What's the The Best Printing Method for Your T-shirt Brand?

[@seadawgs1962]

I’m will be buying a new commercial DTF printer and shaker very soon. Owned dtg machines since 2006 along with sublimation, and also embroidery. Sold everything right before the pandemic. Now getting ready to start again but going to use DTG and also Sublimation.

[@str8gabe]

I’ve had the DTF Station L2 for 2 months and I love it.

[@seadawgs1962]

@str8gabe that is what I have quoted and plan on buying, a L2 but the stopped the 110v shaker so I'm waiting to see what they replace it with.

[@str8gabe]

@@seadawgs1962 I know. I think I got one of the last ones. I hope it’s not an issue for me going forward. Nobody gave me a real good answer as to why they stopped producing that model.

[@seadawgs1962]

Sorry, my last line was not correct. Will be using DTF, not DTG

[@emsdonoso8212]

@@str8gabe f4f4

[@HuntleeraCaile]

When I wanted to contribute to our family income but needed flexibility, I found the perfect setup: Crafted Threads for design bundles, Amazon for a Cricut printer, and Etsy to sell my creations. I started by printing fun t-shirts during quiet moments at home, and now I also sell them at local craft fairs. It’s incredibly rewarding to see this side hustle making a real difference in our budget!

[@LionTree123]

I don't get it. the cricut printer prints the shirts for you?

[@ntaolengmalise]

Hi Jerald. Thank you so much for this video, and others as well. As someone who is looking to get into this business, this was so informative. I've been doing extensive research on which type of printing technique is best, and you broke them down so well, without leaving one flustered. Much appreciated.

[@freelittlesoul]

The first vud ive seen that actually gives you the sauce not just the empty talk.. God bless ❤

[@KoenraadHedylst]

After becoming a parent, I wanted something creative and flexible to do during nap time. I started with a Crafted Threads design bundle, ordered a Cricut from Amazon, and made parent-themed shirts just for fun. Turns out, other parents LOVE custom t-shirts! Selling them at community meet-ups has been an amazing way to connect with others and make some extra money on the side. Highly recommend this setup!

[@TruderHawsona]

As a broke college student with a creative streak, I decided to start a simple t-shirt business. Here's my pipeline for success: Crafted Threads for the design bundle, Amazon for a budget-friendly heat press (or borrow one like I did!), and campus events for my marketplace. Now I’m selling witty shirts that are covering my coffee habit AND my textbooks. It’s been a game changer!

[@ritsutakatsuki6149]

this is actually quite helpful for someone who doesn't have any idea how to start a tshirt printing business. thank you

[@SarasCartmaila]

Really appreciate you putting it out there! Fantastic video.

[@mistermartinstreet]

Great video (and I’m one of those guys who has 20 screen printed shirts in may garage of varying sizes and the same design ~ wish I’d watched this first

[@merchstudio]

I’m so sorry to hear that. I was that guy, too. Ended up donating the shirts for tax deductions.

[@GabrielarVogeller]

This was incredibly useful, thanks a lot!

[@RichieLeeTX]

I literally watched this from beginning to end, good job on the presentation you explained it all

[@thedylanrogers]

Thanks for making this video. I've been making a living in graphic design for 21 years. Silkscreen printing was a major component to the 1st company I worked for as a designer (they had and still have their own apparel print shop). Someone in my close inner circle just laughed at me for even invoking the word “silkscreening”-declaring that silkscreening is antiquated. It's been a while since I've had to deal directly with printing on fabric, but I always keep silkscreen printing in mind when I design for a brand that will need its logo printed on fabric or other challenging surfaces. For example, I recently designed a logo for a swim team that needs to print on silicon and latex swim caps. I've always perceived silkscreen printing as the best quality method, though I may have been biased because it's the only method that I have witnessed up close and personal.

[@merchstudio]

Hi, Dylan! you’re right in thinking that. Screenprinting is still the best in terms of softness and durability, but as with other printing methods. It has some characteristics which make it impractical for some tshirt makers. Ilove acreenprinting and would use it in everything that we make if it was prqctical. But we have hundreds of designs and not all of them sell well. That said, the ultimate goal for any brand is to have enough sales volume to make screenprinting a viable option.

[@thedylanrogers]

@@merchstudio Best of luck with your T-shirt sales and thanks for educating us on the different kinds of T-shirt printing methods. I always like being able to advise my design clients on options that fit their specific needs.

[@Rachaelshaw7]

@dylanr0gers do you freelance

[@NicoliarRenn]

Appreciate all the details you’ve shared!

[@EricRetortaIAMERIC]

I saw your video fixing your print heads on one of your DTF printer I love the rush hahaha ha ...I'm a huge fan and subscriber. It's my dream to have my own printing business and in love in DTF and UV DTF. I used to work in Carnival Cruise Lines as Photo Labtech, and printing photos is my life. God bless you brother and your business.😊

[@LornesBentham]

Absolutely spot on! Can’t wait to test it out.

[@begineerceej]

New to clothing industry! This is so valuable!!

[@JamesonarFerriday]

Great content! I learned something new today!

[@KerrarZecchini]

Thank you for this awesome video.

[@AggiarStepto]

Grateful for you and all your efforts.

[@ForTheCause1]

Very helpful video with all the right information. Thank you for this!

[@vicejuls]

Love watching your videos po sir Jerald. I learned a lot po starting my small business too. Keep sharing and keep up the good work. Thank you Kabayan 😊

[@KalahiCanada]

I am learning a lot from your videos. We are starting a t-shirt printing business here in Canada using DTF printer too. 🙂

[@merchstudio]

How exciting! Best of luck!!

[@midwestblondie]

@@merchstudio When designing a graphic to fit on a teeshirt, how many pixels should the graphic be?

[@Nifty-Stuff]

Wow, brilliant video going over all the shirt options. I definitely needed this!!! Thanks!

[@spikeleaan]

Amazing video deserves every view

[@merchstudio]

Thank you!

[@angier6433]

Thank you for sharing your experience ❤

[@asthewheelsturnrv8624]

I jumped into DTF with a Procolored L1800 and have had awesome success. I have a small shop in a tourist town and am the only game in town. My question is which ink is the best. I can buy their brand but notice there is several other brands for ink, powder and rolls of medium.

[@shelzmike]

Great video. Was probably a little bit more than I set out to learn but still watch the whole thing anyway because it's something I didn't know a lot about. So I've got an interesting question. What if you were interested in this as a hobby/craft? Meaning, I know that for some simple screen printing the setup can be reasonable if you have the money of course. I'm just thinking with a lot of the other options other than the thick vinyl which I'll never do. It's almost as if you have to approach these companies with a larger quantity than just a new idea once a month or so. I mean sure I can just go on Etsy amd order one offs, but its not the same to me. Being able to imagine, design, than actually craft my own shirts would be awesome. I've got way too much else going on to do this as a side hustle even but I've always wanted to be able to do this. I was told by someone in a similar skill set as your own. That screen printing actually would probably be more what I'm after because of this fact. Again, I understand space requirements and all of that, but That's not an issue for me. I like working with my hands and designs so having someone else print something out for me that I just transfer to a shirt with heat seems unauthentic. Anyway, thanks again for the education!

[@jonathanspriggs4935]

i feel if u are just starting and dont know what you are doing dtf but if u know the quality and what sells you should do screen printed

[@Morcego538]

Very detailed video! Thank you! Would you mind telling me what type of files these machines use, and which dimensions and resolution is best for this?

[@midwestblondie]

When designing a graphic to fit on a teeshirt, how many pixels should the graphic be?

[@MindWhy22]

These products are more useful for small businesses. Thanks for your post.

[@dejansimic]

The best video I found where you explain printing on t-shirts. Big thanks I have one question, I'm getting into business. I chose DTF, somewhere they say it can't be printed on black cotton t-shirts? Is that correct? Thanks in advance for your reply, please keep making new videos. greetings from Croatia

[@merchstudio]

Not true at all! Most of the shirts I sell are black.

[@dejansimic]

@@merchstudio Thanks

[@OtisIsMyCat]

Thanks for all these videos! I’m binge watching them! I have a question re: durability with washes. When you say “30-40 washes,” for example with DTF, what happens after the 40 washes? Peeling? Cracking? Fading? Are they still wearable with some semblance of the image?

[@merchstudio]

Great question. Mostly cracking, but that’s typical wear and tear even with screen printing. Also, 30-40 is a super conservative number

[@trappyadvice2492]

Hello, I love your videos. What's the best printing technology to print face or picture of persons onto a T-shirt?

[@GlitchCrunch]

So, with the DTG method, think that may be the best option for showing off designs to get funding for possibly transferring to DTF/Screen-printing yourself?

[@ScorchedAce94]

Thank you for the information and helpful tips this video really helped alot

[@merchstudio]

My pleasure!

[@jessiecontreras8666]

I do dtf printing, for me it works better than the screen printing, specialy when working at full color designs, i can produce almost a hundred full color shirts a day, no curing needed,. Than the screen printed, u need to dry the inks 1st before applying the 2nd color, but thats just for me, not sure if it works for others

[@sjzilee]

Please make a vid of selecting DTF printer.

[@merchstudio]

will do!

[@rhynoboy2009]

​@@merchstudio If you can, it'd be great if you could talk about the desktop DTF printers as well like the Procolored l1800 or the Prestige a3+ R, things of that nature for someone with limited space. Would be much appreciated.

[@merchstudio]

@@rhynoboy2009 I'd loveto but I have no experience with them. I'll try to find someone with one and do a vid with them.

[@sjzilee]

@@merchstudio hello, I sent you a few emails at the email address I obtained from your KZbin video. However, I haven't received any response so far. I completely understand that you are super busy, but was wondering if you could kindly confirm whether you've received my email. Thank you in advance for your time!

[@JaymeJewelz78]

I would love to know about printers

[@Wefa10]

Thank you very much!!!

[@mariancudalbu6396]

This is a very educative and well-made video. Thank you!

[@merchstudio]

Thank you so much for your feedback! I put a lot of effort into making educational videos, so it's great to hear that you found it helpful.

[@ozzy_tribal_design]

Thank you for clearing some information for me. My problem is, I work 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, in a hospital. I think I'll just have a print shop print my designs. But still, I'm not rulling out on not having my own DTG or DTF printer in the future.

[@merchstudio]

Yes, that might be the best route for you with your work hours and all. Best of luck!!!

[@bradleybiederer8796]

Amazing breakdown, thank you. My one gripe is it seems you conflated DTG printing with just being print on demand. Selling it more as a service than the way you talked about the other printing methods. Have a great day!

[@merchstudio]

Great point. I was discussing it for the t-shirt business starter, but you’re right. DTG can definitely be brought inhouse. Thanks for the fredback. I’ll try to do better in future videos. 👊👊👊😊😊

[@Street_Costello]

I’m trying, but I’m having difficulty building up, no sales on my site, Etsy stopped moving, I want to sell transfers and have good credit, but can’t get funded to get Dtf setup, because my credit isn’t that old, but it was good enough for me to buy a house 🤦🏿‍♂️

[@ER-qb2db]

Idc screen print is for me. I just now starting but, my main focus is QUALITY!! I’m very picky and don’t like when I can fell the design on the shirt bc it looks tacky to me, cracks, fades and doesn’t last long (my opinion). I’m willing to take the risk for quality products. Eventually it will sell and will not loss quality if it sits for awhile is what I. Looking for.

[@-alfulk1245]

Any idea how to do puff print is it with dtf?

[@watpaulsaid]

Hi Gerald, I wanna ask what print do you think has the best quality print? becuase I have couple of shirt with Vinyl transfers but the Vinyl eventually start to curl like a paper. thank you in advance!

[@ValentinoRirihena]

I think the DTF is good, but, in my place when the weather is mostly hot and humid, i already try dtf many times, it just not comfortable in this weather. Bcs it closes the fabric from getting enough air to flow. I like how easy and convenient DTF is, but if i want the comfortable, i maybe choose DTG

[@merchstudio]

I’m the same. I print in Houreton, TX. Co trolling the climate with A/C, humidifier and dehumidifier is vital to keeping your printer printing

[@iconijin_14]

I just subscribed to your channel. I' interested to put up my own Printing Business here in the Philippines. By the way, how much is the ideal capital to get started? Thank you if for your reply.

[@gonzalez78]

Thanks for the video! It was very helpful.

[@merchstudio]

Glad to hear it!

[@paradiselivinginpurpose]

Great vid, man ! New subbie !

[@texaradodesigns]

Great video, Gerald!

[@merchstudio]

Thanks, Shawn!

[@becthreeseven3118]

Legend. Thank you for this :)

[@merchstudio]

You’re welcome!!

[@queenspokentruths]

Can you post the link to the video you were talking about in the beginning? I didn't know you had that many videos.

[@freshkisimotheshow]

great video... question, is there a way to do sublimation on another color beside white? like black or any other color?

[@merchstudio]

You can do it, but all the white parts of the image will be the color of the shirt and every color of the design may be skewed by the garment’s color. Also, the darker the garment is, the harder it will be to see the design when it’s imprinted

[@freshkisimotheshow]

@@merchstudio thank you so much, what would be the best way to print on a black shirt?

[@Sumcooking]

Thank you Sir 🙏

[@khalishakhairani4795]

The easiest? DTF for sure. Then comes the DTG, Heat press vinyl, Sublimation, Polyflex (glow in the dark), flocking. Plastisol and Discharge are the hardest and oldest screen print method.

[@wagyu_killer]

do you know if supacolor uses laser or inkjet for their top colors?

[@thecomiccircuit]

there top color is laser, there is a video floating around the internet which describes the process...TKO has a similar workflow....

[@wagyu_killer]

@@thecomiccircuit i have seen the process for the tko transfer but now the website says it is dtf printed tranfsfer plus screen printed backing for the supacolor

[@merchstudio]

@thecomiccircuit is correct. They use DST (Digital Screen Transfer), which uses a digital color layer and a screen printed underbase layer

[@mauricejenkins136]

You earned my follow, right on

[@merchstudio]

Thank you!!

[@-alfulk1245]

How to do puff print is it with dtf? Or how I want to know

[@SmilA89]

Please make video about buying dtf printers let me know if u will make one ❤❤❤

[@frenzoc.1232]

Awesome video! Can you go more in depth on CIELAB color space?

[@blacki7191]

Very Informative video, thanks!

[@blaze23ytgaming4]

Hi I have a doubt. What does puma, nike, etc use for their logos. It feels rubbery.

[@merchstudio]

That’s silicone. Also heat transfer

[@blaze23ytgaming4]

@@merchstudio hey thanks for getting back. So is it like silicone vinyl, or something else. Can u pls explain this in detail. I'd greatly appreciate it

[@babycakes1974]

Link for the video you mentioned in this vlog. Thanks.

[@zephyrkhambatta]

what printing do top brands like topman, zara, giordano, nike, etc etc etc use? Like the printing where it feels like the image is "part of" the t shirt? Like nothing sticking out, no difference in feeling between the coloured parts and the rest of the tee? You know what I mean? Do you offer Zoom calls?

[@merchstudio]

I’m not sure as I don’t have the products, but Itjink you may be talking about discharge screen printing

[@sandranogueirauk8653]

Amazing video 👏 thank you

[@merchstudio]

Thanks!

[@EMF_D]

Hey what brand pet film do you guys use?

[@wesMFNjust]

So, I’m working towards starting a fitness brand. Small business, I would like to make the shirts myself. What would you recommend for that? I was going to do print of demand, but like you said, I was worried about quality.

[@merchstudio]

I'm not gonna lie. I'm a little biased towards DTF because we bought our DTF printer because of our own apparel business. Just make sure that you leave a lot of negative space in your designs to improve breathability on your prints. Best of luck!

[@IllegalAlien-h1g]

Where do you buy tshirts in bulk ?

[@ohkalos]

Jiffy is good

[@Da-Observer]

Ali baba

[@millipede070707]

Im just doing htv and dtv. Most people don't wear the same shirt all the time the shirt should last at least a year. They will Probably discard it or donate it before it goes bad anyway.

[@merchstudio]

Yes! I still have htv shirts from a few years back that are still top notch. No damage or peeling

[@amandaferrick80]

im so glad just found this video. This was the only video that actually made sense. I watched so many videos of literal morons. the way you've answered all of my questions, logistics and wasting money, trial and error will happen I'm sure, but you saved me so much time. I can tell you truly take this career seriously, I almost didn't want to make shirts until I wanted some made for a family member, and was interested in buying many items. so here I make a huge order. well, I got ripped off. ended up making my own, so shortly after I became unemployed and i am wanting to to add tshirt making to my craft booth, I wanted to not have "cheap" shirts, maybe hemp or organic cotton. of course I'm being difficult. we also have other locally sourced items, candles, soaps, crystals, mushrooms, microgreens, herbs, so my question is how best can I do that with other types of fabrics. and do I include hats, and mugs, metal, glass or clay ect. i have friends with other stands and local events. also memorial shirts and stickers, so that being said I would like to start a non profit from the sales of my overdose awareness items. that being said, I have also have social media, And i was will hopefully get a brick and mortor. but thank you. if u read this. I hope I made sense. I truly want to do this and I'm very indecisive but very ambitious and take my goals serious when I put my mind to it.

[@gold-junge91]

Your are really nice dude 👌🏻 and your video gives me nice overlook thanks. Have you experiences with printing vinyle to make stickers? Like dbrand

[@merchstudio]

I have not tried doing vinyl stickers but I know some people are doing well with them.

[@amsarajchinnamunian452]

I am going to start new business

[@TAGWOODCONSTRUCTION]

Hey l have HP smart tank , can l use it to print for heat press

[@ralphatkins5475]

Which is overall better if you are going to purchase a machine. DTF or DTG?

[@BaziTrades]

How is the hand feel compared to screen printed transfers?

[@merchstudio]

Feels comparable. I’d love to send you some samples. Please email [e-mail] to request for one.

[@lisatbarros6425]

❤, thanks

[@stevelopez5747]

Which DTF printer do you recommend?

[@merchstudio]

I have an Audley, A Mongoose and an Oric 4-head. Love the Audley and Mongoose but I'm not very happy with the Oric.

[@topcat2033]

What about embroidery?

[@karimkhalfa6968]

Hello I have a fedar dtf printer with i3200 printheads, which brand of ink do you recommend?

[@merchstudio]

I use dtf superstore ink

[@dasoriano2777]

Do you have an example of a dtf multi-colored print tee washed more than 60 times?

[@merchstudio]

Yes, Ihave shirts that i’ve had for more than 1 year. I can email you photos

[@shredcity7217]

any screen printing companies you can recommend to outsource my printing to?

[@merchstudio]

Where are you located?

[@shredcity7217]

San Diego, CA

[@christianarcos4333]

Interested in buying my own printer

[@MrLos-lq4vl]

What’s the best way to make sure you don’t have transparent pixels to avoid the white outline on dtf prints

[@RockCorley-im1si]

Thanks so much!

[@MercuryArtFFF]

What’s a good printer. Doing on an Epson workforce 7780 and it’s not coming out the way I want it. 🙏🏼

[@merchstudio]

Are the colors off?

[@vivianamaria6351]

great info❤

[@StayActive2000]

My clothing brand is Stay Active🦅

[@ARMA2ARMENIA]

Good luck all !

[@RonnieAmuenda-i5p]

Hi Jerald I' m Ronnie im just asking you a little help about dtf printer. I just bought DTF printer 4 months ago as new printer there's no issue until i notice that color is not the same as my original image. I'm using DSV DTF L1800 printer from china. I'm asking if you have any idea or any good color setting. I'm using Acro Rip V10.3. I hope you can share me your knowledge in DTF printing. Thanks Ronnie Amuenda

[@merchstudio]

Hi, Ronnie! You need to ask your printer manufacturer for a good ICC profile or make one

[@joelfarley8654]

Sorry to say screen-printed shirts won’t last as long as the shirts.. I’ve got lots of screen printed shirts from very reputable companies and they crack after a while..

[@LovelyLisha3]

What would you suggest as being the most durable, long-lasting printing method? I'm trying to make a decision and only do vinyl and transfer papers for the most part.

[@LiquidSnake1988]

Yeah, what do you recommend

[@malikasampson7673]

Screen printing is very much long lasting once properly done using the right product. Like the guy said, the print outlasts the tee shirt.

[@joelfarley8654]

@@malikasampson7673 I’ve got many professionally done screen printed shirts by huge companies and the industry and they are already cracking after a few years

[@DK-lz7kg]

Screen printed shirts do not crack if they are properly printed and properly washed - almost all cracking is due to these two factors for the average life of a good shirt. Obviously, it won’t last forever, but it will last a long time over any other printing method.

[@KerrolMcCkoy]

Hello am in Jamaica need start with you

[@phillipervin9018]

Interested in printers

[@xviewmytubex]

Help! I'm starting off with the basics! Using an HP inkjet printer and transfer paper and domestic iron! I just did my first design and two things result I don't want: I cut the design to a smaller size after printing and it has a border I don't want (cutting around design). The design has a border in the original file but as I printed landscape it was out of sight and too large a design, so I cut. Second, the color output was not at all the brightness of the design file. I'm guessing something with printer settings including paper type, which I didn't use for this printout. Has anyone encountered this, or is familiar enough to provide some tips? Thanks! =).

[@grimacegank]

First, that is coming off after the second wash. Please order your transfers or get into htv.

[@agaashagaash6320]

2:35, 10:55, 12:20

[@zaminali5324]

Hello how are you. My name is Ali muzaffar and I am from pakistan sir i want to business t-shirt please give me advice sir how many mony needed for business and And which eqiupement are needed

[@ese.Watts323]

How do I put my own drawing on a t-shirt

[@merchstudio]

You can scan it or, for better quality, get it vectorized.

[@linderpuyam3479]

I am just a beginner planning to start a shirts printing Business...which one should be better for me please suggest?

[@merchstudio]

Hi! All of them work with the tight system and marketing strategy. Which one you choose should depend on factors like your budget, risk tolerance and how much time you have to produce the garments

[@Streve.]

@@merchstudioI’ve been buying a sawgrass 500 and a shilhoute cutter. But I don’t know how to use it. Witch system is the best to use it on your laptop. How can make my own paintings . Please any advise…?

[@thefamilyaccount5928]

The only bad things I hear about DTG machines are: High price tag, Clogging if maintenance isn't performed, Isn't worth having if your not mass producing product, Ink is expensive. so Jerald, my question is... (1.) what are the price tag on cheaper DTG machines but will not make you suffer in quality and constant TLC.(2.) I heard the machine runs an auto preventative maintenance where it uses your ink but after it is done the ink that it used is non- reusable which drives up overhead cost so is there a solution on the market that the machine can use to run its cycles when not in use other than your ink supply. (3.) if it's not worth having unless your mass producing then i just assumed it's because of the price if ink so can you just power the unit down where maintenance cycles are not needed tha is using your ink supply?. (4.) do you see ink prices dropping anytime soon or can the same ink be purchased over seas for cheaper price. I am thinking about getting into the T-Shirt business but I'm finding out that my dreams of the perfect machine doesn't exist or is too costly for beginners. Other than the first 4 questions asked, what options do you see with a 8 grand starting budget.

[@Seaquirt]

of course you can buy ink from China, but you have to find out the quality one

[@lakegenevapoolandspas2583]

Looking for someone/ somewhere for screen print copies for me to press. Any recommendations?

[@merchstudio]

I think transfer express has screen print transfers.