Why Cotton Tees?
Cotton tees are a popular choice for casual wear, prized for their comfort and breathability. JŪN tees are crafted entirely from cotton fiber, these tees provide an ideal canvas for screen printing, essential for achieving vivid and lasting designs.
Renowned for their comfort and breathability, 100% cotton tees are favoured for screen printing projects. Their smooth texture ensures ink adheres seamlessly, resulting in sharp and vibrant designs.
Screen Printing on 100% Cotton
Fabric is a crucial factor in screen printing, especially when it comes to 100% cotton tees. The type of fabric you choose for your t-shirt can greatly impact how well the design holds up after printing. Cotton is a popular choice for screen printing due to its ability to absorb ink and hold colors well over time. The smooth surface of cotton also allows for crisp and clear printing results. This means that the fabric you select can significantly affect the quality and longevity of your printed designs.
Other than the fact that 100% Cotton fabrics have exceptional ink absorption properties that allow prints to be both vivid and enduring, they are also soft, breathable, and durable. 100% Cotton tees ensure they retain their shape and comfort even after numerous washes.
Screen Printing 101
The machine used for screen printing is commonly referred to as a “screen printing press” or simply a “screen printer.” These machines come in various sizes and configurations, ranging from manual to automatic, and are designed to hold the screen securely in place while allowing for precise application of ink onto the substrate, such as a T-shirt.
Screen printing onto a T-shirt involves several steps:
- Design Preparation: Begin by creating or selecting a design that you want to print onto the T-shirt. This design is typically transferred onto a transparent film.
- Screen Preparation: A mesh screen is coated with a light-sensitive emulsion. The prepared screen is then placed over the design and exposed to UV light. The light hardens the emulsion except where the design blocks it, creating a stencil on the screen.
- Screen Setup: The screen is then mounted onto a screen printing press, with the T-shirt placed on a flat surface underneath.
- Ink Application: Ink is placed onto the top of the screen, above the design area. A squeegee is used to pull the ink across the screen, forcing it through the stencil and onto the T-shirt below. The squeegee is typically moved in a smooth, consistent motion to ensure even coverage.
- Drying: After printing, the T-shirt is moved to a drying area where the ink is cured. This can be done using a heat press, conveyor dryer, or flash dryer, depending on the equipment available.
- Repeat: If multiple colors are used in the design, each color is printed separately using a different screen. This process is repeated until the desired design is achieved.
- Finishing: Once the printing is complete and the ink is dry, the T-shirt may undergo additional finishing processes such as trimming excess threads or heat pressing to set the ink.
This process allows for high-quality, durable prints on T-shirts and is widely used in the garment industry for both small-scale and large-scale production.
100% cotton tees vs. Other materials
Cotton tees are natural fibers and the best choice for screen printing as they hold colors well. Unlike other materials, cotton does not easily snag or tear. Fabrics containing polystyrene or other synthetic fibers often exhibit reduced ink absorption compared to cotton, leading to less vibrant prints. Consequently, many sportswear companies opt for blended fabrics, necessitating the use of heat transfer methods to affix logos and prints. However, heat transfer plastics tend to deteriorate over time, with frequent washing causing cracks and a diminished lifespan, typically lasting less than 20 washes. Overall, when choosing tees for screen printing, 100% cotton is often always the preferred choice for its quality and printing results.
Other Tips for Screen Printing on Cotton Tees
Opt for a lower mesh screen count to enhance ink penetration. In other words, less colors are better. For vibrant colors, choose plastisol ink and ensure proper curing for lasting durability.
Conclusion
For striking and long-lasting prints, 100% cotton tees are the optimal choice. Not only do they provide comfort, but they also offer exceptional print quality. While blended tees offer cost-effectiveness for bulk orders, they may compromise on print vibrancy. Consider fabric composition carefully to achieve optimal results that align with your preferences and budget.