Don't Let Your Shirts Go to Waste. Here’s How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Drying Screen Printed Shirts

You just picked up your brand new screen printed shirts from your local print shop, and you can't wait to show them off. But as you unpack them at home, you realize that they're still damp from the printing process. What do you do?

It's important to remember that drying your screen printed shirts correctly is just as important as the printing process itself. If you don't dry them properly, you risk ruining the design, fading the colors, and even shrinking the shirt.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when drying your screen printed shirts:

1. Throwing them in the dryer: This might seem like the easiest option, but it's actually one of the worst things you can do. The heat and tumbling motion of the dryer can cause the ink to crack and fade, ruining the design.

2. Hanging them up to dry: While this is a better option than the dryer, it's still not the best choice. Hanging your shirts up to dry can cause the ink to drip and smudge, especially if the shirt is still wet.

3. Leaving them in a pile: It might be tempting to just leave your damp shirts in a pile, but this can lead to creases and wrinkles that are difficult to iron out. Plus, the weight of the other shirts can cause the ink to smudge or smear.

Tips for Successful Shirt Drying

So, what's the best way to dry your screen printed shirts? Here are some tips to ensure that your shirts come out crisp and ready to wear:

1. Lay your shirts flat: This is the best way to dry your shirts without causing any damage. Lay them out on a flat surface, such as a table or a clean floor, and allow them to air dry.

2. Use a fan: If you're in a rush and need to speed up the drying process, you can use a fan to gently blow air over your shirts. Just make sure to keep the fan at a safe distance to avoid blowing the ink around.

3. Avoid direct sunlight: While the sun might seem like an appealing way to dry your shirts, it can actually cause the ink to fade or discolor. It's best to keep your shirts out of direct sunlight while they're drying.

Dry Your Shirts, Not Your Wallet with These Cost-Effective Drying Techniques

Drying your screen printed shirts doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some cost-effective ways to get your shirts dry and ready to wear:

1. Use a clothesline: If you have access to a clothesline, this is a great option for drying your shirts. Just make sure to hang them up by the shoulders to avoid stretching the neckline.

2. Use a towel: If you don't have access to a clothesline, you can use a towel to help absorb some of the moisture from your shirts. Simply lay a clean towel on a flat surface and place your shirts on top of it. Then, fold the towel over the shirts and gently press down to absorb the excess moisture.

3. Use a hair dryer: If you're in a pinch and need to dry your shirts quickly, you can use a hair dryer on the cool setting to gently blow air over your shirts. Just be sure to keep the dryer moving and avoid concentrating the heat on one area for too long to prevent damaging the ink.

Going Wrong? Here's How to Avoid Drying Mishaps

Even if you're careful, things can sometimes go wrong when drying your screen printed shirts. Here are some tips to avoid drying mishaps:

1.      Check the care instructions: Each shirt is different, so it's important to check the care instructions before drying your shirts. Some shirts may have specific drying instructions, such as "hang to dry" or "lay flat to dry."

2.      Test a small area first: If you're not sure how your shirt will react to a particular drying method, it's always a good idea to test a small area first. This will allow you to see if the ink cracks or fades before you expose the entire shirt to the drying method.

3.      Seek professional help: If you're unsure about how to dry your shirts or you've made a mistake and need to fix it, it's always a good idea to seek help from a professional. Your local print shop or a dry cleaner may be able to offer assistance or advice on how to properly dry your screen printed shirts.

The Best Ways to Dry Your Screen Printed Shirts without Damage

So, what's the best way to dry your screen printed shirts without causing any damage? The best method is to lay your shirts flat on a clean, flat surface and allow them to air dry. This will ensure that the ink stays in place and the shirt doesn't shrink or stretch.

If you're in a rush and need to speed up the drying process, you can use a fan or a hair dryer on the cool setting to gently blow air over your shirts. Just be sure to keep the fan or dryer moving and avoid concentrating the heat on one area for too long to prevent damaging the ink.

Remember, drying your screen printed shirts correctly is just as important as the printing process itself. By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that your shirts stay crisp and ready to wear for years to come.