T-Shirt Logos: Prints That Survive 50 Washes (Guide)
T-shirt logos must survive 50 washes, so choose screen vs DTG prints with bold art that lasts.
Prints that survive 50 washes
Plastisol screen prints survive 50 washes with 90 percent ink retention while cheap transfers crack after just 10 cycles in lab tests. Bold art above 3 millimeter line weight resists 60 degree washes far better than fine 1 point details on 180 GSM cotton.
Screen suits runs over 50 shirts at 6 dollars apiece, while DTG wins under 24 pieces with full-color gradients. Generate the logo online with a 1-color bold version and test prints at 10 inches wide first.
Screen vs DTG decisions
Choose screen for 2 spot colors on dark tees because opaque inks cover black fabric in 2 hits with crisp edges. Pick DTG for photos and gradients on white shirts where 1200 dpi heads blend 16 million shades smoothly without screens.
Size chest marks 10 inches wide, sleeve hits 3.5 inches and back prints 12 inches tall for standard blanks. Wash inside-out cold and hang dry to double print life past 2 years.
- Screen for 50-plus shirt runs
- DTG for photos under 24 pieces
- Lines above 3mm thick
- Chest 10 inches wide
- Wash cold inside-out