TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TEXTURE

One fantastic way to not only add interest and an inspired flavor to a simple t-shirt design is to make the ink more translucent.
While it is in our mindset as printers to constantly worry about achieving the best possible opacity with the ink when printing, it is easy to forget that a “see through” ink can achieve incredible interest and depth if there is something fun underneath the print.

ADD CURABLE REDUCER TO WHITE OR LIGHT-COLORED INK

When you are printing on a heather garment, try reducing the viscosity of the ink with a curable reducer additive, and print through a higher mesh screen than you normally would use. The more curable reducer you add, the more translucent the ink will be with the final result.

For example, try reducing white, cream, or a pastel ink color with a hand-drawn style font for a fun chalkboard look on a JERZEES Snow Heather 88MR t-shirt. The knit fabric has a unique slub texture that gives it an elevated characteristic over traditional heathers. Starting with a great garment is essential, and this style is sure to become a favorite.

Experiment with the amount of curable reducer you are adding for a completely custom look.

What’s great about this effect is that the natural texture of the garment will start to show through the printed ink, giving this simple technique a higher-end appeal. Using this technique leads to a great result, but only uses one screen, so it is quick and easy to print.

This is the perfect way to create a more profitable retail look and can be set up and printed quickly.

Not to mention, when you employ this tint effect, the hidden benefit is a completely soft no-hand feel, very similar to using waterbase inks.

ADD CURABLE REDUCER TO BLACK OR DARK COLORED INKS

On the other hand, if you want to achieve a shade or tonal look, adding curable reducer to black or a dark colored ink such as navy, maroon, or forest green, can produce an often in-demand tonal look easily.

Imagine the fun look of a chunky distressed-font word arched across the front of a red snow heather JERZEES French Terry 90MR hoodie in a reduced ink maroon! The slub texture of the fabric shows through just enough to be different and interesting.

Uniting a vintage-themed graphic with the texture of the French Terry hoodie is an almost-certain home run. It’s like they are made for each other.

INCORPORATE THE SHIRT COLOR AND TEXTURE IN YOUR ART

All too often, designers will want to print large opaque areas and shapes on a shirt. This can lead to a heavier hand with the print, which usually isn’t desirable.

Instead, try using an outline to use the shirt color and texture in the design. Negative space can be your friend! Let the elements in your design breathe a little bit.

HEATHER SHIRTS AREN’T JUST GRAY

Sure, you’ve probably printed a gazillion heather gray shirts in your career.

Who hasn’t?

Instead of simply thinking of “Heathers” as the typical grays, look up the dozen heather colors in the JERZEES snow heather collection. If you are normally printing a solid color for a brand or customer, try offering a colored heather as a companion piece, and easily take it up a notch by suggesting the more textured appearance of the snow heather styles.

Match that with a vintage style design and you have a certain winner! Sometimes a “new” design can be something you have printed for years, but on a new shirt color instead. Your customers will thank you for introducing them to this playful trend.

Try it out!