Screenprinting – Heat Press Vinyl
Decals For Customers Large and Small...Screen Printing is the Cornerstone of MVP Graphics!
Screen Printing is where we started and still comprises the majority of what we do. With our Brand New Riley 500 Printing Press and a capacity to fulfill any size order, we love to work on any orders whether you are organizing a small family reunion or putting on a large running event.
What's the difference between Screen Printing and Heat Pressed Vinyl?
Screen Printing involves creating a stencil, known as a screen, and then using that screen to apply ink on the printing surface. Each individual color is applied using a different screen, one at a time, combined to achieve the final look. The more colors a design has, the more screens that are needed, and the more setup time required.
The ink in screen printing is applied thicker than digital printing, which results in brighter colors - even on darker shirts. Screen printing is the best option for designs that require a high level of vibrancy, specialty products, or for quantities greater than 6 pieces. While Underground Printing has no minimums for screen printing, price is usually a prohibitive factor under 6 pieces.
Heat Press Vinyl is a process that involves your artwork being processed by a computer, and then printed directly onto a vinyl substrate. Digital printing onto this transfer - the vinyl is directly adhered to the fabric of your shirt. The fact that the design is processed and printed digitally allows for a quantity of one, since there are no screens or physical setup.
Heat press vinyl is best used for items that require large amounts of detail and/or print colors, customers that require smaller orders(one offs). The fact that the digital printer does not use screens allows for a print with much more detail than traditional screen printing.
Price Factors:
Type of Garment: For almost every product type we have an inexpensive, mid-range, and high end option, and there are many styles to choose from – not just t-shirts!
Quantity Ordered: Due to the setup involved in screenprinting, the more shirts you order, the lower your price will be as you pass price break points.
Number of Locations Printed: Each location requires new setup and runs for your imprint. A front print only will always be cheaper than a front and back print.
Number of Colors on Each Design: The number of colors in each design affects the run time and setup for each location. A one color print will be less expensive than a three color print. If you have a lot of colors and tones of colors in your design, a process print may be a cheaper solution.
In-Hands Date: Orders are produced on-demand for your due date. Garments needed in a few days from your order placement date will be more expensive than those needed in a few weeks.
Embroidery
Decals For Customers Large and Small...Embroidery is the Cornerstone of MVP Graphics! An Excellent Option to Create Higher-End Garments for Business and Individuals alike!
Embroidery has always been a important part of corporate and business apparel, and we pride ourselves on our quality, selection and price.
Price Factors:
Type of Garment
For almost every product type we have an inexpensive, mid-range, and high end option, and there are many styles to choose from – not just t-shirts!
Quantity Ordered
Due to the nature of Embroidery, the more items you order, the lower your price will be as you pass price break points.
Number of Locations Printed
Each location requires new setup and runs for your imprint. For example, Embroidery on the front only will always be cheaper than on both the front and back.
The Size of the Design
The larger your design, the more stitches it will contain. However, this is something we only take into account for large designs (greater than 5" wide).
In-Hands Date
Orders are produced on-demand for your due date. Garments needed in a few days from your order placement date will be more expensive than those needed in a few weeks.
Direct to Garment (DTG):
With DTG printing, a printer directly applies the ink onto the t-shirt with inkjet technology. It’s like printing on paper, except on a t-shirt. A special printer prints the ink directly onto the garment in the desired design. DTG uses specialty water-based inks, which are absorbed by the fibers of the garment.
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Since the DTG printer is as precise as a printer, you’re able to print images in much higher detail than screen printing, and you’re not limited in color. Because the printer can print any image, you have a lot of options to customize your design.
This is also a good option for those who don’t have a lot of money to make an up-front investment for a large batch because each t-shirt can be ordered separately. No need to guess how many of each size to order, and you won’t have unsold items sitting around your living room or warehouse.
Which printing method is best?
Screen printing and DTG both yield comparable, quality prints, but they differ in method.
For one, screen printing is one of the oldest techniques, while DTG is newer technology. Screen printing involves pushing ink onto fabric, while DTG uses a printer to print ink directly onto a garment.
The decision ultimately comes down to your design and the quantity you need.
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