Screen Printing Tips
Screen-print
/ˈskrēn ˌprint/
verb
Definition: force ink or metal on to (a surface) through a prepared screen of fine material so as to create a picture or pattern.
Screen printing is a printing technique where a mesh (screen) is used to transfer ink onto a substrate, except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a blocking stencil (emulsion). A blade (squegee) is moved across the screen to fill (flood) the open mesh apertures with ink, and a reverse stroke then is used to push (print) the ink through the mesh and onto the substrate (t-shirt).
Each individual color is printed at a time, so several screens can be used to produce a multicolor image or design. Dark substrates require a white underbase for bright colors.
Minimum Orders & Setup
Screen printing Minimum Order is 12 items with same print, print size, and print color.
Adult and Youth items require different print sizes and are priced as separate orders, requireing a minimum of 12 items per print size.
Multipe garment types and / or colors or ink color changes require a minimum of 12 pcs. per variation.
Screen print turnaround is 10-15 business days from all approvals, including artwork proofs. Artwork services may add 2+ business days.
Artwork
Good clear high resolution or vector artwork is best for screen print. When you zoom in on the artwork on screen it should appear crisp with clean edges free of pixellation. Our preferred file formats are Adobe Iluustrator or Photoshop files at a minimum 300 pixels per inch at 100% print size. If your artwork has gradients these will need to be halftones for print. Unless you are a screen ready artwork pro, leave the halftones to us, we'll set the right line count and angle for color gain. Our current standard print size is 13 x 16 keep this in mind when you create your files.
No artwork? No problem! We can create artwork if you, or clean up you existing file- for an additional fee (you'll be surprised how low our artwork rates are).
Inks
The most popular ink used in the garment printing industry is Plastisol ink. Screen printing plastisol ink is easy to print, does not dry in the screen, is opaque on dark garments, and features great adhesion to most t-shirt, athletic jerseys, hoodies, heat transfers, and most textiles in general.
For printed ink colors, we use a standard set of inks that match the digital colors used for proofing. Do realize that everyone’s computer monitor will display colors a little differently so you may see some variation from the proof and final physical shirt print. PMS color matching is available and priced based on the amount of ink needed.
Specialty Printing
Vintage / Soft Hand Printing
A very popular technique for lightweight garments. We can get that vintage "semi-transparent look" with a soft hand feel by utilizing a special base with our standard inks- at no extra charge to you.
Metallic Inks
These inks have a metallic 'shimmer' quality. For larger metallic flakes ask for glitter.
Puff Inks
We use a special ink additive that makes the inks 'puff up' in the curing process. This process is popular with streetwear brands.
Water Based / Discharge Printing
A popular technique for lightweight garments, this process bleaches out the shirt dyes before the print colors are added, resulting in a lighter hand after washing.
Glow in the Dark & Flourescents
Fun and vibrant inks. Popular with the 'race car' style prints.
