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how does silk screen printing compare in quality to direct digital printing on tshits?

I would love to hear from anyone who owns or has worked for a shirt design company.

I assume quality direct digital printing is "Heat transfers"?

If that is the case silk screening will stand up over time much better. But in silk screening it will cost an arm and a leg to do it full color, where as heat transfers do an amazing job with photo reproduction. I have been doing both for a very long time and will give you a few pointers for heat transferring images.

1) Use HP. Even though they are the most expensive I am sitting here wearing one right now that is 10 years old. To test the theory go to your local Staples or Office depot and buy a pack for around $24.

2) You can use an iron to press the image to the shirt but I prefer a proper heat press.

3) You need a good ink jet printer for this. Many seem to think Epson rules for best Ink jet quality...they don't (IMO). I really like the new Cannon Ink Jet Printers, like the PIXMA i4300. It is cheap and amazing quality.

SUMMARY
Silk screening- Good but expensive with smaller runs. More environmental waste with this process. Larger runs, say 100+ this is most cost efficient.

Photo transfers- Great for small runs and photo reproduction. Proper washing and drying is needed to prolong the life of the image...e.g. drying inside out.

A look at what is currently available on eBay

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Best Match Time: ending soonest Time: newly listed Price: lowest first Price: highest first Price + Shipping: lowest first Price + Shipping: highest first

Marpat Digital ACU Camo BDU Uniform Shirt Pants L FS    US $49.99

Combat Shirt&Pants Digital ACU Camo w/Elbow Knee Pad M    US $99.99

Camouflage Short Sleeve T-Shirt Digital Urban Camo XXL    US $8.99

Marpat Digital ACU Camo BDU Uniform Shirt Pants XL FS    US $49.99

SWAT Digital Camo Woodland BDU Uniform Shirt Pants S    US $19.99

Camouflage Short Sleeve T-Shirt Digital Urban Camo XL    US $8.99

Tactical Combat Shirt Type B Digital Camo Woodland L    US $24.99

SWAT Marpat Digital ACU Camo BDU Uniform Shirt Pants L    US $24.99

US SWAT Short Sleeve T-Shirt Digital ACU Camo XXL    US $8.99

Woodland Digital BDU Poly Cotton Twill Shirt - LARGE    US $32.95

SWAT Short Sleeve T-Shirt Digital Camo Woodland XXL    US $8.99

Digital ACU Style Rip Stop BDU Combat Shirt - 2XL    US $36.95

Camouflage Short Sleeve T-Shirt Digital Urban Camo L    US $8.99

Camouflage Short Sleeve T-Shirt Digital Urban Camo M    US $8.99

SWAT Short Sleeve T-Shirt Digital Camo Woodland L    US $8.99

SWAT Short Sleeve T-Shirt Digital Camo Woodland M    US $8.99

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And a selection of products from Amazon

	Taylor Swift Poster ~ 13x19" ~ 2010 Tour - Digital Printing Sale Price: $12.99
	Taylor Swift Poster ~ 13x19" ~ 2010 Tour - Digital Printing

	Craft ROBO/ Silhouette CC330L-20 SD Digital Craft Cutting Machine for scrapbooking, crafts, vinyl, & more Sale Price: $257.00 Average Rating:
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	INFANT ACU DIGITAL CAMO RECEIVING BLANKET Sale Price: $5.23

	T-Shirt Lettering II [VHS]

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	Hello Kitty Figure Tape Measure Tapeline Keychain Sale Price: $27.60
	·Hello Kitty figure as a pendant toy ·Key chain attached for easy holding and carrying ·It turns into a tape measure when you pull the body ·Press the yellow nose and the tape will retract automatically ·Both useful and decorative

	15 X15 Digital High Press Sublimation Clamp Shell T Shirt Heat Press Transfer Screen Printing Machine 15 x 15 RED NEW Sale Price: $209.99 Average Rating:
	Advantages Safe, durable, and economic Uniform heating system Electronic constant temperature control Accuracy ±5 F Electronic time control: precise time set-up Pressure adjustable Silicon gel base board: Endure to temperature till 650°F with out deform Features # 15" x 15" Flat even heating area 38cm x 38cm # Full range loading pressure adjustment...

	16 X 24 LARGE HEAT PRESS SUBLIMATION DIGITAL HEAT PRESS T SHIRT HEAT PRESS MACHINE SCREEN PRINTING TRANSFER MACHINE 16 X 24 BLACK NEW Sale Price: $319.99 Average Rating:
	Product Description: This is a Brand New Model 16 x 24 Industrial Quality Digital Heat Press. This Heat Press is compact, upward opening heat press model, which saves space. Ideal for applying transfers, letters, numbers and images on T-Shirts, garments, bags, mouse mats, jigsaw puzzles, id, bags, ceramic tiles and other items.