Printing Techniques

There are several different methods that can be used to print the design onto the product. The two methods we prefer are plot printing and Digital Direct.


All of our pre-made products will use one of these two methods. On the Product Details page, the print method being used will be displayed below the example picture.



If you are designing your own product, then you will select the print method from the drop-down box in the Edit design area. If you upload your own design, then a digital printing method will be selected and can not be changed. For more information about designing your own product, please see the instruction guide.




The plot print method provides superior printing results that are long-lasting, and the colors won't fade.


The design is mechanically cut out of the plot material; every printing color needed is cut out of its own plot material. After the design has been extracted from the material, the design will then be positioned and thermally transferred onto the fabric.


There are four types of plot materials that can be used:


Flex Print:

A slightly shiny surface and smooth to the touch.
Extremely durable.
Up to 3 different colors can be used per design.


Flex print with 3 colors on light blue    Close-up of 3 flex colors on light blue fabric    Close-up of white flex on black fabric



Writable Flex Print:

The same characteristics as the normal 'Flex Print' service.
The printed surface can be rewritten on as often as you like.
One Crayola Washable Marker included (color will vary).
Any Crayola brand washable marker will work on this print type.
We recommend allowing the marker ink to dry for 10 minutes before touching or wearing.
To remove ink, rub the design with a wet cloth that contains a small amount of liquid soap.
Marker ink may leave slight trace on the flex, even after washing.
We recommend using lighter shades of flex for the primary areas of writing.



Specialty Flex Print:

Glitter, sparkle, reflective, glow-in-the-dark, and camouflage.
Designs will retain their vibrant color after many washings.
Only 1 color can be used per design.


Close-up of lavender glitter on red fabric    Close-up of silver sparkle on black fabric    Close-up of camouflage on olive green fabric   



Flock Print:

Has a velvety fuzzy feel, like a thin layer of plush.
Extremely durable.
Designs will retain their vibrant color after many washings.
Up to 3 different colors can be used per design.


Flock material on white fabric    Close-up of flock material    Close-up of flock material    Close-up of flock material




Digital printing is the ideal printing technique for photos and multi-colored designs with complex details. The digital print is not quite as durable as the plot printing method.


There are two different techniques for digital printing:


 Digital Direct:
Digital Direct uses superior textile ink to print directly onto the apparel. The print creates a very thin layer on the surface of the material. Dark t-shirts are primed with a layer of white before printing to help with the contrast between the design and the fabric; the print may feel a bit “thicker" on dark fabrics.


Multi-colored designs with all color shades are possible.
The digital print is flat, smooth and comfortable to the touch.
The colors will eventually fade with washing over time.


Digital Direct on black fabric    Close-up of Digital Direct on black fabric    Digital Direct on white fabric    Close-up of Digital Direct on white fabric



Digital Transfer:
The Digital Transfer process is only available for the very few Design Your Own products that the Digital Direct process will not currently work on. The design is printed on a special type of paper and then heat transferred onto the fabric.


Multi-colored designs with all color shades are possible.
Compared to Digital Direct, the designs are more durable.
The colors will eventually fade with washing over time.
This technique is being phased out since all other printing methods are more superior.