If you are looking for an idea to create unique custom t-shirts that your audience will be drawn to and be impressed with, then try glow-in-the-dark t-shirts! In India, glow-in-the-dark t-shirts are quite popular. Though they may be more popular with the younger generation, depending on the occasion, everyone, including grandpas and grandmas, would enjoy wearing them.
But before that, what exactly is a glow-in-the-dark t-shirt?
As the name suggests, a glow-in-the-dark t-shirt appears white during the day, but glows in the dark. The ‘glow’ t-shirt printing is a little different from the usual printing, though the process and set-up remain the same. The screen creation is the same as screen printing, but the difference is that there are additional effects given either on the whole print or in parts, to lend its ‘glowing’ properties. After the design is printed, it will either look white, grey or off-white. You will need to test in the dark to see if it is glowing.
How Does Glow-In-The-Dark Screen Printing Work?
The screen printing technique for glow-in-the-dark custom t-shirts follows two processes, and uses of two inks. The first part involves creating a bright base using white ink. Once the white ink dries up, a special ink is applied on the white layer. This special ink is what lends the high-intensity glow to the t-shirt.
The chemical reaction behind the effect is known as photo luminescence. Phosphor is commonly used to achieve the effect as it gives off light.
One of the best advantages of glow-in-the-dark screen printing is that it works on almost all types of fabrics and outfits. Companies and individuals who like to experiment with the designs of custom t-shirts and like something unique on their t-shirts should try glow-in-the-dark designs. It will help not only to stand different but also to exhibit your message more prominently.
Glow-in-the-dark designs look good in all kinds of custom t-shirts, be it polos, simple tees, sweatshirts, or even hoodies. Let’s take an unbiased look at the benefits and drawbacks of glow-in-the-dark custom t-shirts…
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Glow-In-The-Dark Custom T-Shirts
Benefits
- The effect: The foremost advantage is that the design glows in the dark! It means higher visibility and better impact as the effect enhances the design helping it stand out. The design also lends uniqueness to custom tees.
- Suitable for bulk orders: The printing technique used makes it possible to print large volumes of custom t-shirts. Hence, glow-in-the-dark t-shirts are perfect for marketing campaign t-shirts.
- Durability factor: Glow-in-the-dark custom t-shirts come with high durability. Thus, they are perfect for both corporate and informal functions, as giveaways.
- Printable on most fabrics: Glow-in-the-dark printing works on mostly all types of fabrics which is another great factor for custom t-shirts because you need not restrict yourself in terms of fabrics when you want to create custom tees that glow.
- Quality finish: Good-quality custom tees create a bigger impact on your audience, and it also helps build trust with your brand. Glow-in-the-dark screen printing ensures a professional finish which adds to the allure and beauty of the t-shirt.
Drawbacks
- It comes at a price: Glow-in-the-dark printing is more expensive than other forms of t-shirt printing. The special ink used for creating the glow effect is expensive, and hence the cost of the printing is also high.
- Not suitable for small orders: Most t-shirt printing companies charge a set-up fee, and thus glow-in-the-dark t-shirt printing may not work well for small orders.
Some Things To Remember About Glow-In-The-Dark Custom T-shirts…
The glow is more visible in a room with less light. Also, you will have to expose the image to light before going into a dark room to notice the effects. The resulting glow is usually green in colour. However, some printers may even add a little fluorescent ink colour to get other colours such as yellow, blue, or red instead of green.
A quick tip to have the glow last long is to ensure the ink is heavier and to add more phosphorescent additive in ink.
Glow-in-the-dark screen printing works better on white coloured fabrics. It will work on coloured fabrics as well, but you will need an underbase of white to help the glow effect work well.
Printers either use already mixed ink or add the phosphorescent powder in ink for glow-in-the-dark t-shirts. The former ink is suitable for printing on the white underbase, while the latter is used for coloured fabrics.
6 Designs That Work Best With Glow-In-The-Dark Custom T-Shirts
While glow-in-the-dark custom t-shirts can make any design look extraordinary, here are the most popular ones…
1. Animals
Animals like cats, dogs, tigers, leopards, etc., will look amazing on a glow-in-the-dark t-shirt. Imagine walking into a dimly lit room wearing a t-shirt with a lion’s image on it. The glow is sure to leave an impact!
2. Astronomy
When you think of glow or shine, the first things that come to your mind are stars. Get a dazzling design with beautiful stars or your favourite planet. You can even design a constellation or your zodiac sign.
3. Gothic
If eerie signs are your thing, then there is nothing like glow t-shirts to experiment with those designs. It could be skeletons, scary images, skulls or any symbol that evokes fear. A perfect way to showcase colours in the dark, isn’t it?
4. Nature
Apart from animals, you can also get more creative with some inspiration from the world of ecology. Find out about creatures that glow-in-the-dark such as fireflies, jellyfish or any other insect or fish. Such t-shirts would be apt for office camps or for school or college reunions.
5. Floral
Some flowers are known to glow in the dark. Why not try glowing floral designs on your custom t-shirts too? Check out with the printing company if they can get you other vivid colours than green to go with the designs.
6. Geometric
Get some funky and creative geometrical designs that give your t-shirt an extra edge. The only thing to note is to ensure that the glowing lines follow the t-shirt contours.
Glow-in-the-dark custom t-shirts are fun and functional. They would serve your purpose well. Make sure you hire the services of a reliable t-shirt printing company because the printing has to be top-notch for best glow effects.
For good-quality glow-in-the-dark custom t-shirts, get in touch with us at Champu!
Note: Images used in the article are for representational purposes only.