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About printing techniques and such.


Person pulling a squeegee across a mesh screen while printing a t-shirt

Printing on fabric has evolved significantly, offering various techniques to achieve vibrant, durable designs. Today we want to do a quick sesh on the most popular methods, focusing on screen printing and sublimation printing, something we do here at Sub as well


Screen Printing


How it Works: Screen printing involves creating a stencil (or screen) and using it to apply layers of ink on the printing surface. Each color requires a separate screen, and the ink is pressed through the screen onto the fabric.


Benefits: Screen printing is known for its durability and vibrant colors, making it ideal for bulk orders. The ink sits on top of the fabric, creating a raised, textured feel that is both visually appealing and long-lasting.


Applications: This method is commonly used for t-shirts, hoodies, and other apparel items. It’s also favored for promotional materials like tote bags and posters. For example, our Blue Whale tee is an excellent illustration of how screen printing can achieve high-quality, durable prints that stand out.


Sublimation Printing


How it Works: Sublimation printing uses heat to transfer dye onto fabric. The process involves printing a design onto special paper, which is then placed on the fabric. Heat and pressure turn the dye into gas, bonding it with the fabric at a molecular level.


Benefits: Sublimation printing produces high-resolution, full-color images with intricate details. The colors are vibrant, and because the dye becomes part of the fabric, the prints are very durable and won’t crack or peel.


Applications: This technique is ideal for printing on polyester and polyester-blend fabrics. It’s often used for sportswear, activewear, and custom items like mugs and phone cases. Our Panthers Polyester Sportswear Tee and the Chromium Polyester Blend Tee showcase how sublimation printing can achieve vibrant, long-lasting designs, perfect for activewear.


Other Printing Techniques


Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing


How it Works: DTG printing involves using a specialized inkjet printer to apply water-based inks directly onto the fabric. This method allows for detailed, full-color designs.


Benefits: DTG is excellent for small orders and custom designs, as it doesn’t require screens or setup costs. The prints are soft to the touch and very detailed.


Applications: DTG is suitable for t-shirts, hoodies, and other apparel items, especially for one-off prints and small batches.


Heat Transfer Printing


How it Works: This method uses heat to transfer designs from a special paper onto fabric. The design is first printed onto the paper using ink or toner, then heat and pressure are applied to transfer the design to the fabric.


Benefits: Heat transfer is versatile and can be used on various fabrics. It’s great for producing vibrant, complex designs and small quantities.


Applications: Commonly used for custom t-shirts, caps, and other promotional items.


Besides these, we've also gone ahead and found out some emerging techniques. Read on only if you're a curious cat :P


Digital Textile Printing


Newest Method: Digital textile printing is the latest advancement in fabric printing. It involves printing designs directly onto fabric using large-format inkjet printers.


Benefits: This method offers incredible detail, color accuracy, and the ability to print on demand with minimal waste. It’s ideal for intricate designs and allows for quick changes and customization.


Applications: Used for fashion textiles, home décor, and custom designs.



So just to recap, what we've learned so far are the various methods used for fabrics, and in addition a list of all the usual suspects apart from what we've discussed.


1. Screen Printing

2. Sublimation Printing

3. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

4. Heat Transfer Printing

5. Digital Textile Printing

6. Block Printing

7. Rotary Screen Printing

8. Stencil Printing



Choosing the best printing method depends on the specific needs of your project, such as fabric type, design complexity, and order size. Screen printing and sublimation printing stand out for their durability and vibrant results, while emerging techniques like digital textile printing offer new possibilities for intricate, customizable designs. Understanding these methods will help you select the right approach for your fabric printing needs.


Explore the vibrant, durable designs from Submersible Tees, like the Ytterbium Tee, the Math Lover and the Wildflower Wall Women's tee to see these printing techniques in action.




Comments

  • Born in Mumbai, Submersible Tees is a design-first apparel and lifestyle brand dedicated to bringing highly original, screen-printed art to your everyday wardrobe. We believe that great design shouldn't compromise on comfort, sustainability, or affordability. Whether you are looking for a standout graphic tee or unique lifestyle accessories, our collections are crafted to make a statement.

  • We offer a wide range of premium apparel and thoughtfully designed goods, including:

     

    Apparel: Graphic t-shirts for men and women, cozy sweatshirts, premium hoodies, classic polo shirts, and versatile henley neck full-sleeve tees.

     

    Lifestyle & Art: High-quality mugs, artistic postcards, wall posters, custom playing cards, and durable stickers.

  • Our Proprietary Fit: Forget the standard boxy cuts. We spent time developing a proprietary

    silhouette that is incredibly unique, flattering, and works seamlessly for both men and women.

     

    Hand-Screen-Printed Art: We take our graphics seriously. Most of our t-shirts feature authentic, hand-screen-printed designs that stand the test of time without fading or cracking.

     

    Premium Fabrics, Accessible Prices: We use very fine quality cotton, durable polyester, and expertly engineered blends. Our garments are built to last long, feel exceptionally soft, and remain highly affordable.

     

    100% Sustainable Packaging: We are committed to the environment. Our shipping and packaging processes involve zero plastic, utilizing only high-quality paper and fully compostable materials.

  • Every piece at Submersible Tees starts with a blank canvas and a meaningful concept. We don't do fast-fashion print-on-demand. Instead, the majority of our tees are meticulously hand-screen-printed right here in our studio. This traditional technique ensures that every graphic is vibrant, tactile, and built into the fabric to withstand the test of time, rather than fading after a few washes.

  • ​Proudly based in the creative heart of Mumbai, Submersible Tees is built on a foundation of responsible design. We believe that looking good shouldn't cost the earth. That’s why our entire shipping process is 100% plastic-free. From our studio to your doorstep, your order arrives in high-quality paper or fully compostable packaging, ensuring our footprint stays as minimal as our designs are bold.

  • We engineered our proprietary silhouette to break the mold—creating a single, universally flattering fit that looks effortless on everyone. Whether you are styling our hoodies for a relaxed weekend or layering our henleys for an evening out, Submersible Tees adapt to your personal style. Tag us on Instagram to show us how you wear yours.

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