Before you make the decision to hire a print shop for screen printing, there are a few things that you need to know. This article will cover Pre-press, Inks, Fabrics, and Minimums. Then you’ll know how to get started. Hopefully, these tips will help you to find the best print shop for screen printing for your needs. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us! We would love to hear from you!
Pre-press process
The pre-press process for screen printing involves preparing the artwork, the screens, and the ink. The pre-press department will need a computer with design software, a film output device, and a coating trough. It will also need a drying rack and reclaim sink. The process will vary depending on the type of screen printing job. The printing shop’s design department will need to review the client’s artwork for errors. If a design is complicated or difficult to follow, pre-press will work to ensure that the artwork meets the standards of the printer.
Inks used
The type of ink you use for screen printing is crucial, as many of these inks are not interchangeable. What works on one fabric may not work on another. Screen printing inks vary in viscosity and other properties to meet the demands of this process. Some common screen printing inks are water-based and oil-based Plastisol inks. Other common types include expanding ink and discharge ink.
Fabrics that can be printed
There are many types of fabrics that can be printed in a print shop. Cotton, t-shirts, and polyester are common fabrics, but you can also find blended fabrics. These fabrics are made of a blend of different fibres and are durable and breathable. Generally, the ratio of Polycotton and Cotton is 50/50, with a slightly higher Cotton proportion. As a result, they make excellent canvas for printing.
Minimums required
When deciding to have a screen printing service print your designs, you should take a look at the minimums required. A few print shops may require a minimum order of a particular number of colors or designs. If the minimum order size is low, you might be disappointed with the final product. The best way to avoid paying too much for a custom screen-printed shirt is to work with a reputable company.
Getting started
Screen printing is one of the most rewarding side jobs for any print shop owner. The process is simple, but there is a learning curve. Beginners often have “start up blues” and should keep an aspirin handy. They may make mistakes with exposure time, pin holes, or registering a multicolor job. However, every screen printer has encountered these issues at some point in their career. Here are some tips for getting started with print shop screen printing.
