Custom Silk Screen Printing
Custom Silk Screen Proccess
Just like our custom embroider services, Custom Silk Screen Printing begins with good artwork. At Action Sports Apparel we can help create artwork for you, or help make your artwork into “screenable” art for t shirt printing. Most computerized art needs to be in a "vector" format to ensure crisp, clear lines and details for you custom t shirt orders.
Once the artwork is properly printed on velom paper, the design is "burned" by a bright light into a screen that has a photo polymer coating over the screen. After the post-washing of the screen, the design is able to be seen on the screen.
After the screen has been set up on the printing machine, your t shirt order is loaded onto the palates with precision and tack spray to ensure the material doesn’t move when screening multiple colors.
Ink…not paint…is the medium used to put the design on the apparel. The ink is pressure-pulled over the screen with a squeegee which forces the ink through the screen openings onto the fabric.
After the shirt is finished, the ink must be cured by going through a dryer that cures the ink.
Your custom t shirt order is then counted, folded, and prepared for pickup or shipment.
Pros of Screen Printing / Silk Screening
Con’s of Screen Printing / Silk Screening
- Can be the most cost effective way to decorate large quantities of apparel (100pcs+)
- Is traditionally the type of decorating that is used most on t-shirts and sweatshirts
- Screen Print Designs can be multi-color for fuller more artistic look
- Shading in art design can be screening using a halftone process or 4 color blend process
- Screen Print Designs can be printed (typically) all over a garment so long as it doesn’t go over a seam
- Ink color can be changed mid job for small fee
- Designs can be large (17" x 20") or small (<1" x 1")
- Large designs typically only cost about $.50 to $1.00 more per pc
- Ink can be mixed to very closely match customer’s desired color
- Small details and wording can usually be screened with ease and no extra cost
- Customized logos and design can be created using our art department
Con’s of Screen Printing / Silk Screening
- Small quantity jobs (<15 pcs) are not usually cost efficient due to screen charges and set up fees
- Screenable artwork must be in vector format to achieve clarity and crispness desired
- Printing on fabric will not match detail that can be printed on paper
- Changing an ink color mid-job requires a small fee
- Finished product typically isn’t as classy when compared to embroidery for certain professional environments
