Screen Printing vs. Heat Press: What’s Best for Your Portland Event or Business?
If you’re looking to create custom apparel, you’ve probably come across two main printing options: screen printing and heat press. But how do you know which is right for your project?
As a mission-driven Portland screen printer, we’ve helped hundreds of clients pick the best method for their needs. In this post, we’ll break down the differences between screen printing and heat press—and help you choose the right fit for your Portland business, school, or event.
What Is Screen Printing?
Screen printing is the traditional method of printing designs onto fabric using a stencil (or “screen”) and layers of ink. It’s known for producing vibrant, long-lasting prints—especially on bulk orders.
Best for:
Larger orders (typically 25+ items)
Simple designs with fewer colors
Events, merch, team gear, and business branding
High durability and consistent quality
Not ideal for:
Very small runs or one-off prints
Designs with lots of colors, fine gradients or photo-realism
What Is Heat Press Printing?
Heat press printing is a method of applying a design to fabric using heat and pressure. A special machine (called—you guessed it—a heat press) is used to transfer the design onto a garment using a printed transfer, typically made of vinyl or a heat-transfer paper.
Best for:
Small batch or one-off items
Full-color, photo-quality designs
Personalized gifts or sports uniforms
Not ideal for:
Not as durable or vibrant as screen printing over time
Not cost-effective for large bulk orders
Some transfers can crack or peel after repeated washing
Limited fabric types (works best on cotton or cotton-poly blends)
Need Help Deciding?
If you're unsure what method is right for your project, just reach out! As a trusted Portland screen printer, we’ll talk you through your options and help you make a decision that fits your vision and your budget.
