Understanding the best fabrics for screen printing is essential whether you are launching a t-shirt business or designing hats for holiday gifts. Despite screen printing’s versatility and ability to customize a wide range of fabrics, some works better than others.
When customizing apparel and accessories, choosing the right fabric can ensure a positive outcome and reduce frustration. For more information about screen printing fabrics, keep reading. Prints R Us T Shirt Printing Shop is the best pace to fulfil your dreams.
Synthetics
Fabrics made of synthetic materials include nylon and polyester. It used to be that synthetic fabrics were uncomfortable, but they’re just as comfortable now.
Screen printing can be done with synthetic fibers. However, there are many instances where it is discouraged. The color doesn’t absorb as well in synthetic fabrics, and because many of these fabrics are stretchy, special inks are sometimes necessary.
Professional screen printers frequently screen print athletic shirts made from 100% polyester. To get it right, you need some serious effort, so this fabric is not recommended for beginners.
It is important, however, to pay attention to the construction of the shirt if you consider it. It is typically best to print on woven shirts, but if the weave is too tight, it may not be possible. As well as heat resistance and elasticity, you’ll want to consider these factors.
Natural Fabrics
Natural fabrics have been used as clothing by humans for thousands of years. It is estimated that cotton fabrics found in Mexico and Pakistan are over 7,000 years old. Screen printing is possible on these fabrics because they are derived from plants and animals.
Cotton t-shirts and sweatshirts absorb color well and are comfortable to wear, making them ideal for this project. In addition to hemp and linen, other plant-based natural fabrics work well as well.
It is widely believed that cotton is the best fabric for screen printing, however, it has some drawbacks. Wrinkles and shrinkage are common problems with this fabric. On a hot day, it can also leave you feeling a little sticky because it doesn’t wick away moisture. Fabrics made from animal fibers can also be screen printed, although they are less commonly used.
There are, however, some drawbacks. Despite its smooth surface, silk doesn’t absorb colors well, for example. Screen-printed silk tends to have a muted, pastel appearance as a result. Ink can be challenging to get into all those nooks and crannies in wool because it is thick and absorbs color well.
Fabrics to Avoid
Almost any fabric can be screen printed, but some fabrics are better avoided, especially for beginners. A special ink is required for printing garments and accessories made of 100% polyester, lycra, or spandex. Because of this, screen printing projects should be avoided with them.
Furthermore, novelty fabrics, such as faux fur, are not suitable for screen printing. A fabric with an excessively textured surface is not suitable for this job, since it needs to be relatively smooth.
Natural and Synthetic Blends
In recent years, fabrics that blend natural and synthetic fibers have become increasingly popular for several good reasons. In addition to combining the benefits of each fiber, cotton and polyester are able to compensate for the drawbacks of each fiber.
The color will absorb well in a shirt made from a blend of cotton and polyester, just as it will in a shirt made from 100% cotton. Polyester is shrink-resistant, which means it will likely last longer than cotton.
Despite its poor color absorption ability, polyester tends to wick away perspiration and allow it to evaporate. In contrast, cotton absorbs color and sweat, making it quite uncomfortable on hot days.
Screen printing shirts and baseball hats made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibers is often an excellent choice. The quality and comfort of many products, including plain sweatshirts, are enhanced by the use of fiber blends.
Conclusion
The right fabric is important whether you are screen printing wholesale hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, or anything else. Our garments and accessories are perfect for screen printing at The Adair Group. For the products you need, browse our full selection today.
