When it comes to transferring your organizations logo onto your safety apparel, it is important to know the best method for the type of fabric you intend to use.  The two main methods are screen printing and heat-transfer. The two methods have different results, so it is important to do your research.

 HEAT TRANSFER

Heat-transfer requires heat and pressure for its printing process. Vinyl and digital prints are the two major types of this method. For vinyl, the logo is cut out of a piece of colored vinyl and then pressed with heat (transferred) onto the fabric. A circumstance when this technique would be preferred is when printing on a sports jersey. For digital, the logo is inputted into a computer then printed, using a solvent ink, onto high-grade paper. The paper is then pressed, with heat, onto the fabric. This technique is preferred for complicated, high-resolution logos using multiple colors.  However, one complaint with this method is that the areas of ink coverage cause hot spots. Because the ink covers the surface of the fabric, no air is allowed through, creating an area susceptible to being sweaty underneath.

The Good:

  • More economical for minor size requests
  • Generates high-grade images
  • Inexpensive format

The Bad:  

  • Better on lighter fabric
  • Prints are not as durable as screen prints
  • Colors are not a brilliant as when on screen prints
  • Has a more rigid texture on the fabric
  • Causes hot spots on the skin under the ink

SCREEN PRINTING

Screen printing requires the use of silk screens and ink.  First, a stencil is cut out of the screen in the shape of your logo. Then ink is distributed across the screen using a squeegee, which is a tool with a wood or metal handle that contains an elastic rubber or plastic blade. The ink then penetrates through the stencil to the safety apparel. For this method, you will require many screens for a logo with many colors.

The Good:

  • The cost is lower for larger orders
  • Not restricted to light colored fabric
  • Logos are more enduring
  • Has a more supple texture on the material

The Bad:

  • Requires more machinery and chemicals
  • Operation is more costly and not ideal for small jobs
  • This method is labor-intensive and messy
  • Confined to basic logos and minimal colors

QUALITY CHALLENGE

The durability issue would indicate screen printing to be of better quality long-term. The explanation for this is that screen printing induces the ink to become built into the material to be longer-lasting. The ink of the heat-pressed item sticks to the surface of the material making it susceptible fading, cracking, and peeling off after many washes. However, over the short-term, the heat-pressed designs will seem better quality in appearance.

FINAL VERDICT

 So which method wins?  Obviously, they both have their pros and cons.  Really it depends on what you are looking for.  Since we are interested in safety apparel, which can be quite abused because of their purpose and where they are worn, we would be correct in choosing screen printing for its resulting longevity.  In addition, when considering the high temperatures many of you work in, having apparel that allows air to flow through to cool you off would be another win for screen printing.  Besides, there are some very good screen printers out there.  We at Safetygearonline are associated with a good one and would be happy to order your logo on any safety apparel. Please let us know in the reply section below if you agree with our conclusions.  We would welcome your feedback.