment. Not limited to white or off-white print colors (we can add color to the discharge to allow for color prints).
Pros: Soft when washed, breathable for large surface area prints, bright and does not crack over time
Cons: Only effective on 100% cotton; not good for fine detail
This ink is PVC based and is easier to work with than water based. It will not cure (dry) at room temperature and instead must be heated to ~340°F for a set time.
Pros: Opaque; easy to work with
Cons: Thicker prints, which may breathe less easily and can crack over time
This makes the print softer and more flexible. Good for clients concerned with a heavy print.
Prints on polyester, nylon, rayon and other synthetic garments that require ink additives to allow the ink to stretch and cure properly. Faster drying speeds also.
This ink puffs when heated and leaves a raised print. Not good for fine detail or large areas.
This additive helps ink cure at a lower temperature and stretch along with a stretchy fabric.
This specialty ink is used to keep garment dye from bleeding into the ink we print when heated. Dye-sublimated shirts (e.g. some camo) are the most likely to have this issue, but heavily dyed shirts can also be problem.
Pros:Prevents dye migration
Cons: Makes print thick
This ink contains small flecks of reflective metallic material. Since this ink is reflective, a longer cure time can apply. Due to its heavy consistency a coarse mesh screen is required.
To use foil, an adhesive is printed and cured. Then the foil is heat pressed onto the shirt and sticks to the adhesive while the excess is pulled away.
This semitransparent ink contains tiny opalescent beads, giving a shimmery appearance when printed. This can be added to an ink or printed on top of an ink.
We use cutting edge technology to produce our digital transfers. They are digital in the sense that they are printed by a computer, not a physical screen. They allow for the maximum amount of detail.
Plastisol screen printed transfers allow for different types of ink to be used. These include metallic, glitter and others. These tend to be more opaque and bold than the digital transfers, but with less fine detail.
Here are a few examples of tees demonstrating our different printing methods and ink types!
Whether you’re a band or a business, choosing the best garment for your vision and budget is key. Check out our garment gallery to see some of the most common brands and cuts on the market.
Although we will need the complete project information to accurately price out your project,
you can use our our quote form below to get a general estimate!
You are also welcome to email your order directly to orders@fsgprints.com
