Printing on denim is a trendy and unique way to showcase your designs and add some creativity to your garments. However, getting it right can be tricky – so here are 4 of the most common mistakes made when printing on denim and how to avoid them:
1. Choosing the wrong type of denim.
Denim varies massively in weight and texture, so choosing the right type is key in achieving your desired results. Lighter denim is much easier to work with, while heavier denim might require more specialised equipment – such as a higher quality printer or heavy-duty heatpress. Whichever you choose, a pre-print wash is recommended to ensure your garment is ready for printing.
2. Using the wrong printing technique
Heat transfer is a common go-to for printing on denim, but setting your printer heat too high can damage the material and potentially ruin your design with scorching. DTG, on the other hand, is a great alternative – just ensure you use a high-quality printer and ink that will adhere well to denim.
3. Using the wrong type of ink.
When printing on denim, the type of ink used will determine the finish of your design. For example, plastisol inks tend to sit on top of denim, giving a stiffer overall finish. For this reason, water-based inks are preferred as they soak in and provide a softer feel.
4. Not curing your design.
Curing is a critical step in printing to ensure durability and longevity of your design, and denim is no different. Proper curing allows the design to set into the fabric effectively, meaning it will withstand repeated wearing and washing.
