Garment Decoration Technologies

DTG Vinyl Screen Printing Embroidery Transfer Printing - DIY Transfer Printing Some of the key technologies out there ….

How much will it cost? Level of Expertise? How quick? Wash ability? Maintenance? Environmental? Soft Hand? Some things to think about? Growth?

What kind of business are you? The PromoterSchool Uniform Workwear Fashion Label High Street Retailer Online Retailer

So what is the best one(s) for me?

DTG Vinyl Screen Printing Some of the key technologies out there …. Constant new developments Great for low volume, photographic multi colour prints Generally requires medium to high investment Good for online, quick turnaround market Consumable cost is high for large volume work But you need to understand the process especially for printing onto darks Great for low volume personalisation Mature market Suitable for low production I don’t like weeding Low investment required to get going Not so versatile Only really suitable for simple artwork Wash ability can be variable Great for high volume production Very versatile Low investment required to get going Takes time and experience to get the best results especially multi colour complex prints Very cost effective for larger runs Many inks to choose from with varying opacity Not great for low volume unless considering newer digital screen making technologies Perceived to be messy

Embroidery Transfer Printing - DIY Transfer Printing Some of the key technologies out there …. New Colour Lasers with white toner opening up new possibilities Suitable for low production levels Great for photographic work and quick turnaround Generally requires low to medium investment Keep a watch on consumable costs Wash ability can be variable Some papers self weeding, others not so … Very common and popular in corporate / uniform market place Not suitable for all garment types or styles of artwork High investment required for high volume production Have to keep up with machine developments to get the most benefits (and to be competitive) Lots of choice from multiple vendors Many of the transfers are screen printed giving the benefits of screen printing inks Good for managing working capital Becoming more popular for printers to create their own transfers Requires low to medium investment

So what is the best one(s) for me? – start to build your criteriaHealth Warnings apply

Conclusion There are no silver bullets and no simple answers Clearly define what you need (rather than want) for your business then research the options for you Use multiple solutions to give the right solution at the right price to your customer and at the right cost to you ‘When you are a hammer every problem looks like a nail’ – therefore consider blended solutions and get the best for you