Whether you’re a weekend do-it-yourself kind of person or someone who screen prints on a regular basis, you can’t stress the importance of the images that you print onto shirts.
You can have the right t-shirt brand, the best ink, and clean screens and still not hit your mark if the image is wrong. That is why investing in a quality printer can truly make or break the gear you create.
However, selecting just one printer for your needs can be quite overwhelming.
That’s where this guide comes in. The following sections will help you make your choice and give you the best possible machine for your printing needs.
Contents
Who Should Get This
While the relevance of the in-home printer seems to be drifting away like other old technologies, having your own can be quite convenient.
The truth is, anybody can make use of a personal printer at some point in time. The machines give you the ability to produce a hard copy of any image, design, or document. That can go a long way for certain disciplines, including screen printing.
The models here are for newcomers and experienced users alike.
Best Printer for Screen Printing T-Shirts: Our Picks
Here are our top recommendations, along with a quick review of each item so you get to know its pros and cons.
1. Epson EcoTank ET-2760
The newer, more compact Epson EcoTank will exceed your performance expectations. With its compact frame, it offers the convenience of placement in any setting.
The EcoTank saves customers loads of money on the always-valuable ink to ensure that your EcoTank is always full and ready for its next job.
What We Like:
- Nicely designed for convenience and performance
- Quiet sound paired with 22-page per minute performance make printing a breeze
- Includes up to 2 years of replacement ink
What We Don’t Like:
- Printheads can clog
2. HP OfficeJet Pro 9015
This HP model is not just great for screen printing, it’s 37 percent smaller than its previous version. That saves you a lot of desk space and enables you to stick it just about anywhere you need.
Combine that with the printer speed and you just increased your efficiency in a big, big way. You can’t go wrong with this model, as it will bring a lot of value to your business or random t-shirt creations.
What We Like:
- Environmentally conscious – Made with up to 10 percent recycled plastic
- HP Instant Ink subscription
- HP Smart app allows you to print from almost anywhere
What We Don’t Like:
- Not as fast as some older models
3. Canon TS5120
The Canon TS5120 is a handy little machine that packs a punch behind its compact dimensions. This model creates some of the sharpest and most vibrant prints out there.
Its connectivity is great too, with features like Airprint2 and cloud printing capabilities, and just about everyone can make use of its intuitive interface. The different cartridge sizes are nice as well.
What We Like:
- Beautifully printed images
- Versatile, several cartridge sizes for diverse projects
- Easy-to-navigate
- 2.5” LCD touchscreen
What We Don’t Like:
- Build quality could be better
How to Choose a Printer for Screen Printing T-Shirts
There are several key ingredients you need to consider when creating a t-shirt. That includes shirt quality, fit, design, and/or text. However, there are other aspects you must consider when it comes to shirt design.
Speed
Speed is important to those with a heftier workload, but to those just looking to make a shirt or start a new hobby, it may not be as important.
However, speed is always a nice perk for something that could save you a few extra minutes. There are many models out there, but when it comes to printers, faster tends to be better.
Print Resolution
Let’s face it, you want your images to pop when they come out of the printer. Unless you’re going for a much more muted style, everyone wants their brand-new shirt to have a crisp, bold design.
Ink
Screen printing can use up a ton of ink. As such, you always need to take into account how much your printer can put out, as well as how well it can use its reserves.
In addition, always consider how you’re able to replace your ink. Many brands have their own ink subscription services that are super convenient for their customers and can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
Final Tips
Printers can keep the gears of your t-shirt business moving along smoothly, so you owe it to the printer to take care of anything standing in the way of optimal performance.
Printheads can often clog with the amount of ink it takes to produce a really crisp photo. Investing a few dollars in a printhead cleaner can extend the life of your machine and avoid any unforeseen operational errors.
To conclude, the above printers are some of the best ways to screen print on the market. The one you want comes down to your personal preferences, as well as what you need it for. There’s nothing more satisfying than creating an amazing design and watching it come to life.
Good luck in your search, and keep those awesome shirts flying off the presses!
