Compare garment finishes
Compare ink layers, raised surfaces, stitches, pile and washed textures, with the mechanism and limitations of each technique.
Printing
4Graphics formed with ink: compare solid colours, multicolour detail and raised puff effects.
- Printing
Screen printing
Ink passes through a stencil mesh onto the textile. Multicolour artwork generally uses separated screens with registered colour layers. What to compare in the image The close-up shows a red ink layer meeting the knitted base. Conventional screen printing does not aim for the pronounced relief of puff printing; solid colours and defined edges are useful comparison points. Properties and limitations Hand-feel varies with ink, coverage and curing. Halftones can reproduce shading, but detail, registration and washed appearance need assessment on the actual print. External visual reference, not a factory sample. Image source: TAEDA .
ApplicableDetailsLettering and solid graphics on T-shirts, sweatshirts and teamwear
PrintingDigital printing
Digital files control inkjet output for multicolour, shaded and detailed artwork. DTG is one digital route; direct-to-fabric and transfer routes have different material requirements. What to compare in the image This garment illustration is an example of digital output. Compare colour transitions, fine lines and tonal detail. Digital printing and DTG are overlapping terms, not mutually exclusive technologies. Properties and limitations Fibre composition determines compatible inks, pretreatment and fixation. Digital printing does not imply compatibility with every fabric or a particular colourfastness grade. External visual reference, not a factory sample. Image source: Teefactory .
ApplicableDetailsMulticolour illustrations, gradients and repeat patterns
PrintingPuff printing
A puff additive expands during heating, raising the printed layer above the cloth. The relief comes from the ink layer rather than embroidery thread. What to compare in the image The angled close-up reveals letter thickness, a fine granular surface and shadows. Compared with conventional screen print it has greater relief; unlike 3D embroidery it has no aligned thread surface. Properties and limitations Broad lines and simple shapes are suitable starting points. Fine strokes, tight gaps and large coverage can affect definition, expansion and flexibility. External visual reference, not a factory sample. Image source: InkHead Prints .
ApplicableDetailsRaised lettering and simple graphics on tees and sweatshirts
PrintingDirect-to-garment printing (DTG)
DTG prints directly onto a garment and is a form of digital printing. The garment is held in position, pretreated where needed, printed and cured. What to compare in the image The close-up shows multicolour detail and shading alongside the cloth texture. Compared with solid screen-printed graphics, fine artwork is the focus; white underbases on dark fabric can affect hand-feel. Properties and limitations Cotton and some cotton blends are common substrates. Suitability depends on printer, ink and fabric finish; assess pretreatment marks, colour and wash results. External visual reference, not a factory sample. Image source: PUR Digital .
ApplicableDetailsDetailed illustrations and photographic graphics on cotton-rich tees