Why Some Designs Crack, Fade, or Peel—And How to Prevent It
Published by: Siobhan Ingram
Date: 07-17-2025
Nothing’s worse than getting a custom shirt you love—only to see the design crack, fade, or peel after a few washes.
At FCE, we help brands avoid these heartbreaks by focusing on two things: materials and methods.
Common causes of design damage:
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Low-quality inks that sit too thick on fabric
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Cheap heat transfers that don't bond properly
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Poor wash care by end users
Solutions we recommend:
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Use premium plastisol, water-based, or discharge inks depending on fabric.
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Choose experienced printers who cure ink correctly (yes, drying temperature matters!).
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Educate your audience: cold wash, inside-out, tumble dry low.
One nonprofit switched to water-based printing for their annual event tees—softer feel, longer-lasting prints, happier participants.
Good merch isn’t just about the first wear.
It’s about the fiftieth.