What is Print on Demand? Your questions answered

Screen printing is best for bulk orders and simple, bold designs. It uses stencils and ink pushed through mesh screens to apply color to the fabric. It’s ideal for simple, bold designs, but less suited for detailed, multi-color graphics.

How screen printing works:

1. A stencil is created for each color in the design.

2. Ink is pushed through the mesh screen onto the fabric using a squeegee. 

3. Each color is applied separately and dried between layers.

4. The printed fabric is cured under heat to set the ink.

Because of its setup time and color limitations, this printing method isn’t the most cost-effective for a print-on-demand business focused on small-batch or one-off designs. However, some print-on-demand services often offer it to larger brands that want a bold look in large quantities.

Learn more: DTG vs. screen printing: Choosing the right apparel printing method for you

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing

DTG is a digital printing method that sprays water-based ink directly onto fabric, leaving it to soak in and bind to the fibers. It’s a go-to technique for full-color, bold graphics, making it a strong choice for sellers targeting quality-conscious shoppers with vibrant custom clothing.

How DTG printing works:

1. The fabric is pre-treated to help the ink bond properly.

2. A digital printer applies the design directly onto the garment.

3. The printed fabric is cured with heat to set the ink.

4. The garment is inspected for print quality before shipping.

This method works well for 100% cotton or high-cotton content sweatshirt and t-shirt printing, but the designs need to be sharp and use solid colors. Otherwise, you might see issues with uneven gradients. Most print-on-demand companies offer DTG, so definitely give it a try to see if it’s the best printing method for your designs.

For the best color results and high-resolution graphics, use an RGB color profile. This will ensure the prints look as close as possible to the colors you see on your screen. 

Learn more: DTG vs. DTF Printing: Which method is better for your designs?

Direct-to-film (DTF) printing

Direct-to-film (DTF) printing uses polyethylene (PET) film and heat to apply designs onto various fabric types, including polyester, fleece, and cotton blends. This process delivers sharp detail and excellent print quality, making it a favorite for intricate graphics, photos, and small text.

Printful uses DTFlex – an exclusive version of DTF – to take the color richness and fine details of this printing method to the next level. 

How DTF printing works:

1. The design is printed onto PET film using water-based ink.

2. A powder adhesive is applied to the printed film.

3. The design is cured and heat-pressed onto the fabric.

4. The film is peeled off, leaving a durable print on the garment.

Unlike DTG, it isn’t limited to cotton – you can use it for fabrics like polyester, fleece, and blends. And unlike screen printing, you don’t need large runs to make it cost-effective.

Learn more: DTF vs. screen printing? Which method fits your brand?

Sublimation printing

Sublimation, also called all-over printing, uses heat to fuse ink into polymer-coated surfaces. It creates vivid, long-lasting designs on polyester apparel, mugs, and other coated products.

How sublimation printing works:

1. The design is printed on special transfer paper using sublimation ink.

2. The printed paper is placed on a polymer-coated item (like a mug) or polyester fabric.

3. A heat press transfers the ink from the paper into the material.

4. The final product is cooled and checked for color, clarity, and alignment.

This technique provides long-lasting, high-quality results with a smooth texture on the printed surface. However, for the ink to bond properly to the material, sublimation only works on polyester fabrics or polymer-coated items, so you can’t use it on cotton or untreated surfaces.

Learn more: What is Sublimation Printing and How Does it Work?

Top product picks for your print-on-demand store

Picking the right print-on-demand products is key to running a profitable online business. Here are some top-performing options for your store.

Custom t-shirts

T-shirts are the backbone of Print on Demand. They’re a consistently top-ranking item – inexpensive to make, easy to sell, and everyone wears them. A good tee is the perfect way to test designs, build your brand, and reach a wide audience.

Custom hoodies

Hoodies sell year-round. They feel cozy and last long, and shoppers are willing to pay more for them when they feature a snazzy design. This is the perfect product to include in seasonal drops or special collections for your print-on-demand niche.

Eco-friendly products

Shoppers care about the planet, and they want options that match their values. Organic cotton tees, reusable totes, and recycled hats let you sell products people feel good about buying.

Custom stationery

Stationery is quick to launch and easy to sell. Journals and notebooks work well for students, professionals, and gift buyers. They’re a low-cost way to expand your product selection and bring in repeat sales.

Drinkware

Custom mugs, water bottles, and tumblers are proven bestsellers. They work for gifts, fan merch, and everyday use, and they’re super easy to market on social media.

How to choose your print-on-demand provider

Choosing the right print-on-demand partner can make or break your store. Some sellers stick with one provider, others mix and match to widen their product range. Here are the key things to look at before you decide.

Facility locations

Find out where each POD company operates. Ideally, they should have multiple locations worldwide, which minimizes shipping costs for your global customers. 

You might be okay with a print shop just around the corner from your house right now, but don’t forget about scaling for the future, or selling to a larger base of loyal customers from abroad.

As your business grows, you should always have the option to produce high-quality products without forcing your customers to pay more for shipping.

Fulfillment times

Print and shipping speeds vary by provider, printing method, and order volume. The best way to gauge both speed and quality is to order samples before you commit.

You can check estimated delivery times for any item and destination using Printful’s shipping page.

Product quality

High-quality products keep customers coming back. Choose a provider known for consistency and reliable standards.

Fast fulfillment times and never-before-seen customization techniques won’t save your brand’s reputation if the quality of the product itself isn’t top-tier. The golden rule is to always order product samples to confirm the products you’re selling match your quality expectations.

At Printful, each product goes through multiple quality checks during the printing process to ensure you and your customers get only the best. 

What makes Printful’s print-on-demand services stand out

With so many providers out there, choosing the right print-on-demand partner can feel overwhelming, but your search can stop at Printful – we have everything you’re looking for.

• Product quality: All products undergo a 3-step quality check before shipping, ensuring that only high-quality items reach customers.

• Design Maker: Printful’s free Design Maker includes thousands of clipart assets, hundreds of fonts, and many other tools to make the design process fun and easy. 

• Sustainability: Printful reduces waste by offering a growing Catalog of environmentally-friendly products and only printing on demand.

• Decoration methods: Choose from a wide variety of production techniques, including DTG, embroidery, sublimation, and cut & sew.

• Customer support: Printful’s customer support is available 24/7 to help you build your brand.

Valuable read: How Much Does it Cost to Start a Print-on-Demand business?