Searching for the Right Printing Company for Custom Apparel?
Here’s What You Need to Know!
1. Skills & Experience
A Strong Portfolio: When it comes to custom printing, a solid portfolio is a must. A reliable printing company doesn’t just meet client expectations — they go above and beyond. Custom printing is all about bringing your vision to life, and even small mistakes can throw off the whole design. Always ask to see examples of past work to make sure they have the skill and experience to deliver the quality you want. And don’t forget to check out our Instagram feed to see some of our latest projects!
2. Customer Service
Outstanding Customer Service: Clear communication can make or break a project. Being able to easily get in touch with your printer throughout the process helps ensure everything goes smoothly — and keeps unnecessary stress at bay. Whether you have questions, concerns, or last-minute changes, a responsive and reliable printer is essential. Be sure to choose a company that’s available when you need them and committed to keeping you in the loop.
3. Variety of Printing Options
Variety of Printing Options: Offering a range of printing techniques is a hallmark of a high-quality printing company. From simple designs to complex artwork, the right printer will help you choose the best method to match your design, budget, and timeline.
Screen printing or Silk Screening, Full color direct to garment printing, Direct to film transfers, Embroidery, Patch hats, Woven pinch hem tags, Woven / embroidered patches…
Custom apparel is a great way to mark an occasion or make your marketing stand out. While the options can be overwhelming, knowing what to look for in a printing company can simplify the process. Here are key factors to consider when choosing the right one for your custom gear.
How is silk screening different from screen printing?
Technically, silk screening and screen printing refer to the same basic process — using a stencil (or “screen”) to apply ink onto a surface. Historically, the term “silk screening” comes from the fact that the screens used to be made of silk fabric.
Key Difference
- Silk Screening: An older term that highlights the original material used (silk). It’s still sometimes used today, especially in arts, crafts, and fine art printing contexts.
- Screen Printing: The modern, more common term, since today’s screens are typically made from synthetic materials like polyester rather than silk.
In Practice
For custom apparel, screen printing is the term most printing companies use. Both terms refer to the same basic printing technique, so swapping “screen printing” for “silk screening” in your content works just fine — it just has a slightly more classic or artistic vibe.
Transfer Paper
Transfer Paper: This method works by printing a design onto special transfer paper, which is then heat-pressed onto fabric. It offers a middle ground between basic silk screening and more advanced techniques. Because the design is printed all at once, it allows for more intricate, multi-colored artwork that would be harder to achieve with traditional silk screening, while still delivering a classic look and durable feel.