T Shirt Printing For Schools Brisbane QLD 

Printing school logos on shirts can be a fun and impactful way to promote school spirit or team unity. Here’s a guide on how to do it, including different printing methods that work well for school logos.

1. Choose the Right Printing Method

There are several methods you can use to print school logos on shirts, depending on your budget, the number of shirts, and the design complexity.

a. Screen Printing

• Best for: Bulk orders and simple designs (1-4 colors).

• Process: Screen printing uses a stencil (or screen) to apply layers of ink onto the shirt. Each color in the design requires a separate screen.

• Pros:

  • Cost-effective for large orders.

  • Vibrant, long-lasting prints.

  • Works well on cotton and blended shirts.

• Cons: Less suitable for intricate, multi-color designs.

b. Heat Transfer (Vinyl or Plastisol)

• Best for: Small to medium-sized orders, detailed designs, or customizations (names, numbers).

• Process: Designs are printed onto special transfer paper and then heat-pressed onto the shirt using vinyl or plastisol ink.

• Pros:

  • Good for detailed, multi-colored designs.

  • Allows for personalization (e.g., individual names on jerseys).

  • Can be done on-demand for smaller runs.

• Cons: May not last as long as screen printing after repeated washes.

c. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

• Best for: Small runs with complex designs or many colors.

• Process: A specialized inkjet printer prints the logo directly onto the fabric.

• Pros:

  • High detail and a wide range of colors.

  • No minimum order requirements.

• Cons: Slower for large quantities, and not as cost-effective as screen printing for bulk.

d. Sublimation Printing

• Best for: Polyester shirts and light-colored fabrics.

• Process: The design is printed onto a special paper and then heat-pressed onto the shirt, where the ink becomes part of the fabric.

• Pros:

  • Extremely durable print.

  • Perfect for all-over designs or logos with vibrant colors.

• Cons: Only works on light-colored polyester fabrics, not cotton.

2. Create the School Logo Design

• File Format: Ensure your logo is in a high-resolution vector format (e.g., AI, SVG, EPS). These formats allow scaling without losing quality, which is important for clear printing.

• Color Mode: Use CMYK color mode for accurate print colors. If you’re screen printing, separate the design by colors.

• Design Considerations:

  • Make sure the logo has clear outlines and simple shapes for the best quality print.

  • Avoid tiny details that may not transfer well on all printing methods.

3. Select the T-Shirt Material

• Cotton T-Shirts: Great for screen printing, heat transfers, and DTG. Soft and comfortable, but may shrink if not pre-shrunk.

• Polyester or Poly-Cotton Blends: Ideal for sublimation printing and lightweight sportswear. Durable and moisture-wicking.

• Blends: A balance of both worlds, often used for sportswear and school uniforms.

4. Prepare the Shirt for Printing

• Pre-Wash (Optional): Pre-washing the shirts can remove any sizing or residue, helping the ink or transfer adhere better.

• Align the Design: Use a ruler or printing tool to ensure the logo is centered and placed in the correct position (typically across the chest, back, or sleeve).

5. Printing the School Logo

a. Screen Printing Process:

1. Create a screen for each color in your design.

2. Place the screen over the shirt and apply ink using a squeegee.

3. Flash dry each layer before adding the next color.

4. Cure the final design with a heat press or conveyor dryer.

b. Heat Transfer Process:

1. Print the logo on heat transfer vinyl or transfer paper.

2. Cut out the logo (if using vinyl).

3. Use a heat press machine to apply the design to the shirt.

4. Peel off the transfer paper or backing to reveal the design.

c. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Process:

1. Load the shirt into the DTG printer.

2. Print the logo directly onto the shirt using specialized ink.

3. Cure the ink with a heat press.

d. Sublimation Process:

1. Print the design on sublimation paper.

2. Use a heat press to transfer the ink from the paper to the shirt.

3. Peel off the paper to reveal the logo.

6. Finishing and Quality Control

• Curing the Ink: For most methods, curing the ink or transfer with heat ensures that the design lasts longer and doesn’t fade after washing.

• Inspect the Print: Check the placement, colors, and quality of the logo after printing. Make sure the design is smooth and free of imperfections.

7. Wash Care Instructions

• Advise recipients to wash the shirts inside out, in cold water, and avoid using harsh detergents or bleach. Hang drying or tumble drying on low heat will help preserve the print quality.

Equipment Needed for In-House Printing:

• Heat press machine (for heat transfers or vinyl).

• Screen printing setup (for larger bulk orders).

• DTG printer (for small, detailed orders).

• Sublimation printer and paper (for polyester shirts).

• Vinyl cutter (if using heat transfer vinyl).

Conclusion:

For bulk school orders, screen printing is often the most cost-effective, durable option. For smaller or more detailed jobs, heat transfer or DTG might be better. Consider the type of fabric, quantity, and complexity of the logo when choosing the right printing method.

If you're printing school logos frequently, investing in basic screen printing or heat press equipment might save costs in the long run. Alternatively, working with a custom print shop can streamline the process for larger or more complex orders.

The cost to print a name and number on a jersey varies depending on the printing method, material, and customization requirements. Typically, prices start as follows:

• $30 + GST AUD to print a number on the back of a jersey.

• $40 + GST AUD to print both a name and number on the jersey.

These prices may vary depending on the size of the order, the type of jersey material, and whether additional customization (like logos or multiple colors) is required.

The best way to print on jerseys depends on the type of fabric, the design, and the quantity of jerseys. Here are the most common and effective methods for printing on jerseys:

1. Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)

• Best for: Personalizing jerseys with names, numbers, and small logos.

• Process: A design is cut from colored vinyl and heat-pressed onto the jersey. Each name, number, or design is applied individually.

• Pros:

  • Durable and flexible, making it great for athletic wear.

  • Perfect for small quantities or customized orders.

  • Works well on polyester, the most common jersey material.

• Cons: Time-consuming for large orders because each design is applied manually.

2. Screen Printing

• Best for: Bulk orders of team jerseys with simple designs or logos.

• Process: Ink is applied to the jersey through a screen, with each color requiring a separate screen.

• Pros:

  • Cost-effective for large quantities.

  • Provides vibrant, long-lasting prints.

  • Great for logos, team names, and sponsors.

• Cons: Less suited for one-off customizations (e.g., individual names and numbers).

3. Sublimation Printing

• Best for: Polyester jerseys and designs with intricate, full-color prints.

• Process: The design is printed onto sublimation paper and heat-pressed onto the fabric, where the ink turns into gas and bonds with the fabric.

• Pros:

  • Extremely durable and doesn’t crack or peel.

  • Full-color, high-detail designs are possible.

  • The print becomes part of the fabric, so it doesn’t add weight or texture.

• Cons: Only works on polyester and light-colored jerseys.

4. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

• Best for: Small orders of jerseys with complex designs or multiple colors.

• Process: A specialized printer prints the design directly onto the fabric, similar to an inkjet printer.

• Pros:

  • Good for complex, multi-color designs.

  • No setup costs, so great for small runs.

• Cons: Not as durable as screen printing or sublimation on jerseys. Works best on cotton, but can be used on polyester with special treatments.

5. Tackle Twill (Appliqué)

• Best for: Professional and high-end jerseys.

• Process: Letters, numbers, or logos are cut from fabric (typically twill) and sewn onto the jersey.

• Pros:

  • Gives a professional, authentic look (used by professional sports teams).

  • Extremely durable.

• Cons: More expensive and time-consuming due to the sewing process.

6. Heat Press Plastisol Transfers

• Best for: Custom names and numbers in bulk.

• Process: The design is screen printed onto transfer paper, then applied to the jersey using a heat press.

• Pros:

  • Great for individual customizations (names and numbers).

  • Durable and flexible.

• Cons: Not as vibrant as direct screen printing.

Best Method for Common Situations:

• For bulk orders (team jerseys): Screen printing or Plastisol transfers are the best options for printing team names, logos, and sponsors.

• For custom names and numbers: Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) or Plastisol transfers are ideal for adding individual names and numbers to jerseys.

• For high-quality, long-lasting designs: Sublimation is perfect for polyester jerseys with full-color designs, while Tackle Twill provides a premium finish for pro-level jerseys.

Each method has its strengths, so the choice depends on the design, quantity, and material of the jerseys.