A great way to get a wide range of goods with custom designs is through bulk screen printing. This process uses ink to transfer images to shirts, hats, sweatshirts, tote bags, and other apparel and goods. Additionally, there are a multitude of techniques that this method utilizes. Here are the four most common techniques used for bulk screen printing.

1. Plastisol

Plastisol is a type of ink that's versatile and easy to manage, making it a favorite for bulk screen printing. This durable ink is thick and mixes well. According to Credence Research, China, Germany, Turkey, Bangladesh, and Vietnam are the largest exporters of screen-printed T-shirts. Many producers in these countries use plastisol ink in their t-shirt production. The thickness and viscosity of this ink allow for vibrant opaque colors. The only true downside of this ink is that it needs to be cured by applying a specific temperature.

2. Metallic

Another popular technique is metallic ink printing. Metallic printing combines small pieces of copper, aluminum, and zinc to plastisol ink to create a whole new metallic ink style. Oftentimes the design will look shiny, making it a great option if you want a t-shirt design that really pops. Make sure to wash it carefully though since metallic printing can easily come off if you aren't careful when putting it in the wash.

3. Vinyl

Vinyl printing, also known as vinyl heat transfer, is another great option if you are bulk screen printing t-shirts. This process involves a machine that will typically cut out the desired designs and letters, and then apply them to the shirt via a large heat press. This technique is perfect for making sports shirts or your own graphic t-shirts due to its affordability and speedy printing process.

4. Puff and Glow

Finally, another popular technique is puff and glow. This process involves heating a modified plastisol-based ink with a foaming agent to give the design a "puffy" look. This technique is great for making words really jump out on a shirt and is commonly used in all sorts of types of clothing. It's also more durable than other techniques since the puffy design is oftentimes very thick, making it harder to come off after a few wash cycles.

Bulk screen printing is an interesting process with plenty of designs and techniques to choose from. Looking to have some shirts made? Contact Classy Screens NYC to get started!