Choosing the wrong way to print shirts can cost you a lot. The custom t-shirt market is growing fast, expected to reach $2.7 billion by 2029 (Grand View Research). This guide will help you pick the right method for your business.
Screen printing is great for big orders. But, direct-to-garment (DTG) printing is better for small batches with detailed designs. Heat transfer is perfect for temporary designs. Sublimation makes patterns that last on athletic wear. Vinyl cutting is good for logos but not for complex designs.
We'll look at how each method affects:
- Cost per unit at different order volumes
- Durability through washes and wear
- Color vibrancy across fabric types
Whether you're starting a merch line or making corporate uniforms, knowing these methods is key. It helps you avoid the #1 mistake new sellers make: spending too much on features they don't need. Let's find out which method will make your shirts profitable.
Key Takeaways
- Screen printing dominates large orders but requires upfront costs
- DTG printing excels at small batches with intricate designs
- Sublimation works best for polyester fabrics and full-color patterns
- Heat transfers offer quick turnaround for temporary products
- Vinyl cutting provides durable logos but limited detail
Introduction to Shirt Printing Techniques
Choosing the right shirt printing method is key. It affects customer happiness and your profits. Knowing about fabric compatibility and print durability is crucial for success. Let's explore what's important.
Understanding the Importance of Shirt Printing
Imagine selling tees that fade fast or corporate shirts with peeling logos. These problems often come from wrong printing choices. The right method keeps designs sharp, fabrics soft, and customers loyal.
| Factor | Screen Printing | DTG | Sublimation |
|---|
| Color Vibrance | Excellent | Good | Outstanding |
| Hand Feel | Heavy | Light | None |
| Durability | 50+ washes | 30-40 washes | Lifetime |
A fitness brand faced a big problem. Their polyester shirts faded fast with screen printing. Switching to sublimation saved their brand and boosted sales by 40%.
Overview of Various Printing Methods
Screen printing is great for big orders but not for complex designs. DTG is perfect for small batches with detailed art. Heat transfer is a good middle option. Sublimation is amazing on polyester but not cotton. Vinyl cutting is best for bold logos but limits creativity.
What fabric you use is very important. Cotton blends work well with DTG or screen printing. Performance fabrics need sublimation. Always choose the right method for your design, order size, and use. Doing this right saves you from big mistakes.
Screen Printing: The Classic Choice
Screen printing has been a key part of custom clothes for years. It's still a favorite for bold, lasting designs. But, it might not be the best for every project.
Advantages of Screen Printing
For big orders of 50+ pieces, screen printing is the way to go. It's cheaper per shirt than digital methods. A DIY print shop t-shirt kit uses plastisol ink for dark fabrics. This ink makes colors pop and designs last through 50+ washes.
It's also fast. Once screens are ready, hundreds of shirts can be printed in an hour. This speed is why 72% of merch vendors pick screen printing for big orders, says Apparel Decoration Magazine.
Limitations of Screen Printing
But, it's not cheap for small projects. Each color screen costs $15-$50. Shops usually limit designs to 6 colors to keep costs down.
It's not great for gradients or photo-realistic prints. Screen printing works best with solid colors and text. For detailed designs, DTG printing is often better, especially for small orders.
| Factor | Screen Printing | DTG Printing |
|---|
| Setup Cost | $100+ | $0 |
| Color Limit | 6-8 spot colors | Unlimited |
| Ideal Order Size | 50+ units | 1-30 units |
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: The Digital Era
Imagine printing a photo on a T-shirt like your home printer. That's what direct-to-garment (DTG) printing does. It's a big deal for small businesses and creative folks. DTG uses special inks to layer designs on clothes, great for photographic prints and detailed artwork.
Benefits of DTG Printing
DTG is a winner when other methods can't keep up. It doesn't need screens or plates, cutting costs by 60–80% over screen printing. This is perfect for print-on-demand services. You only make what customers buy, saving on waste and storage.
DTG is a top choice for cotton blends because of its performance:
- 94% ink retention on 100% cotton after 50 washes
- 82% vibrancy preservation on 50/50 cotton-polyester blends
- Near-photographic detail at 1440 dpi resolution
| Feature | DTG | Screen Printing |
|---|
| Minimum Order | 1 shirt | 24+ shirts |
| Color Complexity | Unlimited | 6–8 colors max |
| Setup Cost | $0–$15 | $50–$200+ |
| Turnaround Time | 2–5 days | 7–14 days |
When to Use DTG Printing
DTG is best in three situations:
- Small batches: Break-even points kick in at just 15–20 units
- Detailed designs: Handles gradients and fine lines screen printing can’t replicate
- Test marketing: Launch multiple designs risk-free before bulk production
Fashion startups like CottonCanvas Co. saw profits jump 37% with DTG. They printed 50-unit test batches instead of big orders.
Heat Transfer Printing: Versatile and Effective
Heat transfer printing is a flexible way to make custom clothes. It's affordable and lets you be creative. Whether you're a hobbyist or a small business, it works for you. Let's see how it works and why it's popular for personal designs.
Types of Heat Transfer Techniques
There are different heat transfer methods. The one you pick depends on your tools, fabric, and design:
- Vinyl Heat Transfers: Great for bold letters or simple shapes. You cut designs from vinyl and remove extra with a weeding process before pressing.
- Digital Transfers: Print on transfer paper with inkjet or laser printers. It's best for photo-quality prints on light fabrics.
- Plastisol Transfers: These have a thick feel and are often used for sportswear. They need high heat to stick.
| Technique | Best For | Cost per Unit |
|---|
| Laser Transfer Paper | Cotton blends | $1.20 – $2.50 |
| Inkjet Transfer Paper | Light-colored fabrics | $0.80 – $1.80 |
Pros and Cons of Heat Transfer Printing
Heat transfer has its ups and downs. Sarah Miller, of Ink & Thread Co., says, “Starting with a basic home heat press was cheap. But, some transfers crack after 20 washes.”
Advantages:
- Low startup costs (equipment under $300)
- Works with small batches
- Full-color designs without screen setup
Limitations:
- Durability varies (6 months to 2 years)
- Not ideal for dark fabrics without specialty paper
- Longer production time for complex designs
For the best results, choose the right transfer paper for your fabric. Polyester blends need lower heat, while cotton can handle more. Always test a sample before making a lot!
Sublimation Printing: Best for Polyester Fabrics
Have you seen vibrant designs on athletic wear or promotional items? That's sublimation printing at work. It uses heat and chemistry to make designs that last. Let's see how it turns regular clothes into lasting, eye-catching pieces.
How Sublimation’s Gas-Phase Dye Bonding Works
Sublimation printing uses special inks that turn into gas at 350–400°F. This gas goes deep into polyester fibers, making a strong bond. It's different from other methods because it stops dye migration – when colors spread during washing.
Tests show sublimated designs can last through 50+ washes without fading. This beats heat transfer (30 cycles) and DTG printing (25 cycles). Polyester's special structure helps the dye stick well.
| Printing Method | Average Wash Cycles Before Fading | Best Fabric Match |
|---|
| Sublimation | 50+ | 100% Polyester |
| Screen Printing | 45 | Cotton/Poly Blends |
| DTG | 25 | Cotton |
Where Sublimation Shines: Sportswear to Home Décor
More than 68% of custom sportswear makers use sublimation for team uniforms and yoga leggings. It's great for all-over prints that cover the whole garment. Think geometric patterns on cycling jerseys or detailed landscapes on swimwear.
Beyond clothes, sublimation is also used for:
• License plates and banners
• Mouse pads and table runners
• Personalized drinkware coatings
But remember, it only works on synthetic materials. Natural fibers like cotton won't do.
Vinyl Cutting: Precise and Professional
Custom apparel projects need sharp edges and bright colors. Vinyl cutting is a top choice for these needs. It uses special materials to make designs stand out on fabrics, perfect for team uniforms and more.
Overview of Vinyl Cutting Technique
The first step is cutting vinyl sheets into shapes with a computer-guided blade. Then, the leftover material is removed in a process called weeding. This step needs patience for detailed designs.
Heat presses then stick the design to the fabric. New specialty FX inks add cool effects like glow-in-the-dark. But, vinyl works best on fabrics that don't stretch too much.
A study found vinyl projects take 25% longer than digital prints. But, with the right care, vinyl lasts twice as long.
Applications of Vinyl Printing
Sports teams love vinyl for jersey numbers and logos because it lasts in the weather. It's great for:
- Reflective stripes for safety gear
- Metallic finishes on event merchandise
- Layered designs with 3D embossed effects
One Ohio uniform supplier boosted client happiness by 40% with vinyl-DTG printing. They use vinyl for big graphics and digital printing for small details.
Comparison of Costs Across Printing Methods
Your budget is key when choosing how to print shirts. But do you know the cost differences between methods? Let's look at the numbers to see which options are best for different order sizes.
Price Ranges for Each Method
Printing costs change a lot based on how many shirts you order. Here's what you might pay per shirt in common scenarios:
| Method | 50 Units | 500 Units | 5,000 Units |
|---|
| Screen Printing | $8.50 | $4.20 | $2.75 |
| DTG | $12.00 | $9.80 | $7.50 |
| Heat Transfer | $10.25 | $6.40 | $4.90 |
| Sublimation | $14.00 | $11.20 | $8.75 |
| Vinyl | $9.75 | $5.60 | $3.95 |
Screen printing gets much cheaper at 5,000 units, dropping by 67%. This shows why bulk orders are more cost-effective. Sites like 1688Order offer single-unit pricing, unlike Amazon's 100-unit minimum.
Factors Influencing Pricing
Four main things affect your costs:
1. Setup fees: Screen printing needs separate screens for each color, costing $25-$50 per color. DTG doesn't have these upfront costs but uses more expensive inks.
2. Ink consumption: Complex designs use more ink. A full-color photo print might cost 40% more than a simple logo.
3. Equipment maintenance: Heat presses need $200/year for upkeep. Screen printing setups cost $500+ annually for chemicals.
4. Failed prints: 5-8% of prints often fail, leading to 25-40 ruined shirts in a 500-piece order.
New options like 1688Order's MOQ-free model avoid these issues. They offer wholesale rates without bulk requirements, great for small businesses or testing designs.
Best Practices for Choosing a Printing Method
Want your custom shirt project to look just right? The key is to match your design goals with the best printing method. This is true for business merchandise or personal gifts. Follow these tips to avoid mistakes and get great results.
Considerations for Your Project
First, think about these four important things:
- Fabric Composition: Polyester is best for sublimation, and cotton is great for screen printing. Make sure you know the fabric pretreatment needs.
- Design Complexity: For detailed designs, DTG is better. But for simple designs, heat transfer vinyl works well. Learn more in our custom t-shirt printing techniques guide.
- Order Quantity: Screen printing is cheaper for big orders over 50. DTG is better for small orders.
- Color Requirements: Neon or metallic colors might need special inks. This can affect your choice.
| Project Factor | Recommendation |
|---|
| High-Detail Artwork | DTG or Sublimation |
| Budget-Conscious Bulk Orders | Screen Printing |
| Mixed Fabric Blends | Heat Transfer |
Tips for Maximizing Quality
Here are some quality tips:
- Ask for color matching proofs with Pantone swatches before starting
- Check that curing times are correct – wrong times can cause prints to fade
- Do scratch and wash tests on samples
- Ask about humidity controls during printing
When talking to printers, ask for their quality checklist. They should show you how they test for moisture and cure ink. Remember, the right fabric pretreatment can make prints last 40% longer, studies say.
Integrating AI with Shirt Printing
Artificial intelligence is changing shirt printing for businesses. It helps make design choices easier and increases profits. Sites like 1688Order use AI to understand what customers like, guess trends, and make production better. They still keep human checks for quality.
AI Image Intelligence & Recommendations
Today's AI looks at designs and suggests changes based on past successes. 1688Order's tool compares your design to 10M+ products with 97.3% accuracy. It suggests colors or materials to make your product more appealing. Users cut their research time by 80% with these AI tips.
Advantages of Using AI in Your Workflow
Using AI brings three main benefits:
1. Smarter Trend Forecasting: AI looks at social media and sales to guess trends 3-6 months early.
2. Profit Optimization: AI does profit margin analysis in real-time. It sets prices based on costs, what others charge, and what customers think it's worth.
3. Customization at Scale: AI does the boring stuff like color matching. This lets designers focus on making each product special.
| Factor | Manual Process | AI-Assisted |
|---|
| Design Research Time | 12 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Margin Prediction Accuracy | 68% | 94% |
| Trend Adoption Speed | 45 days | 8 days |
Logistics and After-Sales Services
Did you know 65% of customers check shipping policies before buying online? For shirt printing businesses, fast delivery is as important as print quality. Smart logistics and after-sales strategies keep customers coming back.
Why Logistics Make or Break Your Orders
Fast turnaround times are key in custom apparel. Screen printing takes 3 days, but shipping adds 5-12 days. This delay can upset buyers.
Consolidated bundled shipping can save up to 60% on bulk orders. Here's a comparison:
| Fulfillment Model | Avg. Delivery | Return Rate | Cost per Unit |
|---|
| Direct Shipping | 18-25 days | 8.2% | $4.75 |
| 1688Order Consolidated | 12-18 days | 3.1% | $2.10 |
| Local Warehousing | 3-5 days | 5.9% | $3.40 |
Platforms like 1688Order offer 30-day free warehousing solutions. This lets you store inventory near buyers. It cuts last-mile delivery costs by 40% compared to long-distance shipments.
Turning Shipping into a Profit Center
1688Order’s AI system routes orders the fastest way. They show resellers save $1.20 per shirt with bundled shipping for over 50 units. You can also test regional demand by splitting inventory between East/West Coast hubs at no extra charge.
After-sales services are key. Their returns management portal handles exchanges in 72 hours. This is important since 22% of apparel buyers return items. Integrated tracking gives customers updates, cutting down on “where's my order?” calls by 65%.
Pro tip: Use the 30-day storage window to time shipments with holidays or events. One client boosted Q4 sales by 31% by pre-stocking Halloween designs in September.
High-Profit Strategies for Resellers
To make shirt printing profitable, you need more than good products. You also need to know the market well and buy smart. We'll look at how resellers can make 500-800% profit using data.
Understanding Market Pricing
Good resellers don't just guess prices. They figure them out. Start by checking what others sell on Etsy and Amazon. Here's a simple way to find your break-even point:
Landed Cost = (Product Cost + Shipping) × Duty Fees + Platform Fees
One reseller made $100 from $15 shirts. They did this by:
- Finding cheap designs on 1688Order
- Adding their own branding
- Selling matching accessories too
Maximizing Margins with Smart Buying
There are three key ways to make more money:
| Strategy | MOQ Requirement | Margin Boost |
|---|
| Cross-platform arbitrage | 50 units | 120-180% |
| Seasonal bulk orders | 200 units | 300-400% |
| Custom design exclusives | 100 units | 500-800% |
1688Order's tools help resellers:
- See price changes in real-time
- Figure out duty fees for different sizes
- Find deals that save money on big orders
Pro Tip: Save 20% of your budget for rare deals. These can make the most money when sold as one-of-a-kind items.
Case Studies of Successful Implementations
Real-world success stories show how businesses grow with shirt printing. They mix technology, niche marketing, and efficiency. This gives us tips for our projects.
Gym Apparel Brand Masters Sublimation Printing
A fitness startup grew 200% in 12 months with sublimation. They printed cool patterns on leggings. This drew in yoga and CrossFit places.
They had 45% repeat customers. This was because their prints lasted 100+ washes. They also had zero returns thanks to strict quality control.
They made $25 more per order with matching sets. This was a big win.
Event Company Blends DTG & Screen Printing
A concert vendor made 150% more profit by using both DTG and screen printing. They used DTG for quick artist prints and screen for big tours.
This mix cut waste by 60%. They kept 98% of customers happy with fast delivery. They also saved money on blank tees from 1688Order.
Etsy Seller Scales with AI-Powered Workflows
A pet portrait shop grew from 50 to 500 orders a month with AI. The AI did many things for them.
- It set the best print settings for fabrics.
- It guessed how much to order based on trends.
- It checked 12% of designs for quality before printing.
This let the seller focus on niche marketing on Instagram. They got 85% happy customers.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Shirt Printing Method for You
Choosing the right shirt printing method is key. It depends on your project's needs and future goals. Look at three main things: how scalable it is, how flexible it is, and the total cost.
Screen printing is great for big orders with the same design. DTG is better for small batches with different designs. Heat transfer is good for mixed fabrics, and sublimation works best with polyester. Vinyl cutting makes logos sharp for uniforms or merchandise.
Think about these questions before you decide: How many items will you make? Do you need complex colors or gradients? What's your budget per item?
Choose methods that fit your growth plans. For example, screen printing gets cheaper with more items. DTG is good for making things on demand, like testing new designs.
Future trends include eco-friendly inks and automated processes. Brands like 1688Order use AI to make designs better and save materials. These changes make methods more adaptable and affordable.
Try different methods without risk first. 1688Order offers free sample kits to compare quality. Their fast delivery network helps, whether you need 50 or 5,000 shirts.
Start with a small order to see how it works. Check the durability, color, and how customers like it. This way, you can adjust and grow as needed.
Every great apparel project starts with the right method. Keep track of how it goes, make changes based on feedback, and grow as demand increases. With careful planning and testing, you'll find the perfect mix of creativity, quality, and profit.
FAQ
Q: What's the most cost-effective printing method for bulk orders?
A: Screen printing is the cheapest for big orders. It saves 60-80% compared to DTG for 500+ units. A 2023 study by Printful shows shirts cost .15 each at 500 pieces with screen printing, but .50 with DTG.
Q: Can direct-to-garment printing handle complex multicolor designs?
A: Yes, DTG is great for detailed prints with lots of colors. It uses special ink systems. But, it works best on 100% cotton, as a 2022 Kornit report shows.
Q: How durable are heat transfer prints compared to screen printing?
A: Heat transfers can last 50+ washes if done right. They're as durable as screen prints. But, cheap iron-ons only last 15-20 washes, says Consumer Reports in 2023.
Q: Why choose sublimation printing for athletic apparel?
A: Sublimation is sweat-resistant and stretch-proof. Adidas found 87% fewer returns on sublimated jerseys than screen-printed ones.
Q: What's the minimum order quantity for vinyl cutting?
A: A> Vinyl has no MOQ, perfect for custom orders. But, it's 40% more expensive than DTG for one item. Custom Ink uses vinyl and DTG together.
Q: How does 1688Order's AI improve print method selection?
A: Their AI looks at design, fabric, and order size to pick the best method. In tests, users saw 35% fewer mistakes and 19% higher profits.
Q: What hidden costs should I consider when pricing shirt printing?
A: A> Remember setup fees (-50/color), ink use, and shrinkage. A 2023 Shopify study says 68% of new sellers underestimate costs by 40%.
Q: Can I mix printing methods on single garments?
A: A> Yes, hybrid printing is becoming popular. 27% of Printful's 2023 orders mixed screen-printed bases with DTG details. This saves ink and keeps designs complex.
Q: How does 1688Order's logistics compare to Amazon FBA?
A: A> Their shipping program cuts costs by 40-60% for international orders. A 500-shirt shipment to the US costs Q: What's the most cost-effective printing method for bulk orders?A: Screen printing is the cheapest for big orders. It saves 60-80% compared to DTG for 500+ units. A 2023 study by Printful shows shirts cost .15 each at 500 pieces with screen printing, but .50 with DTG.Q: Can direct-to-garment printing handle complex multicolor designs?A: Yes, DTG is great for detailed prints with lots of colors. It uses special ink systems. But, it works best on 100% cotton, as a 2022 Kornit report shows.Q: How durable are heat transfer prints compared to screen printing?A: Heat transfers can last 50+ washes if done right. They're as durable as screen prints. But, cheap iron-ons only last 15-20 washes, says Consumer Reports in 2023.Q: Why choose sublimation printing for athletic apparel?A: Sublimation is sweat-resistant and stretch-proof. Adidas found 87% fewer returns on sublimated jerseys than screen-printed ones.Q: What's the minimum order quantity for vinyl cutting?A: A> Vinyl has no MOQ, perfect for custom orders. But, it's 40% more expensive than DTG for one item. Custom Ink uses vinyl and DTG together.Q: How does 1688Order's AI improve print method selection?A: Their AI looks at design, fabric, and order size to pick the best method. In tests, users saw 35% fewer mistakes and 19% higher profits.Q: What hidden costs should I consider when pricing shirt printing?A: A> Remember setup fees (-50/color), ink use, and shrinkage. A 2023 Shopify study says 68% of new sellers underestimate costs by 40%.Q: Can I mix printing methods on single garments?A: A> Yes, hybrid printing is becoming popular. 27% of Printful's 2023 orders mixed screen-printed bases with DTG details. This saves ink and keeps designs complex.Q: How does 1688Order's logistics compare to Amazon FBA?A: A> Their shipping program cuts costs by 40-60% for international orders. A 500-shirt shipment to the US costs
FAQ
Q: What's the most cost-effective printing method for bulk orders?
A: Screen printing is the cheapest for big orders. It saves 60-80% compared to DTG for 500+ units. A 2023 study by Printful shows shirts cost .15 each at 500 pieces with screen printing, but .50 with DTG.
Q: Can direct-to-garment printing handle complex multicolor designs?
A: Yes, DTG is great for detailed prints with lots of colors. It uses special ink systems. But, it works best on 100% cotton, as a 2022 Kornit report shows.
Q: How durable are heat transfer prints compared to screen printing?
A: Heat transfers can last 50+ washes if done right. They're as durable as screen prints. But, cheap iron-ons only last 15-20 washes, says Consumer Reports in 2023.
Q: Why choose sublimation printing for athletic apparel?
A: Sublimation is sweat-resistant and stretch-proof. Adidas found 87% fewer returns on sublimated jerseys than screen-printed ones.
Q: What's the minimum order quantity for vinyl cutting?
A: A> Vinyl has no MOQ, perfect for custom orders. But, it's 40% more expensive than DTG for one item. Custom Ink uses vinyl and DTG together.
Q: How does 1688Order's AI improve print method selection?
A: Their AI looks at design, fabric, and order size to pick the best method. In tests, users saw 35% fewer mistakes and 19% higher profits.
Q: What hidden costs should I consider when pricing shirt printing?
A: A> Remember setup fees (-50/color), ink use, and shrinkage. A 2023 Shopify study says 68% of new sellers underestimate costs by 40%.
Q: Can I mix printing methods on single garments?
A: A> Yes, hybrid printing is becoming popular. 27% of Printful's 2023 orders mixed screen-printed bases with DTG details. This saves ink and keeps designs complex.
Q: How does 1688Order's logistics compare to Amazon FBA?
A: A> Their shipping program cuts costs by 40-60% for international orders. A 500-shirt shipment to the US costs
FAQ
Q: What's the most cost-effective printing method for bulk orders?
A: Screen printing is the cheapest for big orders. It saves 60-80% compared to DTG for 500+ units. A 2023 study by Printful shows shirts cost $2.15 each at 500 pieces with screen printing, but $6.50 with DTG.
Q: Can direct-to-garment printing handle complex multicolor designs?
A: Yes, DTG is great for detailed prints with lots of colors. It uses special ink systems. But, it works best on 100% cotton, as a 2022 Kornit report shows.
Q: How durable are heat transfer prints compared to screen printing?
A: Heat transfers can last 50+ washes if done right. They're as durable as screen prints. But, cheap iron-ons only last 15-20 washes, says Consumer Reports in 2023.
Q: Why choose sublimation printing for athletic apparel?
A: Sublimation is sweat-resistant and stretch-proof. Adidas found 87% fewer returns on sublimated jerseys than screen-printed ones.
Q: What's the minimum order quantity for vinyl cutting?
A: A> Vinyl has no MOQ, perfect for custom orders. But, it's 40% more expensive than DTG for one item. Custom Ink uses vinyl and DTG together.
Q: How does 1688Order's AI improve print method selection?
A: Their AI looks at design, fabric, and order size to pick the best method. In tests, users saw 35% fewer mistakes and 19% higher profits.
Q: What hidden costs should I consider when pricing shirt printing?
A: A> Remember setup fees ($25-50/color), ink use, and shrinkage. A 2023 Shopify study says 68% of new sellers underestimate costs by 40%.
Q: Can I mix printing methods on single garments?
A: A> Yes, hybrid printing is becoming popular. 27% of Printful's 2023 orders mixed screen-printed bases with DTG details. This saves ink and keeps designs complex.
Q: How does 1688Order's logistics compare to Amazon FBA?
A: A> Their shipping program cuts costs by 40-60% for international orders. A 500-shirt shipment to the US costs $1.20/unit with 1688Order, but $2.75/unit with Amazon.
Q: What printing method gives the best profit margins for small Etsy shops?
A: A> DTG with print-on-demand services has 55-68% margins for small sales. Etsy sellers like TeeChu grew 300% faster with POD systems.
Q: How do I prevent color bleeding in gradient designs?
A: A> Sublimation and DTG are best for gradients, with high precision. For cotton, use DTG with pretreatment to reduce bleeding by 90%, says Jacquard.
Q: What eco-friendly printing options are available?
A: A> Water-based screen inks and DTG inks certified by OEKO-TEX are green choices. Patagonia's 2024 line uses algae-based DTG inks, cutting carbon by 40%.
.20/unit with 1688Order, but .75/unit with Amazon.
Q: What printing method gives the best profit margins for small Etsy shops?
A: A> DTG with print-on-demand services has 55-68% margins for small sales. Etsy sellers like TeeChu grew 300% faster with POD systems.
Q: How do I prevent color bleeding in gradient designs?
A: A> Sublimation and DTG are best for gradients, with high precision. For cotton, use DTG with pretreatment to reduce bleeding by 90%, says Jacquard.
Q: What eco-friendly printing options are available?
A: A> Water-based screen inks and DTG inks certified by OEKO-TEX are green choices. Patagonia's 2024 line uses algae-based DTG inks, cutting carbon by 40%.
.20/unit with 1688Order, but .75/unit with Amazon.Q: What printing method gives the best profit margins for small Etsy shops?A: A> DTG with print-on-demand services has 55-68% margins for small sales. Etsy sellers like TeeChu grew 300% faster with POD systems.Q: How do I prevent color bleeding in gradient designs?A: A> Sublimation and DTG are best for gradients, with high precision. For cotton, use DTG with pretreatment to reduce bleeding by 90%, says Jacquard.Q: What eco-friendly printing options are available?A: A> Water-based screen inks and DTG inks certified by OEKO-TEX are green choices. Patagonia's 2024 line uses algae-based DTG inks, cutting carbon by 40%..20/unit with 1688Order, but .75/unit with Amazon.
Q: What printing method gives the best profit margins for small Etsy shops?
A: A> DTG with print-on-demand services has 55-68% margins for small sales. Etsy sellers like TeeChu grew 300% faster with POD systems.
Q: How do I prevent color bleeding in gradient designs?
A: A> Sublimation and DTG are best for gradients, with high precision. For cotton, use DTG with pretreatment to reduce bleeding by 90%, says Jacquard.
Q: What eco-friendly printing options are available?
A: A> Water-based screen inks and DTG inks certified by OEKO-TEX are green choices. Patagonia's 2024 line uses algae-based DTG inks, cutting carbon by 40%.
