After knowing what screen printing and heat transfer are, now is the time to know the differences between them. This is because the two methods have quite striking differences. If you want to know what the differences are and which one is the best, here is the review:
1. Durability
The most noticeable difference between screen printing vs heat transfer is the durability. The ink on the screen printing will absorb into the fabric. While the heat transfer will only be on the surface of the fabric so it is easier to fade and also crack.
So, when you take care of your screen-printed clothes properly, they will last as long as possible. Meanwhile, heat transfer will be easier to thin, crack, and fade. Then, the quality of the vinyl you use will also affect the durability of the heat transfer design.
2. Cost Efficiency
Regarding cost efficiency, it depends on many factors. However, in general, the more cost-effective method of clothing printing is screen printing.
You can reuse your screen multiple times to make more shirts at a lower cost than heat transfer. However, instead of buying plastisol ink and other chemicals for screen printing, basic heat transfer supplies such as vinyl will be cheaper.
Then, heat transfer will also be much cheaper if you want to make one or two shirts. Meanwhile, if you want to make t-shirts in large quantities, screen printing is much more cost-effective.
3. Speed
If you only want to make one or two designs, heat transfer is much faster than when you set up screen printing. However, if you have completed all the settings, you will find it easier to use screen printing if you want to print in large quantities.