UV Printing: Quality and Sustainability

Customizing t-shirts is a creative and effective way to promote a brand, create merchandise, uniforms, or unique pieces for events. At Grafipronto , we use different techniques to ensure the best result depending on the design, fabric and desired quantity. In this guide, we explain the three main techniques we use: DTF , digital transfer printing with Xerox printing , and flex vinyl , comparing advantages, disadvantages, and ideal applications. 🎯 1. DTF (Direct to Film) Printing How it works: The design is printed onto a special film with pigmented inks, covered with polyurethane powder, and then transferred to the fabric using heat and pressure. ✅ Advantages: High definition of colors and very fine details, ideal for intricate logos, photographic images with shadows and white printing. Works on almost all fabric types (cotton, polyester, blends and dark fabrics). Good durability even after many washes. Allows for small runs or unique pieces with excellent quality. ⚠️ Disadvantages: Multi-step process, slower production than printing or simple vinyl. Light relief on the fabric, noticeable to the touch, in very saturated designs. 💡 Ideal for: Merchandising, custom uniforms, complex designs with many details and colorful clothing items. 🎯 2. Digital Printing with Transfer How it works: The design is printed on special transfer paper on a Xerox digital laser printer , using high definition toner. Then, the transfer is applied to the shirt using a heat press , fixing the image to the fabric. ✅ Advantages: Very fast production , ideal for short deadlines and small runs. Vivid, sharp colors , great for simple images and logos. Possibility of printing photos or gradients. Good option for light fabrics, especially white T-shirts . ⚠️ Disadvantages: On black or very dark t-shirts, the result may vary: sometimes it maintains good quality, but in others it loses contrast or saturation. Less breathable over large areas due to the transfer film. Lower durability than DTF in very common washes. 💡 Ideal for: White t-shirts for events, giveaways, small print runs and quick customization on the spot. 🎯 3. Vinyl Printing (Cut or Print Vinyl) How it works: Vinyl is cut (for solid colors) or printed (for complex images) and then applied to the fabric with heat and pressure. ✅ Advantages: Very high durability , especially on logos and cut-out images. Possibility of special effects with metallic vinyl, glitter, fluorescent, etc. Good wash resistance. ⚠️ Disadvantages: Less suitable for complex images with lots of detail. Thicker, more “plastic” feel. More time consuming on designs with many small elements. 💡 Ideal for: Names, numbers, simple logos and parts with special effects. 🏆 Quick comparison Technique Production Speed Durability Touch Ideal For DTF Average High Smooth Complex designs and varied fabrics Digital Printing (Xerox + Transfer) High Average Average Quick customization and vivid colors Vinyl Reduced High Thick Simple logos and special effects 👕 Grafipronto T-shirts At Grafipronto, we have a variety of t-shirt colors for customization, although black and white models are the most common in stock for immediate production in local stores. Physical stores : models for men and women available at Grafipronto in Shopping Cidade do Porto and Grafipronto in El Corte Inglés Gaia . Online : unisex models. Featured T-shirts : 190 gsm, 100% cotton jersey knit (shaded grey: 90% cotton / 10% viscose) Carded cotton yarn 1x1 ribbed collar Jersey reinforcement tape Double stitching on sleeves and bottom Tubular Regular cut Enzymatic treatment 🌱 Which is more environmentally friendly? DTF: Water-based inks, reduced waste, but film and dust are plastic. Digital Printing (Xerox + Transfer): Consumes little material and energy, but the transfer is plastic that must later be recycled. Vinyl: Less sustainable but much more durable as it uses PVC. 📌 Conclusion Each technique has its space. If you're looking for speed , digital transfer printing is unbeatable. If you need unique detail and versatility , DTF is the right choice. And if your focus is visual impact and durability , vinyl is unbeatable. 📞Contact us or visit our stores and find out which technique and T-shirt model is best suited for your project.

Grafipronto is not just a copy shop – we are a digital printing and finishing center with cutting-edge technology, ensuring speed, precision, and personalized service. 📌 Online and Local Service – With 4 stores in Porto , we are available 363 days a year , from 9am to 11pm , so you'll never be without a place to print, copy or customize your graphic materials.

If you're looking for a binding service in Porto , Grafipronto offers complete solutions for those who need to bind sheets, theses, reports, or personalized books quickly, with quality, and with various finishing options. Our team of bookbinders in Porto works with the best materials and professional binding machines to ensure impeccable results, whether for academic, business, or personal use. Available Binding Types We work with different types of binding , tailored to your purpose and desired presentation. Learn about the main options: 📎 Metal Spiral Binding Spiral binding is ideal for everyday documents. We use high-strength metal rings in silver, black, and white . This type of binding is perfect for those looking for: Bind loose sheets. Manuals, reports, academic papers and thesis binding. Documents that need to be browsed frequently Includes clear binding sheet on the front cover and black or custom back cover. Made with a ring binding machine. precision, with a clean and fast finish. 🔥 Hot Binding with Spine (Book Style) For those looking for how to bind a book in Porto , we have the perfect solution: thermal binding with a custom spine , also known as book-style binding . ✔️ Premium appearance with straight spine ✔️ Ideal for binding books, final reports, catalogs and academic theses ✔️ Rigid or semi-rigid cover (hardcover style) ✔️ Printing and binding in the same place ✔️ You can include your logo, name and title on the spine. Binding and Printing in the Same Service At Grafipronto, you can do everything in one place: 🖨️ Print and bind theses, papers or books 🔧 We use high-performance binding machines 📐 We work with any type of document up to A4 and custom formats 📘 We bind books in Porto quickly and with guaranteed quality. How Much Does It Cost to Bind a Paper? If you're wondering "how much does it cost to bind a paper?" or "book binding price," we have good news: our prices are affordable, with options for all types of customers—from students to businesses. 💬 For personalized quotes, contact us or visit one of the Grafipronto stores. Quality Bookbinding Material We only work with professional binding materials , ensuring strength and durability. Our paper binding machines are calibrated for perfect cuts and finishes, whether using metal spiral binding or spine binding . Where to get bookbinding done in Porto? You can count on Grafipronto stores to quickly complete your binding : 📍 Norteshopping 📍 Porto City Shopping Mall 📍 El Corte Inglés Gaia 📍 Shopping Gallery Campus São João 🕘 Open every day from 9am to 11pm , including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (except December 25th and January 1st). Ready to bind? 📩 Send us your files or request information through our contact page: 👉 Store Contacts 👉 Budgets 📚 Bind your books, papers or academic papers with someone who knows how. Grafipronto – Professional Printing and Bookbinding in Porto 📘 Thermal, spiral, or custom spine binding. Quality, speed, and a good price.