What is the difference between screen printing and heat seal?

The one question we get asked is what is the difference between screen printing and heat transfer. Well let us explain in more details.

Screen Printing can be used on most garments but is ideally suited to large orders of inexpensive goods such as tee shirts, sweatshirts and light weight jackets. It does not last as long or remain as vibrant as embroidery but has a lower cost per unit with large orders. Screen Printing is not available for small orders due to the complexity of preparing and setting up the multiple screens for the various colours. Screen printing is where the image/text is imbedded into the garment using ink.

Heat Transfer is used for hen/stag party, websites/phone numbers on backs of garments and for those one off jobs. It involves taking the text/image and applying them to a garment using a special heat press that melts and seals the characters into the garment. We wouldn’t recommend heat transfer for business uniforms or for garments that are being washed regularly, as the image will eventually start to crack.

If you require your garment to last longer with regular washes then we would always recommend you go down the embroidery route as Embroidery stitches are actually sewn into the garment. The beauty of Embroidery lies in the richness of the thread colours and the way it stands out from the underlying garment. When properly cared for Embroidery will last as long, or longer, than the original garment. Embroidery presents a very professional look and is ideal on polo shirts, dress shirts, uniforms, jackets, caps, beanies, team apparel, towels, robes and a wide assortment of sports accessories.

Stacey & Gemma – Embroidery