PRINT PRODUCTION

What are the Different Types of Printing?

Posted by DigitalPrinting on 30/11/18

Many
people are familiar with terms like digital printing, screen printing, laser printing etc. But do
we really know what they mean? We might use laser printers in the office or at home but
for marketing such as leaflets, booklets, stationery or flyers we need to use a professional
print company.

When it comes to professional printing processes there are three main types:

 Offset litho printing

 Digital Printing
 Screen printing

So what’s the difference? Below we take a look at all three.

What is the offset printing process?

With offset or “litho” printing the image (your artwork) is transferred to metal plates and
then from the plates to a rubber blanket. Then the inked blankets transfer the image onto
paper. The process is called offset because the ink is first transferred from plate to
blanket rather than going directly on to the paper. Because of the time and costs required
for set up, plates and ink before anything is actually printed, offset isn’t cost effective for
smaller amounts and is usually only used when very large volumes are required.

What is the digital printing process?

Digital presses use powdered toner instead of traditional inks and with the digital printing
process, your artwork goes straight from your pdf to print. Early digital presses couldn’t
compete with the quality produced by full-colour printing. However, huge technological
advances in the last couple of decades have resulted in digital print that’s impossible to
tell apart from litho. Because there’s no setup cost or minimum quantity, digital printing is
also perfect for smaller amounts (whether it’s nine or 900) and when you need
customised or personalised marketing.

What is the screen printing process?

Screen printing as we know it has been around since the early 20th century and is used
for printing fabrics, wood, glass, signage etc. The image is transferred to a fine mesh and
areas to be left blank are covered with a substrate. The printing process involves pushing
ink through the openings in the mesh onto the end material.

What is high volume print?

High volume refers to large print runs with quantities of tens or even hundreds of
thousands. The price per copy printed goes down when you get into these quantities. (It’s
worth pointing out that we’ve never heard of any printer with a refund for returns policy so
if you print 10,000 leaflets and realise you can only distribute 1000, you’ll need a bigger
recycling bin.)

Get great print the easy way

Printing is our business but we know it’s not yours. That’s why we launched
DigitalPrinting.co.uk – a professional printing service specifically for business customers.
We know that your time, deadlines and budgets are of great importance. Our award-
winning website is extremely user-friendly so you can easily order the print you need to
be delivered when and where you need it We use only the latest, market leading HP
Indigo presses and high definition large format presses to produce the very best in
professional print quality. We’d love to work with you so if you want premium quality print
at great business prices visit www.DigitalPrinting.co.uk. We’ll get on with your print so you
can get on running with your business.

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ADVANTAGES OF ANALOG PRINTING

Analog print technologies print many multiple copies quickly and inexpensively.

Offset lithography and gravure produce very high resolution and image quality.

Analog printing usually does not require expensive coated substrate to print satisfactory
images as most digital printing does.

Its inks do not require the high degree of refinement and small particle pigment sizes
which most of digital printing’s do. Most analog inks cost less than most digital ink.

Analog screen printing provides a wide range of single pass ink deposition thicknesses.

Screen printing can print opaque inks which cover dark substrate surfaces.

Analog printing can print either spot or process colors. Printer scan maintain their own
color “kitchens” from which they can match virtually any color.

Analog methods are existing technologies with existing installed base presses, trained
operators and established markets and customers.

DISADVANTAGES OF ANALOG PRINTING

Analog printing permits only very limited variable data printing, such as letterpress
numbering.

Analog methods require prepress set up and preparation.

Generally, these types of printing are not cost effective for very short run printing and
proofing.

Analog printing can generate significant waste ink, chemical exposure and deleterious
environmental impact.
These printing methods use costly film for screen or plate exposure. The archiving of
films, plates and screens demand considerable cataloguing, storage space and
furniture. In addition, these films deteriorate with age.

Images are limited to the size of the plate or screen image area. Larger prints require
that one repeat the pattern and that the design permits seamless connection of
repeated patterns.

Many analog printing operations use aging presses.

THE WEDDING OF ANALOG & DIGITAL

The printing industry has begun to marry the strengths of analog to those of digital
printing. It has adopted digital processing for operations requiring one or a small number
of images, such as art, page layout, screen and platemaking, while retaining analog
technology for reproducing large numbers of copies. The Heidelberg “Quick Master”
combines the rapid image creation and set up of digital platemaking and controls with
the fast production speeds and print quality of analog offset lithography. Gerber,
Luscher, Kiwo, Richmond Graphic Products Inc & Sign-Tronics computer to screen
exposure masking systems also combine the strengths of digital processing with those
of analog printing. Other scenarios combine digital for printing variable information with
analog for consistent data and graphics. Garment hang tags will combine analog
methods, such as flexography or offset printing for logo, product identity and trademark
graphics and digital methods, such as thermal transfer to print bar codes, sizing and
other variable information. Still another would screen print repetitive images on light
colored garments, but would digitally print personalized or customized drop-in names of
persons or places. Whether one chooses digital or analog print methods or a
combination of them for applications, one needs to measure and examine a number of
parameters to effectively compare and choose among the technologies. The
parameters include: image quality and resolution, production print and processing
speeds, indoor and outdoor application durability, environmental impact and cost, color
and image consistency and reproducibility, and costs per print.

IMAGE QUALITY & RESOLUTION

Both analog and digital image quality and print resolution involve complex of
phenomena. One needs to understand the relationship of these to compare different
printing technologies effectively. Resolution is usually indicated with terms such as lines
per inch (lpi), lines per centimeter (lpc),dots per inch (dpi), or dots per centimeter (dpc).
Inkjet images are composed from a grid of pixels, i.e. picture elements or dots. The
number of these dots per linear inch in the x direction and the number of dots per linear
in chin the y direction indicate the dpi resolution of a print. Software can usually instruct
a printer to construct its lines from one or more rows of contiguous pixels. If one used 4
pixels per line on a 360 dpi matrix, one would be printing 90 lpi output. In actuality these
terms, dpi and lpi, describe only one aspect of what is termed apparent resolution,i.e.
the resolution we perceive. Another factor is grayscale or gray levels. This involves the
number of different sizes or grays a pixel dot in a matrix can have. In inkjet printing, this
involves the number of drops addressed per pixel or dot, or the number of possible
droplet sizes per pixel dot. Matrix cluster patterns and Raster Image Processor (RIP)
algorithms can also affect apparent resolution, but these are largely software rather than
hardware factors. Digital printing addresses its ink or toner to a grid or matrix. Digital
software image processing can offer a large number of matrix patterns including random
patterning. It also permits a single master or print image to contain multiple matrices.
For instance lettering might be generated in a pattern which favors line acuity, while a
photographic image is generated in a pattern which permits the desired degree of
contrast and pixel gradation. Focusing on the relationship between image output quality
and print hardware factors, Rodney Shaw of Hewlett-Packard suggests “digital image-
quality descriptors which allow for absolute performance comparisons between diverse
imaging technologies, both analog and digital. “One of these descriptors is a digital
noise scale (DNS). This model for comparison adapts electronic communication’s
signal-to-noise ratio analysis. It uses a 0 to 10 noise scale, delineated in Table 1, which
encompasses the gamut of conventional photographic image noise or what is
commonly called graininess. Adapted from: Rodney Shaw, “Image Quality
Considerations for Printing Digital Photographs ”in The Proceedings of IS&T’sNIP 13:
1997 International Conference on Digital Printing
Technologies102468DNS2400dpi1200dpi600 dpi300 dpi150 dpi 75 dpi Very Coarse
Medium Very FineMicrofine24Improved Image Quality8 16 32 64Higher resolution
comes at the price of tone and image contour contrasts. The frequency of one’s dots
(dpi) is inversely proportional to the square root of the tone level. Increasing dpi to
obtain finer detail and reduce matrix visibility will also reduce the picture’s tone contrasts
and increase the chances of false contouring and perceived image distortion. Print
application viewing distance is the key factor in striking this balance. At a far distance,
one needs higher tone levels but not high dot frequency for the perception of continuous
tone, while one requires high frequencies and apparent resolution close-up but not high
tone levels. Printers have to find the balance between high resolution and high tone
quality to suit each application. Billboards viewed from a distance of a 100 feet could
have a resolution at of 20 dpi with a binary grayscale but appear to be a continuous
tone images, while images viewed at a distance of 2 feet would require a 1000 dpi
resolution with binary grayscale. Binary grayscale means that either there is one or zero
dots of one invariable size at pixel cells in an image matrix. The higher the number of
possible grays (or value variations) per pixel, the higher the apparent resolution. Also
the higher the number of dots or lines per inch, the greater the resolution. Table 1:For
digital printing, such as inkjet, the noise level is a function of a print’s dpi and the
number of its gray levels. The higher the DNS number, the lesser the apparent
resolution, the lower the greater. Figure 1 plots the relationship of dpi and gray-levels
against the digital noise scale.

PRODUCTION PRINT & PROCESSING SPEEDS

When comparing systems, one needs to look not only at the throughput speed of a
printer, but also at the total processing time to create images including pre- and post-
press time. The rate at which printing equipment produces product or adds value to it in
part, determines how much one can spend for its purchase or use.

OTHER POINTS OF COMPARISON

 Indoor & Outdoor Application Durability

 Environmental Impact & Cost
 Color & Image Quality, Consistency & Repeatability
 Costs Per Print Capital Equipment& Training Costs
 Turnaround Time

DIGITAL PRINTING TECHNOLOGIES

Digital printing encompasses many technologies. These include various forms of inkjet,
thermography, electrophotography and electrostatic printing, iconography,
magnetography, and digital photographic imaging and developing. None of these
require a physical master but instead rely on digital data to create images.

HYBRID DIGITAL-ANALOG PRINTING TECHNOLOGIES

Both analog and digital printing methods have advantages which the other lacks.
Numerous opportunities exist for combining the strengths of each to garner the best of
both worlds. The digital takeover of prepress analogue operations illustrates this
example. Pre-press requires the generation of a single master whichis best generated
digitally. Once created, analogue printing can reproduce large numbers of it cost-
effectively. Digital can print variable information in a print job, while conventional prints
the unchanging elements. Other marriages are also possible to use the best of both.

CONCLUSIONS

Inkjet technology has developed to a point where it is driving a growing multi-billion

dollar industry worldwide. The development of chemistry for this printing technology is
expanding its applications beyond paper printing to textile and industrial printing and
fluid deposition. Other digital technologies are also providing the advantages of digital
printing. We will examine the role of inkjet chemistry and other digital printing
technologies in future articles. Market demands for reduced inventory risk, quick
response, variable information processing, personalization and customization are
driving the adoption of digital imaging and inkjet printing technologies. They have grown
to dominate niches and segments of the Printing Industry. Its expansion will continue for
new applications and to replace analog printing’s market share.IT Strategies projects
that the greatest growth for inkjet printer sales will occur for the in-house corporate
market followed by the Professional print for pay market. Current inkjet configurations
cover productivity ranges from 1 to 200 square meters per hour. As production speeds
and print quality increases and capital and consumable cost decrease, more print
providers will adopt one or more forms of digital technology with inkjet leading the way.
Trends indicate that wide-format electrostatic printing will experience somewhat slower
growth. Novel digital technologies have to develop some track record before one can
predict their role and market penetration. Analog printing technologies will continue to
hold quality and production speed advantages for the next decade, but digital
improvements will continue to erode analog market share.

REFERENCES

Boar, Hanley, & Williams, The Numbers: Worldwide Printer & Supplies Market Report,
IT Strategies, Hanover, MA, 1998
Cahill, Hanley, O’Sullivan, & Williams, Digital Color Printing of Textiles, IT Strategies,
Hanover, MA, 1996
J. P. Stefani, F. Noll, & A. Dunand, Inkjet Printing For The Textile Industry, Toxot,
Valence, France 1994
Ross N. Mills, Inkjet Printing-Past, Present and Future, IS&T’s Tenth International
Congress on Advances in Non-Impact Printing Technologies, 1994
Hue P. Le, Progress and Trends in Inkjet Printing Technology, The Journal of Imaging
Science and Technology, January/February1998, Volume 42, Number 1, p. 49-61
Jerome L. Johnson, Principles of Nonimpact Printing, Palatino Press, Irvine, CA,1986,
1992

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What are the differences between offset printing and digital printing?

Traditional offset printing is produced on a printing press using printing plates and
wet ink. This type of printing takes a little longer to produce as there is more setup time
and the final product must dry before finishing can take place. At the same time, offset
printing traditionally produces the highest quality available on the widest variety of
stocks and offers the highest degree of control over color. Further, offset printing is the
most economical choice when producing large numbers of prints of a few originals.
Digital printing used to be called ‘copying,’ but that term is now outdated. Today,
instead of copying a hard copy original, the vast majority of digital printing is output
directly from electronic files. Digital printing is the quickest way to produce short runs,
especially when there are a many originals. The quality level of digital printing is now
extremely close to offset printing. Although digital printing works well on most stocks
today, there are still some papers and jobs where offset printing works better. There are
also some stocks and jobs where digital printing will perform as well as, or better than,
offset printing.
If you’re in the market for brochures, business cards, posters or other marketing
materials, you already know that you’re going to need to come up with the perfect
design, color scheme, copy and layout. However, even after you’ve checked off all of
those boxes, there’s another very important decision to make: choosing between digital
vs. offset printing.

In this post, we’ll cover the differences between the two printing techniques and show
what their benefits and drawbacks look like. We’ll also list the factors that should go into
your decision as you choose the best process for your project. And naturally, we’ll look
at some examples so you can get the best sense of both digital and offset printing in
action.

What’s the REAL difference, and does it matter?

So, what’s the distinction between digital and offset printing? Printing is printing, right?
Not exactly… Let’s take a look at these two printing methods, their differences, and
where it makes sense to choose one or the other for your next print project.

How to decide between digital vs. offset printing

If you’re still not sure whether to use digital vs. offset printing for your next project, run
down this list to focus in on the right choice:

Volume: how big is the project?

If your project is big enough to overcome the front-end costs—and by that we’re
typically talking over 500 pieces—offset printing will give you an advantage. You’ll get a
great looking print that will likely cost less at a high enough volume.

Time: are you in a hurry?

Digital runs away with the prize. Offset printing just can’t be done last minute.

A stylish vertical business card printed in custom colors on clear plastic? Definitely a job
for offset printing. 
Material: what are you printing on?
Are you hoping for some unique business cards on metal or plastic? Or an unusual
marketing handout on some other surface? Digital options are more flexible than ever
before, but offset printing still has a leg up.

Color: how much, what kind, and how true?

Does this job need color? If it’s black and white or just one or two colors (and the
volume is high enough), offset printing may be the right choice. If you need basic four-
color printing, digital may be the best, most cost-effective solution.
However, if perfect color is absolutely essential (for example, if you need to use the
Pantone® Matching System), use offset printing. The offset process uses actual
Pantone® ink for a perfect match, whereas digital just gives you its best approximation
of the color.

Custom work: Do you need something special?

How unique are you getting here? There’s no doubt that digital printing is the easiest,
cheapest way to customize your projects, even within the same printing.

Proofs: will you need to see a sample first?

If you need to see a printed sample before taking the plunge, digital holds the
advantage. To get a color proof for an offset project, you’ll need to execute the hardest
parts of the project (plates and ink), which gets very expensive.

Type: what are you printing?

Business cards, thank you notes, cards or invitations?

Black and white or just one or two colors? If yes, and you need more than 500, choose
offset.

If yes, but you just need a few, choose digital. Same goes for full color. Digital is the
way to go…

Posters or book jackets?

If so, you’ll need higher quality printing to make the images look perfect. Go with offset if
you can.

High-volume newspapers or newsletters?

Offset printing is the way to go.

A high volume job that needs precision like newspapers or lots of newsletters is ideal for
offset printing.  
In conclusion:
While personal preference certainly plays a role, the differences between digital vs.
offset printing allow you to make some smart decisions when you’re choosing which
method will best serve your project. Like anything else, working with a designer can
give you a great deal of added insight, so if you’re still not sure which is best for your
project, don’t hesitate to get expert help!
 Knowing when to choose offset printing or digital printing usually depends on the
following factors:
 Price. Although there is no hard rule in our operation, a run of 1,500 pieces is usually
the “break even” point between offset and digital printing. Generally, if a run is under
1,500 pieces, digital printing is most cost-effective, since the price per click is lower
than the setup costs associated with offset printing. One exception to this rule is
where variable data or multiple originals are involved. For books or magazines with
many pages, it may make sense to print them digitally even at higher volumes since
digital equipment collates the sheets together and saves offline bindery steps.
 Quality. Offset printing is sometimes a higher quality option for heavy solid ink
coverage or delicate gradients (shaded areas). Our chemistry-free Heidelberg® plate
system which uses a patented hybrid dot pattern (a hybrid of stochastic and
conventional screens) further eliminates moiré patterns and banding associated with
delicate screens. Additionally, pieces produced with digital printing are more subject
to ‘cracking’ when they are folded, particularly if they are printed on cover weight
stocks. Modern creasing equipment minimizes this risk, but it is still something to be
considered. At the same time, digital printing quality has advanced greatly, and some
people prefer the vibrancy of digital color.
 Color. If your company requires strict color adherence to Pantone® (PMS) or “spot
colors,” you should choose offset printing whenever possible. Digital printing
approximates PMS colors, but true PMS colors are offset inks which have been
premixed to maintain exact color whenever printed. Digital equipment manufacturers
are continually improving the quality of digital output, but offset printing, especially
with PMS ink colors, will produce more consistent results over time.
 Paper. Traditionally, offset printing equipment handles greater variety of papers such
as extra light or extra heavy stocks, and textured stocks. Typically, digital presses are
best running standard weight papers since many finishing functions, like folding and
stitching, are completed in-line. Printing on highly textured papers like linen, laid or
felt, may look better when produced on offset printing presses. (Toner used in digital
printing does not always lay down properly on highly textured stocks.) On the other
hand, digital press manufacturers have made great strides accommodating heavier
weight papers and synthetic stocks in recent years. We can now run up to 18 point
stock digitally. Simple paper stocks like bond, offset, gloss, dull, index, etc. can be
either digitally printed or offset printed.
 Special processes. Finishing options such as foil stamping, embossing, special
coatings, etc. are usually better suited for offset printed items. Digital inks/toners are
not as receptive to the heat and pressure of foil stamping or embossing, nor to special
finishes such as varnishes, aqueous or certain UV coatings.
 Variable data. Many printing projects involve variable information, also known as
variable data, being used on otherwise identical printed pieces. Letters with different
names and addresses or postcard with different images for different recipients are
good examples of variable data. Digital printing is better for this type of work because
changing images is much easier from sheet to sheet.
 Speed. When you have a rush project, nothing can beat the raw speed of digital
printing. In fact, if needed, you can have flyers or business cards in minutes using a
digital press. At the same time, if you need a long print run of an item with no variable
 information, offset printing can be much faster once the press is setup because offset
presses usually run faster. In addition, many modern presses employ dryers or
special coatings to make print dry quickly for rapid finishing.

Is offset printing better than digital printing?

It’s a question many have asked before, and the answer is not as clear and straight-
forward as you might think. The answer, of course, is “yes and no.” Let’s explore the
differences between offset printing and digital printing to see which is king when it
comes to printing your marketing materials. Offset printing has been around for more
than a century, and for decades it was the best way to print just about everything
commercial: newspapers, magazines, booklets, advertisements, postcards, brochures
and more. Generally speaking, offset printing works by transferring ink from a plate to a
rubber sheet, which then rolls the ink onto paper, vinyl or other surface. This is in
contrast to digital printing, which does not use plates to transfer ink to paper.

Offset vs. digital

In general, offset printing is regarded as being of higher quality; however, digital printing
has made strides in respect to quality and two copies of the same design – one via
offset printing, the other via digital printing – may appear identical to the untrained eye.
Offset printing presses also allow you to print larger sheets and can print many pieces
quicker than digital printing presses – again, generally speaking. Outside of those
relatively minor differences, the actual finished product associated with offset printing
versus digital printing are remarkably similar. The difference, as it turns out, is rooted
more deeply in price and budget than anything else; and even these numbers are
contingent on your business needs

Better plate than never

Since offset printing uses plates, every print job has to be made into a plate, and the
press has to be individually set up for each individual job. This process costs money
and adds an upfront fee to your print job regardless of quantity. Since digital printing
does not use plates, no setup fees are involved so you pay a flat price per piece.

Short runs vs. large runs

Here’s where it gets interesting, and noteworthy for small businesses seeking to
maximize their return on investment: For short runs, digital printing negates a setup fee
so it can be far more economical than offset printing. However, because offset presses
can print so rapidly your offset price per piece is not static – it diminishes with quantity.
Thus, for large runs offset printing becomes far more economical than digital printing
because your setup fee is absorbed by the diminished price per piece. Depending on
the type of project you’re printing, digital printing is typically the best choice when you’re
printing fewer than 500 to 1,000 pieces; and offset printing is typically the best choice
when you’re printing more than 500 to 1,000 pieces. You can research the differences
 per project type using PsPrint’s instant price quote widget. Keep in mind that many
resources that publish information regarding offset printing versus digital printing have a
vested interest in one or the other; but when you work with a printing company that has
state-of-the-art printing presses for both offset and digital applications, you can get
unbiased recommendations that work within your budget, quantity and quality
requirements so you can get the best possible print job for your money – whether it’s
offset or digital.

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should-care/

HEAT TRANSFER PRINTING PROCESS

EXPLAINED
Heat transfer printing is a newer decoration method, but it’s come a long way from the iron-on
decals of old.  With heat transfer, also known as digital transfer, your custom logo or design is
printed onto transfer paper and then ink is thermally transferred from the paper to your fabric
using heat and pressure. Be sure to check out our complete heat transfer capabilities where we
breakdown when to use heat transfer as your custom decoration method. But for now, keep
reading to find out how heat transfer printing is performed!

How does Heat Transfer Printing Work?

Heat transfer can be performed in a few different ways. There’s inkjet transfers, dye sublimation
transfers, digital appliqué transfers, and vinyl transfers. You can check out our complete
decoration methods guide for more detailed information on each type of heat transfer, but for
now, we will breakdown how commercial heat transfer is performed on a more general basis.

Custom Heat Transfer Printing in 10 Steps

1. Acquire Necessary Supplies – we’ve got a complete shopping list for you below!
2. Create Your Design – using graphic design software, mock up your design on a computer. Make sure to
take size and ink color into consideration.
3. Print Your Design – your company logo or custom design is printed onto special heat transfer paper
using inkjet ink, pigment ink or sublimation ink depending on the product and application.
4. Cut Out Your Design – a vinyl cutter is used to trim your image. This is only necessary for printed,
supplier, and store-bought transfers and is not a part of our process at Merchology.
5. Warm Up the Heat Press – open the press and separate the heat platen from your heat pad and leave it
open while your heat platen is warming up. For most heat transfer applications, the temperature should be
set between 350 to 375°F (177 to 191°C).
6. Adjust the Pressure – the pressure of the press is based on the thickness of the fabric; thicker fabric
requires less pressure. For most projects, medium or high pressure is used.
7. Set the Time – this is important because there are different times associated with different types of heat
transfer. You can use the timing below as a guide:
o Inkjet Transfer Paper: 14 – 18 seconds
o Dye Sublimation Transfer: 25 – 30 seconds
o Digital Appliqué Transfer: 20 – 30 seconds
o Vinyl Transfer: 45 – 60 seconds
8. Set the Substrate & Transfer in Place – position your product onto the plate and place the transfer
paper face up on the desired location of your product within the pressing area. For applique
transfer and vinyl transfer you will need to cover the transfer paper with a thin cloth to protect it.
9. Press the Product – once your product is in place, close the press by pulling the handle down to clamp
the press shut. By now your time, temperature and pressure should be set, so it’s as easy as pressing the
start button.
10. Remove the Film – after the timer goes off simply open the press and remove the film while the transfer
paper is still hot and your design should be printed onto your product. Just like that, your heat pressed
custom apparel is complete!

What Equipment & Supplies are Needed for

Heat Transfer Printing?
Heat transfer can be accomplished through a few different methods, but for this page, we will
focus on commercial applications for heat transfer printing as opposed to DIY heat transfer you
can do at home with an iron. Here’s what the heat transfer experts at Merchology use to apply
your company logo to your product through heat transfer:
 Computer – a computer with graphic design software is required to create your custom design to be
printed for heat transfer.
 Printer – a printer that is used for heat press applications are usually larger than your average printer by a
fair margin to accommodate larger designs. Aside from size, printers used for heat transfer function the
same as a normal inkjet printer, just with different ink and special transfer paper.
 Ink – there are a few different types of inks used in heat transfer printing to achieve different finishes.
Inkjet ink is the most commonly used because it is the most affordable and accessible ink type. Pigment
ink is also used for fade resistance and sublimation ink is used for dye sublimation printing.
 Heat Transfer Paper – this is special paper that is designed for heat transfer and is usually coated in a
wax and pigment polymer film that makes a permanent bond with the fabric fibers when heated. Transfer
paper typically comes in 13” by 19” sheets to offer increased freedom of design.
 Cutter – a vinyl cutter is used to cut out the design from the transfer paper to be applied to the substrate.
 Heat Press – heat presses come in a few shapes and sizes depending on the heat transfer application.
Swing-away flat bed machines and clam shell presses are used for custom shirts and other flat apparel or
accessories. There are also cylinder-shaped heat presses for transferring onto rounded objects like custom
water bottles and coffee mugs.
 Heat Pads – these are placed on the bottom platen of the heat press and serve as the surface for your
product in the heat transfer process. Heat pads are typically made of heat resistant foam or silicone
rubber.
 Heat Tape – this heat resistant tape is used to hold the transfer paper in position on the product.
 Heat Resistant Sheeting – these are usually made of Teflon and are placed between the heating platen
and transfer paper to keep your heat press clean and prevent the transfer paper from scorching.
 Substrates – this is the actual product that you are decorating – this could be a custom t-
shirt, sweatshirt, polo shirt, bag, drinkware or much more. It’s the canvas for your heat transferred
masterpiece!

Next Steps
Now that the heat transfer process is no longer a mystery, find out when you should choose heat
transfer as your decoration method in our heat transfer capabilities and applications guide. Still
can’t decide? Dive deeper into the differences between heat transfer vs. screen printing and heat
transfer vs. dye sublimation. Finally, be sure to check out our complete Custom Decoration
Methods Guide to find the perfect decoration type for any application.

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explained#:~:text=Heat%20transfer%20printing%20is%20a,fabric%20using%20heat
%20and%20pressure.

CUSTOM HEAT TRANSFER CAPABILITIES &

APPLICATIONS
Heat Transfer printing, also known as thermal printing, is a newer decoration method that uses
heat to transfer a pre-printed image from a wax-based ink ribbon to an object. If you want to
know how the heat transfer printing process works, check out our complete Guide to Heat
Transfer Printing. At Merchology we use heat transfer to apply custom logos and designs to a
variety of custom apparel and accessories.

Custom Heat Transfer Apparel Options

Include…
 Custom T-Shirts
 Custom Polo Shirts
 Custom Activewear & Workout Clothes
 Custom Hoodies & Sweatshirts
 Custom Heat Transfer Accessories Include...
 Custom Backpacks
 Custom Bags

Heat Transfer Applications

 Custom Logo Corporate Apparel & Uniforms
 5K Races & Custom Workout Clothes
 Promotional Tees
 Sports Team Uniforms
 Tradeshows & Recruiting Events
 New Employee Packages
 Golf Events
 Industrial Custom Workwear

When to use Heat Transfer as a Decoration

Method
Like all decoration methods, custom heat transfer has some pros and cons. Heat transfer is
probably the best option if…
 You are placing a smaller order – low set up time and costs make heat transfer an ideal decoration
technique for smaller order sizes
 Your design contains small text or fine details – heat transfer is more capable of representing smaller
details in a design than methods like embroidery or screen printing.
 Your design has a lot of colors – there is no limit to the number of colors in a heat transfer design! This
is not the case for methods like embroidery and screen printing.
 You are ordering individually personalized apparel – heat transfer can save money and time for
individually customized clothing like sports jerseys with unique names and numbers.
 You want a decoration method that is eco-friendly – there is very little waste associated with the heat
transfer process, making it one of the most environmentally friendly custom decoration types.
 You want a metallic or glossy finish – heat transfer can be done in a wide variety of finishes, but it
achieves a shiny finish better than most decoration types.

When Should I Consider a Different Decoration Method?

 You are decorating fabric made of heat sensitive material – many fabrics don’t do well when exposed
to high temperatures and have “Do Not Iron” tags. Materials like nylon, leather, and rayon can discolor
from the heat of the press.
 Your design features a large logo – when a logo applied via heat transfer is too large the texture of the
design can be thrown off. Heat transfer logos larger than 15 inches also get a bit pricier than decoration
methods like silk screen printing or digital printing.
Check out our guides on the differences and pros & cons of Heat Transfer vs. Screen
Printing and Heat Transfer vs. Dye Sublimation to better understand when to use each decoration
method.

What Materials & Fabrics Can I Use Heat

Transfer On?
While heat transfer can be done on most materials if done carefully, it is most compatible with
cotton, cotton blends, and acrylic fabrics. Heat transfer is also commonly done on polyester and
polyester blend fabrics, but polyester is typically temperature sensitive, so low-temperature heat
transfer films are necessary to prevent scorching or discoloring. That being said, our decoration
experts at Merchology have mastered this process, so don’t worry if heat transfer is a
recommended decoration method on certain polyester products! Other sensitive materials include
synthetic fabrics, leather, nylon, and rayon. Always make sure to check the tags on your garment
to see if the fabric is heat sensitive.

Next Steps
Now that you know what products we can apply a heat transfer design so you can move forward
with ordering custom heat transfer apparel and accessories! Be sure to contact us if you have any
custom decoration questions or check out our comprehensive heat transfer guide. If you are still
not sure if heat transfer is the right decoration method for your order check out our
complete Custom Decoration Methods Guide to find the perfect decoration type for any
application.

SILK SCREEN PRINTING VS. HEAT

TRANSFER
Heat transfer and screen printing are the two most popular methods for decorating custom t-
shirts, so how do you know when to choose one over the other? Here are some things to consider
when choosing your custom decoration method:
 Designs decorated with heat transfer can have a higher level of detail than screen printing.
 Set up and clean up are easier and more affordable with heat transfer printing.
 Unlike silk screen printing, there is no limit to the number of colors you can use in your design for heat
transfer printing.
 Heat transfer printing takes longer to decorate each item than screen printing, making it a less ideal
decoration method for larger orders. Heat transfer generally takes about 3 minutes per shirt, while screen
printing can be done in seconds.
 Because screen printing doesn’t use heat it is not limited from printing on heat sensitive material. You can
screen print on just about anything.
 For smaller batches, heat transfer is a cheaper custom decoration method, but with larger orders, screen
printing actually becomes cheaper.
 
If you want to learn more about custom screen printing check out our Custom Screen Printing
Capabilities or read our complete Guide to Screen Printing! For more information on heat
transfer refer to our Custom Heat Transfer Capabilities. Check out our complete Custom
Decoration Methods Guide to find the perfect decoration type for any application or contact
us for more information.

https://www.merchology.com/pages/heat-transfer-vs-silk-screen-printing

DYE SUBLIMATION VS. HEAT TRANSFER

Dye sublimation is actually a form of heat transfer! However, each decoration method uses
different film and equipment. In dye-sub graphics are digitally printed and then heated to transfer
the dye onto your material on a molecular level. Because the design is bonded on a molecular
level it will never crack or peel. However, Dye-sublimation also comes with some limitations as
well. Dye-sub can only be done on white or light colored fabrics. Additionally, dye sublimation
is limited to polyester in terms of fabrics but is also used on hard surfaces like custom water
bottles or personalized pens. 
Heat transfer designs can be applied to a much broader range of fabrics and colors than dye
sublimation designs, although they work best on cotton. Heat transfer printing is not quite as
durable as dye-sub, but it is more affordable and is typically the go-to decoration method for
small run custom t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies.
Check out our complete Custom Decoration Methods Guide to find the perfect decoration type
for any application or contact us for more information.

https://www.merchology.com/pages/heat-transfer-printing-vs-dye-sublimation
 GUIDE TO FABRIC: HOW TO CHOOSE THE
RIGHT FABRIC FOR CLOTHING
When you're shopping for new clothes determining the proper fabric type is just as important as
choosing the right size and color. With so many different kinds of fabric available it can be hard
to know what's best for your needs. That's why we made this comprehensive guide to the most
popular fabrics used to make clothing and accessories. Click on a button below to jump to that
fabric type, then click into each fabric type to see products made from that kind of material!

Common Fabrics for Clothing

There are dozens of different fabrics and blended fabrics that are commonly used to make
custom apparel and accessories. Each kind of fabric comes with different advantages and
disadvantages that you should be aware of before you make a decision. Read along for an
overview of each fabric type.

Cotton
Cotton is a plant-based natural fiber that has been the go-to choice for clothing for thousands of
years. There are a few reasons that cotton is the most popular fabric for apparel. Cotton is cheap,
strong, and easy to clean. Plus, cotton is extremely versatile and can be transformed into many
other fabric classifications like ringspun cotton, cotton duck, cotton canvas, terry cloth, denim,
and flannel.

Cotton Fabric is Commonly Used For...

 T-Shirts
 Polos
 Sweatshirts, Hoodies, and Quarter Zips
 Vests
 Jackets
 Hats
 Uniforms

Advantages of Cotton Fabric

 Comfortable
 Breathable
 Hypoallergenic
 Low Maintenance
 Easy to Decorate
 Machine-Washable

Disadvantages of Cotton Fabric

 Does not dry quickly
 Prone to shrinking

Examples of Cotton Products

Products Shown: Nike Core Cotton Tee | Lacoste Cotton Pique Polo | Alternative Apparel Washed
Terry Challenger Hoodie

Polyester
Polyester might look simple, but it's actually somewhat of a chemistry project! Polyester is a
man-made synthetic fiber that's made from a chemical reaction involving air, water, and
petroleum. That combination produces an artificial fiber that becomes polyester! Polyester is also
thermoplastic, so it can be melted down and reformed shapes, like thread. That thermoplasticity
is what makes polyester so stretchy. I bet you didn't come here expecting a science lesson!

Polyester Fabric is Commonly Used For...

 T-Shirts
 Polos
 Sweatshirts
 Jackets
 Pants
 Shorts
 Hats
 Backpacks
 Activewear
 Uniforms

Advantages of Polyester Fabric

 Flexible
 Quick-Drying
 Moisture-Wicking
 Wrinkle-Resistant
 Durable
 Comfortable
 Machine-Washable

Disadvantages of Polyester Fabric

 Can stick to sweaty skin
 Sensitive to high temperatures
 Not as breathable as cotton
 Usually not sustainable

Is Polyester Sustainable?
The way that polyester is normally made is not sustainable or good for environment because the
process requires the use of fossil fuels.. However, there are ways that polyester can be extremely
sustainable too! It's not the cheapest way to make polyester, but you can actually create it from
recycled materials like plastic water bottles. When polyester is made this way it's not only eco-
friendly, it also prevents plastic from reaching landfills and oceans! Here's how it works:

Examples of Polyester Products

Products Shown: Under Armour Performance Polo | Zusa Influencer Quarter Zip | Adidas Creator

Short Sleeve Tee

Wool
So if cotton comes from plants and polyester comes from science then where does wool come
from? Most people know that wool can come from sheep, but wool can also be made from the
coat of goats (known as cashmere), alpacas, lamas, camels, musk oxen (qiviut), and even rabbits
 (angora wool)! To create wool these living animals coats are sheared, cleaned, scoured, and spun
into yarn. That wool yarn can then be weaved into clothing garments, blankets, and more.

Wool Fabric is Commonly Used For...

 Sweatshirts, Hoodies, and Quarter Zips
 Jackets
 Socks
 Hats
 Beanies & Winter Hats
 Blankets

Benefits of Wool Fabric

 Warm and Insulating
 Wrinkle-Resistant
 Moisture-Wicking
 Odor-Resistant

Disadvantages of Wool Fabric

 Prone to shrinking
 Can feel scratchy on skin
 Requires special care/ dry cleaning

Examples of of Wool Products

Products Shown: Richardson Wool Strapback Cap | Field & Co. Wool Sherpa Blanket | Elevate
Bromley Knit V-Neck

Fleece
Fleece isn't as much of it's own fabric type as it is a classification of the other fabric types that
we've addressed at this point. There's cotton fleece, polyester fleece, wool fleece, and other lesser
used varieties of fleece. All types of fleeces have a few things in common though; they're soft,
fuzzy, warm, and insulating. That's what makes fleece the ideal material for sweaters, sweater
vests, jackets, and sweatshirts. Fleece also breathes well and wicks moisture very well for an
insulating material, so it's great as outerwear too!
 Fleece Fabric is Commonly Used For...
 Sweatshirts, Hoodies, and Quarter Zips
 Vests
 Jackets
 Blankets

Benefits of Fleece Fabric

 Comfortable
 Breathable
 Water Repellent 
 Hypoallergenic
 Warm and Insulating

Disadvantages of Fleece Fabric
 More difficult to clean
 Can retain odors
 Pilling can be an issue

Examples of Fleece Products

Products Shown: Patagonia Better Sweater Vest | Zusa Chilly Fleece Quarter Zip | Under Armour Rival
Fleece Hoodie

Sherpa and Shearling

Technically speaking, sherpa and shearling are two entirely different fabrics. Shearling is a form
of wool sheared from a lamb that has only had one shearing, while sherpa is actually a blended
fabric made from polyester, acrylic, or cotton. Sherpa fabric gets its name from its similarity to
the wooled clothing worn by the Sherpa people of Nepal, but it is often called "faux shearling"
for its similarity to shearling fabric. For this reason we've combined them into the same fabric
category.

Shearling and Sherpa Fabric is Commonly Used For...

 Sweatshirts, Hoodies, and Quarter Zips
 Vests
 Jackets
 Blankets

Benefits of Sherpa Fabric

 Soft
 Warm and Insulating
 Moisture-Wicking
 Machine-Washable

Disadvantages of Sherpa Fabric

 Gets dirty easily

Examples of Shearling and Sherpa Products

Products Shown: Patagonia Retro Pile Fleece Jacket | Stormtech Yeti Shearling Lined Hoody | Carhartt
Quick Duck Sherpa-Lined Jacket

Spandex / Lycra / Elastane

Did you know that spandex got its name because it's an anagram for the word "expands"? You
learn something new everyday. It makes sense though, the primary benefit of spandex as a fabric
is it's unparalleled elasticity. Also known as elastane or lycra, spandex is the stretchiest, most
flexible fabric around. So much so that a little goes a long way. You usually won't see apparel
fabric that's made from more than 15% spandex, even in compression apparel and yoga
pants. That's because spandex-heavy fabrics don't let your skin breathe very well.

Spandex Fabric is Commonly Used For...

 T-Shirts
 Polos
 Sweatshirts, Hoodies, and Quarter Zips
 Hats
 Yoga Pants
 Shorts
 Activewear

Advantages of Spandex Fabric

 Stretchy and flexible (4-way stretch)
 Moisture-Wicking
 Durable
 Comfortable

Disadvantages of Spandex Fabric

 Doesn't let your skin breathe
 Sensitive to heat

Examples of Spandex Products

Products Shown: Zusa Breezy Tee | Peter Millar Stretch Mesh Polo | TravisMathew Top Shelf Vintage
Cap

Leather
Aside from wool, leather is the only type of clothing material that comes from mammals. Leather
can be made from the hides of many animals including cows, pigs, sheep, goats, alligators, and
more. Cow hides are by far the most popular animal hide used to create real leather. To create
leather, hides are stripped of hair and flesh, dried, salted, tanned, dyed, and finished with a
finishing spray. This process may sound inhumane, but the animal hides are a byproduct of the
meat and dairy industries that would otherwise be wasted if not turned into leather. It is
extremely rare for cows to be killed only for their hides.

Leather is Commonly Used For...

 Jackets
 Backpacks
 Workwear
 Wallets
 Belts
 Journals

Advantages of Leather
 Tough
 Durable
 Timelessly Stylish
 Disadvantages of Leather
 Can get stretch marks
 Not breathable
 Can be expensive

Examples of Leather Products

Products Shown: Moleskine Leather Ruled Large Notebook | Stormtech Classic Leather Jacket | Field

& Co. Campster Passport Wallet

Silk
Here's another fabric that comes from nature, although not in the way that you might expect. Silk
is a natural protein fiber that is produced by silkworms. Silkworms are actually larvae if silk
moths and silk is what they use to make their cocoons. Sounds pretty gross, right? Despite its
unpleasant origins, silk is one of the most luxurious and desirable fabrics around. That's because
silk is one of the smoothest and softest fabrics on the planet.

Silk Fabric is Commonly Used For...

 T-Shirts
 Polos
 Sweatshirts, Hoodies, and Quarter Zips
 Robes

Benefits of Silk Fabric

 Soft and Smooth
 Comfortable
 Strong

Disadvantages of Silk Fabric

 Expensive
 Stains easily
 Requires special care/ dry cleaning
 Examples of Silk Products

Products Shown: Peter Millar Comfort Cashmere-Silk Quarter Zip | Peter Millar Soft Gingham
Shirt | Tommy Bahama Fresco Tropics Shirt

Cashmere
If you noticed that we teased the origins of cashmere earlier in the wool section, congratulations,
you've been paying close attention! Cashmere is a form of wool that comes specifically from the
coat of cashmere goats. Cashmere goats are a rather regal looking breed of goats whose origins
trace back to the Himalayan region of Kashmir. Save that one for trivia night. Like wool,
cashmere is formed by shearing the coats of the animals and spinning them into yarn that's used
to create clothing.

Cashmere Fabric is Commonly Used For...

 Sweaters and Quarter Zips
 Vests
 Jackets

Advantages of Cashmere Fabric

 Soft
 Warm and Insulating
 Lightweight and Breathable
 Wrinkle-Resistant
 Elegant

Disadvantages of Cashmere Fabric

 Not very durable
 Piling can be an issue
 Requires special care/ dry cleaning

Examples of Cashmere Products

 Products Shown: Weatherproof Cotton Cashmere Cardigan Sweater | Peter Millar Cashmere Quarter
Zip

Linen
Linen fabric clothing is known for being especially lightweight and breathable, making it the
perfect fabric for hot summer days. Like cotton, linen fabric is made from plants. In the case of
linen, its fibers from the flax plant called "Linum Usitatissimum" that are spun, combed, and
woven into sheets.

Linen Fabric is Commonly Used For...

 T-Shirts
 Polos

 Casual Button Down Shirts

 Hats

Advantages of Linen Fabric

 Breathable
 Comfortable
 Durable
 Low Maintenance
 Machine-Washable

Disadvantages of Linen Fabric

 Wrinkles easily
 Prone to shrinking

Examples of Linen Products

Products Shown: Tommy Bahama L/S Breezer Shirt | Paramount Apparel Chambray Linen

Hat | Tommy Bahama S/S Breezer Shirt

French Terry / Terry Cloth

French terry, or terry cloth, is a form of cotton fabric that's popular for loungewear and towels.
The way that french terry fabric is made causes one side of the fabric to be smooth and soft while
the other side features loops and soft piles of yarn. The soft piles are super comfy on your skin,
 so that side of the fabric is almost always on the inside of the garment. Those piles are also very
absorbent, so they're great for towels too.

French Terry Fabric is Commonly Used For...

 T-Shirts
 Polos
 Sweatshirts, Hoodies, and Quarter Zips
 Pants
 Vests
 Jackets
 Hats

Benefits of French Terry Cloth

 Comfortable
 Highly Absorbent
 Flexible
 Midweight

Disadvantages of French Terry Cloth

 Prone to fraying
 Too thick for warmer climates

Examples of French Terry Products

Products Shown: New Era French Terry Crew | Champion Originals French Terry Boat Neck
Sweatshirt | Champion French Terry Jogger

Nylon
Here's another synthetic fabric with an interesting history. Up until World War II, Nylon was
only used for toothbrush bristles. Then the US military started using nylon for parachutes and it
instantly became one of the most popular fabrics in America. The reasons that nylon was a great
material for parachutes are the same reasons that nylon works well for raincoats, jackets,
backpacks, and duffel bags too - ripstop nylon is extremely tough, durable, and water resistant.
 Nylon Fabric is Commonly Used For...
 Rain Jackets
 Windbreakers
 Sweatshirts, Hoodies, and Quarter Zips
 Hats
 Backpacks
 Duffel Bags
 Workwear
 Uniforms

Advantages of Nylon Fabric

 Waterproof
 Wind-Resistant
 Versatile
 UV Protective
 Doesn't shrink
 Tough and durable

Disadvantages of Nylon Fabric

 Not very breathable
 Can be difficult to clean

Examples of Nylon Products

Products Shown: Eddie Bauer Packable Wind Jacket | The North Face Fall Line Backpack | Patagonia
Torrentshell Rain Jacket

Hemp
Yes, hemp is made from cannabis plants. No, hemp is not marijuana. Hemp is a strain of the
Cannabis sativa plant that's harvested and spun into yarn. Hemp is actually one of the first plants
that were ever spun into fiber for yarn more than 10,000 years ago. Hemp plants are also among
the fastest growing plants, making them a great source for fabric. However, the perception that
hemp is marijuana has prevented it from becoming a more popular fabric for apparel.
 Hemp Fabric is Commonly Used For...
 Shirts
 Tote Bags
 Hats

Advantages of Hemp Fabric

 Sustainable
 Strong
 Hypoallergenic
 Breathable
 UV Resistant

Disadvantages of Hemp Fabric

 Wrinkles easily
 Can be scratchy

Examples of Hemp Products

Products Shown: Econscious Hemp Market Tote | Patagonia Lightweight A/C Buttondown

Shirt | Patagonia Tin Shed Hat

Quilted Fabric
Quilted fabric is more of a technique than a fabric type, but it still comes with its own set of pros
and cons. Quilting is done by sewing two layers of fabric, usually cotton or blended fabric,
together to create a thick and padded material. In between the two layers of fabric there is usually
an insulating material like wool or cotton. The material is sewn in a cross-hatch style pattern to
prevent the insulating material from sinking to the bottom of the garment.

Quilted Fabric is Commonly Used For...

 Sweatshirts, Hoodies, and Quarter Zips
 Vests
 Jackets

Advantages of Quilted Fabric

 Warm and insulating
 Comfy
 Packable

Disadvantages of Quilted Fabric

 Can retain moisture longer
 Not the among the most durable fabrics

Examples of Quilted Fabric Products

Products Shown: Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket | Patagonia Organic Cotton Quilt Crew | The North Face
Thermoball Trekker Vest

Sueded Fabric
Not to be confused with suede, which is a form of soft leather with a napped finish, sueded fabric
is usually made from cotton or silk. The fabric is then brushed or sanded to give it a smoother
finish, similar to suede. Brushed sueded fabric is softer to the touch than unbrushed fabric,
making it especially ideal for shirts that make direct contact with the skin.

Sueded Fabric is Commonly Used For...

 T-Shirts
 Polos
 Sweatshirts, Hoodies, and Quarter Zips

Benefits of Sueded Fabric

 Soft and smooth
 Comfortable
 Durable

Disadvantages of Sueded Fabric

 Easier to damage

Examples of Sueded Fabric Products

 Products Shown: Champion Originals Sueded Fleece Crew | New Era Sueded Cotton Crew Tee | Devon
& Jones Sueded Mock Turtleneck

Denim
Did you know that denim is made from 100% cotton? It doesn't seem possible that your blue
jeans and t-shirts could come from the same plant, but that's the case! Denim is made by a
specific method of twill weaving that creates a diagonal twill line. This method of weaving is
what makes denim feel stronger and sturdier than traditional cotton garments.

Denim Fabric is Commonly Used For...

 Jeans
 Shirts
 Jackets
 Workwear

Benefits of Denim Fabric

 Tough and durable
 Does not shrink

Disadvantages of Denim Fabric

 Warm and insulating
 Stretches out over time
 More difficult to decorate

Examples of Denim Products

Products Shown: Carhartt Denim Fort Solid Shirt | Carhartt Stonewash Relaxed Fit Jeans | Port
Authority Blue Denim Jacket

Flannel
Flannel is another form of cotton, but unlike denim, flannel is a soft woven fabric. Flannel is also
often brushed for added softness. This level of softness makes flannel an especially comfortable
material, making it ideal for shirts, jacket linings, and blankets. Flannel is also made from wool
on some occasions, although it tends to be a little scratchier in that case.
 Flannel Fabric is Commonly Used For...
 Button Down Shirts
 Sweatshirts, Hoodies, and Quarter Zips
 Jackets
 Workwear

Advantages of Flannel Fabric

 Soft and comfy
 Warm and insulating
 Breathable

Disadvantages of Flannel Fabric

 Piling can be an issue
 Prone to shrinking

Examples of Flannel Products

Products Shown: Port Authority Plaid Flannel Shirt | Patagonia Fjord Flannel Shirt | Burnside Yarn-
Dyed Flannel Shirt

Cotton Canvas
Canvas is an extremely strong and durable form of cotton that was originally created for use in
boat sails and tents. To create canvas an extremely compact and firm weave of cotton is
performed. The term canvas is usually reserved for accessories like totes and hats. Cotton duck is
another form of canvas, which typically refers to clothing applications for canvas.

Cotton Canvas Fabric is Commonly Used For...

 Tote Bags
 Pants
 Work Jackets
 Backpacks
 Workwear
 Uniforms

Advantages of Canvas Fabric

 Tough and durable
 Waterproof
 Windproof
 UV Protective

Disadvantages of Canvas Fabric

 Expensive
 Can be scratchy on skin
 Not very breathable

Examples of Canvas Products

Products Shown: Drake Waterfowl Khaki Canvas Scout Pants | Gemline Seaside Tote | Port Authority
Canvas Outback Hat

Ringspun Cotton
You might not know the difference between standard cotton and ringspun cotton by just looking
at it. The difference is that ringspun cotton is made from yard that is spun differently to create
longer strands that are softer and more durable than those of regular cotton. You can think of
ringspun cotton as "super cotton" if you'd like. This kind of quality obviously comes at a
premium though.

Ringspun Cotton Fabric is Commonly Used For...

 T-Shirts
 Polos
 Sweatshirts, Hoodies, and Quarter Zips
 Jackets
 Pants
 Hats
 Workwear
 Uniforms
 Benefits of Ringspun Cotton Fabric
 More durable than cotton
 Softer than cotton

Disadvantages of Ringspun Cotton Fabric

 More expensive than cotton
 Prone to snarling

Examples of Ringspun Cotton Products

Products Shown: Nike Core Cotton Long Sleeve Tee | Champion Premium Fashion Baseball T-
Shirt | Champion Originals Tri-Blend Hoodie

Cotton Duck Fabric

Similar to cotton canvas, cotton duck is made using an extremely compact weave of cotton. In
fact, cotton duck is woven even more tightly than cotton canvas. A tighter weave means added
strength and durability. That's what makes cotton duck so ideal for work jackets and industrial
workwear.

Cotton Duck is Commonly Used For...

 Work Jackets
 Work Vests
 Backpacks
 Workwear
 Uniforms

Benefits of Cotton Duck Fabric

 Tough and durable
 Resistant to snagging and tearing
 Windproof
 UV Protective
 Loosens up and gets more comfortable with use

Disadvantages of Cotton Duck Fabric

 Fades in sunlight
 Prone to shrinkage

Examples of Cotton Duck Products

Products Shown: Carhartt Thermal Lined Duck Active Jacket | Carhartt Duck Vest | Richardson Duck
Cloth Camo Hat

Blended Fabric
When you read the tags on your clothing it is pretty rare to find just one type of fabric. Sure,
you'll come across your fair share of 100% cotton and 100% polyester garments, but most
clothing is made from blended fabric. For example, the t-shirt that you see below is made from
95% recycled polyester and 5% spandex. This blend was chosen because this shirt is designed
for workouts. The polyester fabric makes the shirt moisture-wicking, while the added spandex
makes it more flexible. All fabrics come with advantages and disadvantages and blending them
can produce an even better product.

Fabric Properties & Characteristics

Knowing the names of each fabric type is great, but this isn't a vocabulary test. What's really
important to know is what each fabric type does. How does it perform? What is its purpose?
Every fabric and material in your clothes is there for a reason. Here are a few of the most sought
after fabric features.

Sustainable Fabric
Fabrics and materials are deemed eco-friendly and sustainable for a few different reasons. One
way that a product can be considered sustainable is if it's made from recycled materials like
recycled cotton or polyester made from recycled plastic water bottles. Another way that fabric
can be considered sustainable is if it's made from plants that don't require much water or
pesticides. Both hemp and flax plants (used to make linen fabric) can be grown using minimal
resources.

What are the most sustainable fabrics?

 Recycled Fabric
 Organic Cotton
 Organic Linen
 Hemp
 Wool

Moisture-Wicking Fabric
Moisture-wicking fabric use built-in miniscule capillaries to extract moisture from the surface of
your skin and transport it to the exterior of the fabric for easy wicking and quicker evaporation.
Sweat-wicking fabric is perfect for activewear, sports team uniforms, and any other clothing that
you work out in. Because no one wants to exercise in a shirt that's drenched in sweat!

What are the best moisture-wicking fabrics?

 Polyester
 Wool
 Acrylic
 Spandex

UV Protective Fabric
Technically speaking, anything that gets between your skin and the sun is protecting you from
harmful UV rays. Well, aside from magnifying glasses. However, some fabric features to
contribute to high UPF protection. For example, dyed fabrics, especially dark colors, increase
UPF protection. Dense, tightly woven fabrics also do a better job blocking out the sun's harmful
rays than looser fabric. Cotton, linen, and hemp are the least useful in blocking UV rays.

What are the best fabrics for UV protection?

 Polyester
 Nylon
 Cotton Duck
 Canvas

Stretchy Fabric
Do you ever feel like your clothing is restricting your movements? That's the worst. Luckily
flexible fabrics that stretch as you move are becoming more popular every year. One of the main
reasons that polyester and spandex are added to blended fabrics are for a little added stretch. The
two main classifications of stretchy fabric are 2-way stretch and 4-way stretch fabrics. 4-way
stretch fabric is the best type for fitness apparel because it can extend in both directions and
 return to its original shape without permanently stretching out. Jersey knit fabrics get their
stretchiness due to the simple fact that they're knitted rather than woven.

What are the most flexible fabrics?

 Spandex
 Polyester
 Cotton Jersey Knits
 Stretch Denim

Water Resistant Fabric

Water resistance means that a fabric is resistant to water molecules penetrating its surface,
therefore the fabric doesn't get wet. Water resistant (hydrophobic) fabrics can either be inherently
water resistant or can be treated to become water repellant. Fabrics like nylon and micro sueded
polyester can be woven tightly enough so that water has a difficult time penetrating it. Fabrics
can also be treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish. The DWR coating is typically
fluoropolymer based. DWR treatments can wear off over time and should be reapplied for your
garment to retain it's water resistance.

What are the most water resistant fabrics?

 Ripstop Nylon
 Wool
 Polyester Fleece

Wrinkle Resistant Fabric

There are a few factors that can increase a fabric's resistance to wrinkling, namely the weave,
weight, and and composition of the fabric. Denser and more complex weaves, like the weaves
seen in thicker dress shirts, tend to be more wrinkle-resistant than simpler and more lightweight
weaves. Synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and spandex are extremely wrinkle-resistant,
while natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and hemp wrinkle easily. One natural fabric that does stay
wrinkle free is wool, especially merino wool.

What are the most wrinkle-resistant fabrics?

 Wool
 Polyester
 Cashmere
 Spandex

Flame Resistant Fabric

Wool is widely considered the most flame resistant natural fabric. Tightly woven cotton like
cotton duck and cotton twill is also effective as flame resistant fabric. There are some fabrics that
are technically flame resistant, as in they won't burn, but are still not safe to wear around heat
sources because they will melt. These include synthetic fabrics like acrylic, polyester, and nylon.
Extensive research should always be done before ordering FRC. Check out our safety apparel
guide for more information.

What are the most fire-resistant fabrics?

 Wool
 Cotton Duck

High Visibility Fabric

The term hi-vis really applies more to colors than fabric types. Hi-vis fabrics are typically
fluorescent yellow, green, or orange. On the other hand, fabrics CAN have reflective qualities.
Sometimes thin layers of metals like aluminized mylar are even added to increase the reflectivity
of the material.

What are the best hi-vis fabrics?

 Polyester
 Nylon
 Spandex

How to Decorate Different Fabric Types

Ever since humans started weaving fabrics into clothing they've been looking for ways to make
their garments unique. There's no better way to differentiate your apparel from the rest than by
adding your corporate logo or custom design. Luckily, that's what we're all about here at
Merchology. Our in-house team of fabric decoration experts can add your logo to a wide range
of fabrics using over 10 customization techniques. Let's take a look at which popular decoration
methods work best for each fabric type.
 Screen Printing
Silk screen printing is one of the oldest decoration methods around. Screen printing is performed
by applying ink to fabric through a mesh screen. Everyone in the screen printing industry will
tell you that silkscreen printing works the best on cotton fabric by far. You can screen print on
polyester, but it does require special inks and additives.

Silk Screen Printing is a suitable decoration method for...

 Cotton
 Polyester
 Silk
 French Terry
 Hemp
 Linen
 Blended Fabrics

Screen Printing is Commonly Used to Decorate...

 Custom T-Shirts
 Custom Sweatshirts
 Custom Activewear
 Employee Uniforms

Embroidery
Embroidered designs are made by applying layers of thread to fabric with an embroidery
machine. Custom embroidery can be performed on just about any fabric that a needle can pass
through. One thing to remember with embroidery is that it does put tiny holes in the fabric, so it
can compromise the water resistance of waterproof clothing.

Embroidery is a suitable decoration method for...

 Cotton (All Types)
 Polyester
 Linen
 Fleece
 Wool
 Acrylic
 Sherpa
 Cashmere
 Nylon
 Canvas
 Chambray
 Duck Fabric
 Blended Fabric

Embroidery is Commonly Used to Decorate...

 Custom Polos
 Custom Sweatshirts
 Custom Jackets
 Custom Pants
 Custom Hats
 Custom Backpacks
 Staff Uniforms

Heat Transfer
Also known as thermal printing, heat transfer takes a pre-printed image and applies it to your
fabric. As the name suggests, your image is applied through heat in the heat transfer printing
process. That means heat transfer is not suitable for flammable fabrics, like silk, and synthetic
fabrics that can melt like polyester and spandex. Heat transfer can be performed on polyester, but
should be done on a lower heat setting.

Heat Transfer is a suitable decoration method for...

 Cotton (All Types)
 Polyester
 Linen
 French Terry
 Hemp
 Canvas
 Chambray
 Blended Fabric

Heat Transfer Printing is Commonly Used to Decorate...

 Custom T-Shirts
 Custom Polo Shirts
 Custom Hoodies
 Custom Sweatpants
 Custom Athletic Shorts
 Custom Backpacks
 Custom Performance Apparel
 Staff Uniforms
 Digital Printing
Digital printing is a newer decoration method that is used to achieve a higher level of detail and a
larger variety of colors than screen printing. It's also easier to set up and cheaper for smaller
order sizes. The downside? DTG printing can ONLY be done on 100% cotton materials.

Digital Printing is a suitable decoration method for...

 100% Cotton

Digital Printing is Commonly Used to Decorate...

 Custom T-Shirts
 Custom Sweatshirts
 Custom Activewear

Dye Sublimation
Dye sublimation is a form of heat transfer in which dye-sub graphics are digitally printed and
then heated to transfer your image to your product on a molecular level. A good way to
remember what fabric are okay for dye sublimation? Think man-made fabric only.
Remember, dye sublimation inks do not work on cotton!

Dye Sublimation is a suitable decoration method for...

 100% Polyester
 Nylon Fabric
 Spandex Fabric

Dye Sublimation is Commonly Used to Decorate...

 Custom T-Shirts
 Custom Polo Shirts
 Custom Sweatshirts
 Custom Backpacks
 Custom Activewear
 Employee Uniforms

Debossing
Debossing is essentially an advanced form of heated stamping. Debossing is achieved by laser
engraving a metal plate with your logo or design, heating it up, and pressing it into the surface of
your product. A debossed logo or design has nice dimensional depth and will never flake off or
fade away, making it the most durable decoration method.
 Debossing is a suitable decoration method for...
 Leather

Debossing is Commonly Used to Decorate...

 Custom Bags
 Custom Wallets
 Custom Belts
 Custom Notebooks
 Custom Padfolios

Next Steps
Congratulations, you've made it through the most long-winded fabric guide on the internet! Now
that you've touched on all of the popular fabric types used in clothing, read up on fabric features,
and learned about the decoration methods best suited for each fabric type it's time to start
shopping! Be sure to check out our other apparel and gift buying guides for more information
that you can use to impress your friends.

https://www.merchology.com/pages/fabric-guide

CUSTOM LASER APPLIQUE EMBROIDERY

CAPABILITIES & APPLICATIONS
Laser applique embroidery, also known as digital applique, is a decoration method used to
achieve that classic layered embroidery look that has been commonly used on outerwear for
decades. At Merchology, we use the laser applique embroidery process to make your corporate
logo or custom design pop from the surface of sweatshirts, hoodies, jackets and more. If you'd
like to order laser applique embroidered products please reach out to us directly, as it is subject
to availability.

Custom Applique Embroidered Products

Include…
 Custom Sweatshirts
 Custom Hoodies
 Custom Jackets
 Uniforms with Patches

Applications for Laser Applique Embroidered

Apparel
 Custom Logo Corporate Apparel & Uniforms
 Trade Shows
 Recruiting Events
 Industrial Custom Workwear

When to Use Laser Applique Embroidery as a

Decoration Method
Laser applique embroidery isn’t the easiest decoration method, but it does give your custom
apparel some added pizazz. The layered lettering look that can be achieved by applique
embroidery is super popular with college apparel. Digital applique embroidery is probably the
right decoration method for you if…
 You want a textured design – like traditional embroidery, laser applique embroidered design and logos
are raised from the surface of the garment, giving it a 3D look. The advantage laser applique embroidery
provides is that you can save on stitches on more detailed designs.
 You want a large embroidered logo – speaking of saving stitches, applique embroidery can also save
you stitches (and money!) for larger embroidered logos. It’s perfect for those big logos often seen on the
chest of sweatshirts and hoodies!
 You’re decorating sweatshirts or jackets – because digital applique embroidered logos are heavy, they
should really only be used on heavier garments like custom sweatshirts, hoodies or jackets.
 When Should I Consider a Different Decoration Method?
 You are decorating custom hats or bags – applique embroidery needs to be done on a flat surface, so it
is not ideal for hats and bags. If you’re customizing a non-flat piece of apparel, consider
standard embroidery or 3D puff embroidery.
 You are not customizing fabric – like traditional embroidery, laser applique embroidery can only be
performed on fabric. If you are decorating hard goods like custom pens, notebooks, golf balls or
electronics, consider another decoration method; such as screen printing, pad printing, foil
stamping or laser engraving.
 You are decorating a lightweight fabric – lighter weight garments like t-shirts and polo shirts will have
a harder time supporting the weight of an applique logo. If you’re decorating a lightweight product,
consider traditional embroidery or screen printing.

Next Steps
Now that you are familiar with our laser applique embroidery capabilities, check out how we
achieve this layered embroidery look in our guide to laser applique embroidery. Still not sure if
this is the decoration method for you? Read up on our Complete Customization Methods
Guide or get in touch with us to get all your questions answered.

https://www.merchology.com/pages/custom-laser-applique-embroidery-capabilities-applications

CUSTOM VINYL HEAT TRANSFER

CAPABILITIES & APPLICATIONS
 Vinyl transfer is a form of heat transfer that is known for its durability and versatility. Vinyl heat
transfer is performed in a similar way that you would apply a sticker or decal, except it is done
on fabric. Check out our guide to custom vinyl heat transfers to learn more about the process.

Custom Vinyl Transfer Products Include…

 Custom T-Shirts
 Custom Activewear & Sports Apparel
 Personalized Sweatshirts
 Custom Hoodies
 Custom Backpacks 
 Custom Logo Bags

Applications for Vinyl Transfer Products

 Promotional Tees
 Custom Logo Corporate Apparel 
 Trade Shows 
 Recruiting Events
 Uniforms
 5K Races or Custom Workout Clothes
 Sports Team Uniforms
 New Employee Packages
 Golf Events

When to Use Vinyl Heat Transfer as a

Decoration Method
Using vinyl heat transfer as your custom apparel decoration method comes with some benefits
and drawbacks. Vinyl heat transfer printing might be the right decoration method for you if…
 You want your logo to be durable – vinyl transfer is often used for athletic apparel or team
jerseys because of its durability and ability to withstand frequent washes for years. Vinyl printing will
never fade or crack, unlike screen printing.
 You want individually customized apparel – another reason vinyl transfer is popular for personalizing
sportswear is that it’s the easiest way to add individual customizations, like names and numbers, to each
piece of apparel.
 You have a simple design – simpler logos or designs, like text, work the best for vinyl transfer because it
is difficult to achieve color gradients with heat transfer decoration methods.

When Should I Consider a Different Decoration Method?

 You are placing a large order – vinyl heat transfer printing is most cost-effective and timely on smaller
order sizes. If you are ordering a large quantity of custom apparel, consider screen printing or embroidery.
 You have a complex design – vinyl printing is best suited for simple graphics or text-based logos. Finer
details of designs can get lost with vinyl heat transfers, so it’s a better idea to use screen printing, digital
printing, or laser applique embroidery.

Next Steps
If you want to learn more about how vinyl heat transfer printing is achieved, read up on our step
by step guide to vinyl transfer, otherwise, you’re ready to shop for your vinyl heat transfer
printed custom apparel! Not sure if vinyl transfer is the right personalization technique for your
business? Check out our complete Custom Decoration Methods Guide or contact us to get all of
your questions answered.

https://www.merchology.com/pages/custom-vinyl-heat-transfer-capabilities-applications