Direct Print improvements and transitions

When we opened our doors in 1999 print-on-demand printing options for T-Shirts were limited to Heat Transfer. Then, a little over two years ago we introduced a revolutionary new method for printing on T-Shirts and other garments: Direct Print. For the first time we were able to print ink directly on a shirt; it was as close to screen printing as you could get without actually screen printing!

We launched it in Beta while we worked to fine-tune the process, and we continued to offer Heat Transfer because our new process was great for some designs, but not others. We knew that improvements in Direct Printing quality would one day make Heat Transfer unnecessary.

Continued investments in refining the Direct Print process have led to amazing increases in quality, increased customer satisfaction scores and a decreased demand for Heat Transfer, telling us that we've reached that day!

As a result most garments (see FAQ below for exceptions) are now offered in Direct Print only. And, we're so impressed with the levels of quality Direct Print is turning out that we're removing all Dark T-Shirts from Beta!

The best news of all is that these changes require no work on the part of Shopkeepers, Heat Transfer has been removed as an option.

If we can answer any questions please email us at smart07@cafepress.com.

FAQ's

Heat Transfer

Why Direct Print only?

The quality of Direct Print has improved to a point that we're seeing a significant drop in demand for Heat Transfer making continued support unnecessary.

Will any products continue to use Heat Transfer?

Yes, the Bib, Boxer Shorts, Classic Thong, Dog T-Shirt, Mousepad, Teddy Bear, Messenger Bag, and the Throw Pillow.

Why aren't all products being switched to Direct Print?

We recognize that the print quality of the Bib, Boxer Shorts, Classic Thong, Dog T-Shirt, Mousepad, Teddy Bear, and the Throw Pillow is still superior using Heat Transfer. Our goal is to switch these products to Direct Print once we have complete confidence that the quality will meet or exceed that of Heat Transfer.

What happens if I specifically chose Heat Transfer for my shop or individual products?

The print method for these shops and products has been automatically switched to Direct Print.

I've heard that the Direct Print isn't very good for designs with fine detail or photographs.

In the early phases of Direct Print this was true, direct print wasn't as vibrant. Now, for a large majority of designs we're seeing little difference between the print quality produced by Direct Print and Heat Transfer.

What are the specific improvements on the Direct Print process that have led to this improvement in quality?

We're not able to share the specifics, but we can tell you that continual fine tuning to our processes, the printers, and the inks used in this process have led to amazing results!

Dark Garments

Is there still a difference between how I should design for light vs. dark garments?

Yes, it's important to remember that light colored garments will not print the white areas of your design, and dark colored garments will print all white sections. Click here to learn more about designing for dark garments.