How to Do Printing on a T-Shirt

How to Do Printing on a T-Shirt

Printing your own T‑shirts is one of the most enjoyable ways to turn ideas into wearable art. Whether you’re starting a side business, making branded merchandise, or simply exploring your creativity, the right technique ensures your designs look sharp and last. This guide covers everything you need to know, from choosing the right method to pressing your design, and shows how Printphase can streamline the process.

1. Decide Which Printing Method Fits Your Needs

Which Printing Method Fits Your Needs


Different printing methods suit different goals, fabrics, and budgets. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular techniques and their pros and cons:

Printing Method Best For Pros Cons
Screen Printing Bold, simple graphics on large batches Very durable; vibrant colours High setup costs; limited for intricate designs
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) One-off or small runs of detailed artwork Photorealistic prints with a soft feel Works best on cotton; slower for large orders, and can fade
Dye Sublimation All-over prints on light-coloured polyester Seam-to-seam, fade-proof prints Only works on light polyester fabrics
Direct-to-Film (DTF) Versatile designs on most fabrics Works on cotton, polyester, and blends; vibrant colours; no pretreatment More steps; feel can be slightly plasticky
Heat Transfer Vinyl & Plastisol Transfers Names, numbers, and logos on uniforms Crisp, professional look and durable prints Not suited for photo-realistic designs; requires cutting and additional transfer paper


Why DTF shines for small businesses: DTF printing is ideal if you need bright, full‑colour designs on a variety of fabrics. The process involves printing your artwork onto a PET film, coating it with adhesive powder, and heat curing it, then pressing it onto the garment. Because the print is made on film rather than directly on the shirt, you can prep multiple transfers in advance and press them when you’re ready, perfect for small‑to‑medium orders. Printify’s analysis notes that DTF works on cotton, polyester, and blends and produces vibrant colours with high contrast.

2. Gather the Right Equipment and Supplies

Gather the Right Equipment and Supplies


To get consistent, professional‑quality results, assemble a basic workstation:

  • DTF printer and inks. Use a dedicated printer designed for textile inks. It prints a white underbase followed by coloured inks to ensure designs pop on dark and light shirts.
  • PET transfer film and adhesive powder. After printing, you sprinkle powder on the wet ink; it melts during curing and bonds the design to the fabric.
  • Heat press machine. An essential tool to apply the transfer. Set it to around 160-170 °C for 15-20 seconds (always follow manufacturer guidelines).
  • Curing oven or heat gun. Used to melt the adhesive powder before pressing.
  • Design software. Programs like Photoshop or free alternatives help you create high‑resolution artwork.

If you’d rather avoid buying equipment, you can order premium DTF heat transfers directly from Printphase’s DTF Heat Transfers page. You upload your artwork, and they send ready‑to‑press transfers perfect for home crafters and professional printers.


3. Create Your Artwork

  • Choose the right file type: Save your design as a high‑resolution PNG with a transparent background.
  • Use CMYK colours: DTF printers use CMYK inks, so design in this colour space to avoid mismatched hues.
  • Scale to your garment: Measure the printable area of your T‑shirt and size your design accordingly. Many DTF vendors, including Printphase, offer gang sheet builders that let you arrange multiple designs on one sheet to save on printing costs.


Tip: Printphase’s Build a DTF Gang Sheet tool allows you to arrange multiple logos or graphics on a single transfer sheet for efficient printing.

4. Print on DTF Film


Load the PET film into your DTF printer and print your design. The printer will lay down a white ink layer first, followed by the coloured layers. Make sure to:

  • Keep the film dust‑free to prevent imperfections.
  • Mirror your artwork if your printer doesn’t do this automatically.
  • Allow the ink to remain wet so the adhesive powder can stick.


After printing, apply adhesive powder evenly across the design. Shake off excess powder; it should adhere only to the inked areas.


5. Cure the Transfer

Cure the Transfer

Place the film in a curing oven or under a heat source to melt the powder. Proper curing prevents the print from peeling later. Avoid over‑curing (which scorches the design) or under‑curing (which reduces adhesion).


6. Prepare and Press the T-Shirt

  • Pre‑press the shirt. Quickly press the garment to remove moisture and wrinkles.
    Position the transfer. Lay the cured film on the T‑shirt with the ink side facing the fabric.
  • Heat press. Set the press to the recommended temperature (around 160-170 °C) and time (15-20 seconds). Apply firm pressure to ensure complete adhesion.
  • Peel and finish. Let the garment cool slightly, then peel the film off in one smooth motion. For extra durability, you can perform a second quick press with parchment paper on top of the design.


Make it easy with ready‑to‑press transfers

If you prefer a faster workflow, order ready‑to‑press sheets from Printphase:
Upload your artwork via their upload page.
Use their Blank Apparel section to source high‑quality T‑shirts, sweatshirts, and polos.
Check out curated categories like T‑Shirts or Best‑Seller tees for blanks that work perfectly with DTF transfers.


7. Care for Your Printed Shirts

Care for Your Printed Shirts

Proper after‑care helps your design look fresh for longer:

  • Wait 24 hours before washing.
  • Wash inside out in cold water and avoid bleach.
  • Hang dry or tumble dry low to prevent peeling.


For a deeper dive into heat pressing techniques, see Printphase’s master class on left‑chest printing. The article walks through aligning designs and getting professional results great read if you want to polish your skills.


8. Additional Resources and Support

  • Explore equipment and supplies: From heat presses to platens, Printphase’s Equipment & Supplies page lists tools you may need.
  • Get a custom quote: For bulk or special projects, use the Request a Quote form to receive personalised pricing.
  • Dive into educational content: The Printphase Blog covers advanced topics like DTF printer maintenance, placement techniques, and more.


Conclusion: Bring Your Vision to Life

Printing on T‑shirts isn’t just about transferring ink; it’s about telling a story through apparel. By understanding different printing methods and following a clear workflow, you can produce professional‑grade shirts at home or at your shop. Direct‑to‑film printing stands out for its versatility and vibrant results, which is why many creators choose ready‑to‑press DTF heat transfers from Printphase. Whether you need blank apparel, premium transfers, or expert guidance, Printphase offers a complete solution for turning ideas into high‑quality merchandise.

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