Simple Guide For Your Fantastic Graphic T-Shirt To Last Longer

There are many different reasons why personalized graphic tees are awesome. Aside from being comfy and casual, they are also creative, and colorful and an effective platform for showing not only your personal sense of style but also establishing an important statement.

But even if graphic shirts last a long time before they start showing any sign of being worn down, their life span can decrease greatly if they’re not cared for properly. That’s why it’s important to know the correct way of cleaning your favorite customized graphic t-shirt so it will last a very long time.

Do you want to know what they are? Then let’s begin.

Wash With Cold Water

Unlike hot water, cold water doesn’t dry up the printer’s ink that much. This means that the shirt’s design will be less susceptible to acquiring damage such as fades and cracks.

Gently Cycle Only When Using Washing Machine

Friction is one of the most common reasons why graphic shirt prints get worn down and cracked. A washing machine’s heavy cycle mode is actually a graphic tee’s nightmare because of the amount of friction it can bring. Opting for the gentle cycle is much better because it can still clean your clothes without putting much friction on them.

Never Put It In A Dryer

It’s a great machine, obviously, but it also contains the two things that can easily damage the integrity of your precious customized graphic shirt – heat and friction. Hang dry it instead, the shirt will surely last longer than you expected

Don’t Wash It Often

Or you know, you can just wash it less often than you’re used to. Believe it or not, not all shirts require washing after using them one time. Unless it’s drenched in sweat, smelly or dirty, you can just hang it up and use it again when you need to. And no, it’s not unhygienic. You can call it saving your clothes from things that can destroy them during the washing process.

Have It Made By A Site With Great Quality Services

Another easy way is to make sure that the materials used on your customized graphic tee are of excellent quality. At Tee Vision Printing, we offer only the best inks and t-shirts you’ll find in the market. We print our shirts using the silk screen printing method, making our products more durable and cheaper than what other websites offer out there.

Use high-quality ink

One of the most important factors in the longevity of a screen-printed design is the quality of the ink being used. High-quality screen printing ink is specifically formulated to be durable and resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling. It is also more resistant to water and other types of moisture damage. By using high-quality ink, you can help ensure that your screen-printed designs last as long as possible.

Properly cure the ink

After printing, it is important to allow the ink to fully cure to ensure that it is fully set and will not easily come off. This can be done using a heat press or by allowing the ink to air dry for a sufficient amount of time. The specific curing time and temperature will depend on the type of ink being used and the material being printed on. By properly curing the ink, you can help improve the durability and longevity of your screen-printed designs.

Properly wash and care for the printed items

To help extend the life of your screen-printed designs, it is important to wash and care for them properly. This includes washing them in cold water and hanging them to dry, rather than using a dryer. It is also a good idea to turn the items inside out before washing them to help protect the print. Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach, as these can fade or damage the ink over time.

Additionally, try to avoid ironing directly over the print, as this can also cause damage. By properly washing and caring for your printed items, you can help ensure that they remain in good condition for as long as possible.

Use a protective finish

Applying a protective finish, such as a clear coat or a vinyl laminate, can help improve the durability and longevity of your screen-printed designs. A protective finish can help protect the ink from fading, cracking, or peeling, and can also help resist water and other types of moisture damage.

However, it is important to note that some protective finishes can affect the appearance or feel of the printed item, so it is a good idea to test the finish on a small area before applying it to the entire design.

Store printed items properly

When storing your printed items, it is important to keep them away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat, as these can fade or damage the ink over time. It is also a good idea to store printed items in a dry place to help prevent moisture damage. If you are storing items for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to wrap them in acid-free tissue paper or a cotton storage bag to help protect them from the elements.

FAQs

How many colors can be printed in a single pass with screen printing?

The number of colors that can be printed in a single pass with screen printing depends on the complexity of the design and the capabilities of the equipment being used. In general, most screen printing presses are able to print up to six colors in a single pass. However, some presses can print more colors, and it is also possible to print additional colors using multiple passes.

What is the difference between spot color and process color in screen printing?

Spot color is a term used to refer to a single, solid color that is printed using a single screen. This is often used for printing simple designs with just a few colors. Process color, on the other hand, refers to the printing of full-color graphics using a combination of four primary colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). This is done by creating separate screens for each color and printing them one at a time, with the colors overlapping to create a full-color image.

Can screen printing be done on dark or light-colored materials?

Screen printing can be done on both light-colored and dark-colored materials, although there are some considerations to keep in mind depending on the color of the material. For example, printing on a dark-colored material may require the use of a "flash cure" between passes to help set the ink, or an "underbase" of white ink to help the colors stand out. Printing on a light-colored material, on the other hand, generally requires less setup and can be more straightforward.

What is the minimum quantity required for screen printing?

At Tee Vision Printing the minimum quantity starts at 12 items. But, in general, most screen printers have a minimum quantity of at least 25-50 items.

Can screen printing be done on fabric other than T-shirts?

Yes, screen printing can be done on a wide range of fabric items, including T-shirts, hoodies, hats, bags, and more. It is also possible to screen print on other types of materials, such as paper, cardboard, plastic, and metal. The specific printing process and ink requirements may vary depending on the type of material being printed on.