Screenprinting Trends
The origins of screen printing can be traced back to China’s Song Dynasty, a period covering the years between 960 and 1279 AD.
The printing technique was introduced in the Western world in the 18th century after silk became a more popular trading commodity.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Read more about Screen Printing Inks>>
This link to the ScreenPrinting Magazine may be useful for Screen Printers click here>>
SGIAA (Specialty Graphic Imaging Assn Aust) is part of an international association for specialty imaging with the a mission to provide imaging professionals with the tools and information needed to make the best possible decisions.
To view the Web Site click here>>
WHAT HAPPENS WITH A SCREENPRINT JOB?
To get a better understanding of the time and care that is taken for each silk screen printed job, we thought it would be helpful to indicate what happens each time a job is printed:
Obviously, the first step is the artwork or image to be printed, this is either supplied or your screenprinter will do this.
Once the artwork is finalised, normally following your detailed printing instructions, the Printer will come up with a composite proof or mock up so you can see what your design will look like on the t-shirts (or polos sweatshirts or other garments).
Trophée offer this service on any garments we supply and decorate.
This will then confirm the specific print locations you have instructed to print and once the art has been approved and signed off,then film is output to make the screens.
The Film is a transparency with an image, where the colour is to be printed is a black image.
If multi-colour, all of the art is then pre-registered and checked for detail and quality.
The first step in the screen department is to coat the screens with a photosensitive emulsion.
Next, the screen dries, and it is placed on the vacuum light table and exposed with a brilliant light.
Where light does not penetrate the black image on the screen, the emulsion remains soft and can then be washed out.
After being exposed, the screens are then washed out with a pressure washer.
Once that is done, it is double checked with the films for accuracy because it is through the washed out area that the ink will be transferred to the article.
Each color in a design needs a screen and each screen must be blocked, taped, setup, and finally squeegeed with the colour.
Now you know why screenprinters charge for screens?
Just imagine if they had to do this each time a single t-shirt was ordered so you can see why screen printing was designed to print garments in bulk quantities.
For smaller runs, normally a 4-6 screen carousel is used but for larger runs with more colours, an automatic machine with 10-18 heads can be used.
By “flashing” or drying the ink between each color layer, a bright, professional quality print, with years of wear and tear is achievable.
There are different types of inks such as Water Based and Plastisol (liquid plastic) Inks for different fabrics like cotton, polyester and cotton/polyester blends
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The Cubit Rule
What’s the Cubit Rule?
This is the measurement from your elbow to your wrist.
What is your perception of the standard of your work?
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