Screen-printed t-shirts have long been a popular choice for expressing personal style with custom designs, promoting brands & businesses, and commemorating events.
But are screen-printed t-shirts actually any good? Do they crack easily? How durable are they? And what level of maintenance is required to keep them looking good?
If you’re thinking about investing in some customer screen-printed tees of your own, give this article a quick read before you make any decisions…
Are Screen-Printed T-Shirts Good?
So, the first and most important question of all is: are screen-printed t-shirts actually any good?
Yes, they are! In fact, screen printing offers several advantages that make these t-shirts a popular choice. Here’s why:
- Vibrant Colours: Screen-printed tees allow for bold and vibrant colours that can make designs pop.
- Versatility: Screen printing can be done on various fabric types, including cotton, polyester, and blends, offering versatility in material choices. Perfect for those who want to invest in quality fabrics!
- Cost-Effective: Screen printing is a cost-effective option for producing t-shirts in bulk, making it ideal for promotional campaigns or group events.
- Customisation: Screen printing allows for intricate and detailed designs, making it a preferred choice for those who want to design their own t-shirts.
Whether buying screen-printed tees for personal use, as a gift, or for a corporate event, you’ll not be disappointed with their versatility.
Do Screen Print Tees Crack?
With proper care, screen-printed tees should not crack easily. However, certain factors can contribute to cracking so it’s worth being mindful of the following:
- Low-Quality Ink or Application: If poor-quality ink or improper application techniques are used, the print may crack over time.
- Excessive Stretching: Over-stretching the fabric, especially near the printed area, can cause cracks to appear.
- Incorrect Curing: Inadequate curing or drying of the ink during the screen-printing process can lead to cracks later on.
In other words, if you want to avoid your t-shirts from cracking prematurely, you need to:
- Invest in superior quality screen-printed tees from a reputable supplier.
- Take care not to stretch or damage your tees.
- Maintain them properly (which we will cover shortly).
How Long Do Screen-Printed T-Shirts Last?
Now, how long do screen-printed tees last? Are they a worthwhile investment? The lifespan of screen-printed t-shirts depends on several factors:
- Quality of Print and Ink: High-quality prints and inks tend to last longer.
- Fabric Quality: The durability of the fabric itself plays a role in how long the print will last.
- Proper Care: Following the recommended care instructions can significantly extend the lifespan of screen-printed tees.
On average, well-maintained screen-printed t-shirts can last for several years, with the print remaining vibrant and intact. However, after many years of love and good use the print will begin to crack and fade.
Just as an anti-aging skin cream can only keep you looking so young for so long, a screen-printed tee has a limited lifespan – even with proper care.
Are Screen-Printed Tees Easy to Look After?
You’re probably wondering if these tees are easy to look after. Is it even worth it if there’s too much specialised maintenance involved?
The good news is that screen-printed t-shirts are generally easy to care for, but some considerations should be kept in mind:
- Washing: Turn the t-shirt inside out before washing to protect the print. Use a gentle cycle with cold water. If you’ve no idea what any of that means, consult your mother!
- Drying: Air-drying is preferred to prevent excessive heat or agitation that can damage the print.
- Ironing: If necessary, iron the t-shirt inside out on a low setting, avoiding direct contact with the print.
- Avoiding Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach, as they can fade or damage the print.
These rules are simple enough to remember. Stick to these guidelines and you shouldn’t have any trouble at all keeping your screen-printed tees looking crisp and clean for longer!
How Do You Wash Screen-Printed Tees?
If you aren’t feeling too confident with how to wash a screen-printed tee, here’s a step-by-step guide so you can’t go wrong:
- Turn the t-shirt inside out before washing it to protect the print.
- Use a gentle cycle and cold water to minimise any potential damage.
- Avoid mixing the t-shirt with heavy or abrasive fabrics that could rub against the print.
- Use a mild detergent that is gentle on fabrics.
- Avoid fabric softeners, as they can affect the print’s longevity.
- Air-dry the t-shirt or use a low-heat setting in the dryer if necessary.
Conclusion
And that about sums it up! Let’s have a quick recap:
- Screen-printed t-shirts offer a fantastic way to showcase personal style, promote businesses, or commemorate special occasions.
- With their vibrant colours and versatile designs, they are a popular choice for many.
- While concerns about cracking can arise, proper care and quality materials can help maintain the integrity of the print.
- By following the recommended care instructions, including washing inside out and avoiding harsh chemicals, you can ensure your screen-printed tees remain crisp and awesome for years to come.
It might sound like there are too many steps involved with maintaining a screen-printed tee, but it is a small price to pay for keeping those high-res prints looking awesome for the years to come.
Yes, the tees will crack and fade eventually, but it’s worth getting some good use out of them and putting the eventual decline off for as long as possible.
In any case, we hope you’ve found this article handy. If you’ve been thinking about giving screen-printed tees a whirl, we say go for it!
