How Do Different Screen-Printing Inks Look and Feel?
What does plastisol ink feel like?
Plastisol sits primarily on top of the garment and produces a durable print with strong, vibrant color. Its feel can range from light and smooth to heavier depending on the design, ink coverage and number of colors.
What does suede ink feel like?
Suede ink creates a soft, slightly raised texture resembling suede or brushed fabric. It works well for bold lettering, logos and selected design elements that need a premium tactile finish.
What does Crystalina ink look and feel like?
Crystalina contains reflective particles that add sparkle and visual interest. Its texture and appearance depend on how heavily it is applied and whether it is used alone or as an accent over another printed color.
What does water-based ink feel like?
Water-based ink absorbs into compatible garment fibers, producing a softer and more breathable print that feels more like part of the shirt. InkHead Graphics is currently developing this capability for future projects.
What does discharge ink feel like?
Discharge ink changes or removes the original dye from compatible dark cotton garments, allowing the design to maintain a soft feel without a heavy layer of ink. InkHead Graphics is currently developing this process for future projects.
What does foil printing feel like?
Foil creates a smooth, reflective metallic surface on selected parts of a design. It produces a high-impact finish but may feel different from traditional ink and requires more careful washing and drying.
What does puff ink feel like?
Puff ink expands during the curing process, creating a raised and dimensional surface. The amount of texture depends on the artwork, ink application and desired effect.
Do specialty inks work with every design?
No. Specialty inks often require bold artwork, larger design areas or particular garment types. Fine lines, small lettering and detailed halftones may not work well with every specialty effect.
Which ink type is best for my project?
The best choice depends on your garment, artwork, quantity, colors, desired texture, budget and intended use. InkHead Graphics will review your project and recommend the most appropriate ink and printing method.
Which Apparel-Decoration Process Is Right for My Project?
What is traditional screen printing best for?
Screen printing is ideal for larger apparel orders, repeat designs, bold colors and specialty ink effects. It is commonly used for company shirts, uniforms, schools, teams, events, nonprofits and branded merchandise.
What is DTF printing?
Direct-to-film printing digitally prints a design onto a transfer film that is then applied to the garment using heat. DTF can reproduce detailed, full-color artwork and works with many different garment colors and fabric types.
When should I choose DTF instead of screen printing?
DTF may be the better choice for smaller quantities, highly detailed designs, artwork containing many colors or orders involving several garment types. Screen printing is generally better suited to larger quantities and designs that benefit from traditional ink application.
How does a DTF print feel?
DTF creates a smooth printed layer on top of the garment. The feel depends on the size and coverage of the design. Large solid areas generally feel heavier than smaller designs with open space.
What is dye sublimation?
Dye sublimation uses heat to permanently infuse a design into compatible polyester material. Because the design becomes part of the fabric, it has virtually no raised feel and will not crack or peel like a surface-applied print.
What projects work best with dye sublimation?
Dye sublimation works best with light-colored polyester garments and compatible coated products. It is frequently used for performance apparel, jerseys and detailed full-color designs. It is not suitable for every fabric or dark-colored garment.
How is embroidery different from printing?
Embroidery uses thread to stitch a design into the garment rather than applying ink or a transfer. It creates a professional, dimensional finish that works especially well on polos, hats, jackets, uniforms and corporate apparel.
When should I choose embroidery?
Embroidery is a strong choice for professional uniforms, staff polos, hats, jackets and garments that need a durable stitched appearance. Extremely detailed artwork and very small lettering may need to be simplified for clean embroidery.
Can InkHead use different processes for one apparel program?
Yes. A business might use screen printing for employee T-shirts, embroidery for polos and hats, DTF for smaller full-color orders and dye sublimation for performance apparel. InkHead can recommend a coordinated combination based on the garments and intended use.
Is screen printing suitable for a small order?
Screen printing requires individual setup for each ink color, so another process may be more practical for very small quantities. InkHead will compare the order size, artwork, garments and number of colors before recommending the best production method.
Do I need finished artwork before requesting a quote?
No. Send us the artwork, logo, sketch or idea you currently have. Our team will review it, determine whether it is production-ready and explain any artwork preparation that may be required.
What information should I provide for an apparel quote?
Provide the approximate quantity, garment type, garment color, number of design locations, artwork or logo, desired completion date and any special printing effects you are considering. More complete information helps us prepare a more accurate quote.
How do I know which process to choose?
You do not need to decide on your own. InkHead Graphics will review your artwork, quantity, garments, budget, intended use and desired finish before recommending the most appropriate decoration process.
Need Help Choosing a Printing Process?
Tell us what you want to create, how many pieces you need and how the apparel will be used. Our team will help you compare the available options and recommend the right process for your project.
