We are big on t-shirt screen printing here at Icon Printing. If you are after long lasting, super durable print results – this is the print method to go for. Here is a behind the scenes peek into what happens when we screen print your t-shirts…
1. Preparing your artwork…
We normally require a vector file for screen printing; so anything that is created in Adobe Illustrator is ideal. We can work with other file types, but an extra artworking cost may occur. Once we have your vector file, we check it over – making sure all the colour layers are separated and that there are no gradients or hair line graphic elements that may not transfer to screen properly.
2. Transferring your artwork to the screens…
Your artwork is then exposed to the screen. This usually done using photosensitive emulsion in a light booth (shown above). If your artwork has more than one colour in it – each colour will need to be exposed to a separate screen.
3. Mixing the ink…
The great thing about screen printing is that any colour can be matched perfectly. This is usually done by weight, to ensure precision colour matching – which is especially important when matching Pantone© colours. We are also able to print using neon and florescent colours, glow in the dark and light reflective ink to name a few.
4. Applying the ink to the screens…
Each different colour within your artwork has its own screen. These screens are then mounted on the press, and each respective colour is applied to the screen.
5. First test print comes off the press, for colour cross-checking…
We make sure we print at least one test print…usually it’s more like two or three. This is done on a scrap t-shirt that matches the colour of your intended garments. Once this has come off the press we are able to cross-check all the colours to make sure all is in order. We also double check things like print placement and screen alignment.
6. Your garments are placed onto the print beds…
Once we’re happy with the test prints, when then attached your garments to the print beds and the printing of your order is finally underway!
7. Garments are placed into the heat tunnel for drying…
Once each colour layer has been printed to create your final design, your garment is carefully pulled off the print plates and is placed into the heat tunnel for drying.
8. T-shirts are folded and packed…
Your order is then folded and packed away for postage to you!
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For more information on any of our print methods, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Icon Printing are t-shirt screen printing specialists based in Shoreditch, all t-shirt printing takes place in London.
Email – sales@iconprinting.com
Tel – 0207 183 8431