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SCREEN PRINTING
101

Hey there! Let me walk you through the screen printing process, so you know exactly what happens from start to finish when you place an order with us.

STEP 1

DESIGN PREPARATION:

    Creating the Design: First off, we either create or get your design ready using some cool design software. If your design has multiple colors, we separate each color into its own layer. Each layer will be printed separately later on.​

STEP 2

SCREEN PREPARATION

    Choosing the Screen: We pick a mesh screen (kind of like a fancy stencil) based on how detailed your design is. The mesh count (number of threads per inch) varies depending on how intricate your design is.

    Coating the Screen: Next, we coat the screen with a light-sensitive emulsion and let it dry in a dark room.

STEP 3

MAKING THE STENCIL

    Exposing the Screen: Your design is printed onto a transparent film, which is then placed on the screen. We expose the screen to UV light, hardening the emulsion except where your design blocks the light.

    Washing the Screen: After exposure, we wash the screen with water. The parts where your design was will wash away, leaving a stencil of your design on the screen.

STEP 4

SETTING UP THE SCREEN

    Registering the Screens: If your design has multiple colors, we align (or register) each screen so all the colors line up perfectly.

    Mounting the Screen: We mount the screen onto a printing press.

STEP 5

PRINTING

    Preparing the Ink: We choose and prepare the ink colors. Different inks can give different effects (like shiny or soft finishes).

    Loading the Garment: Your shirt (or whatever item we're printing on) is placed on the platen, a flat board that holds it in place.

    Printing the Design: Ink is applied to the screen and spread evenly with a squeegee. We press the ink through the mesh screen onto your item. We repeat this for each color in your design, using separate screens for each color.

STEP 6

CURING THE INK

    Drying the Print: Once printed, the ink needs to be dried and set to ensure it sticks properly. We usually use a conveyor dryer that exposes your item to high heat for a short time.

    Optional Heat Press: Sometimes, we use a heat press to make sure the ink is fully cured and set.

STEP 7

QUALITY CHECK

    Inspecting the Prints: We inspect each printed item to make sure everything looks perfect, checking for any misalignments or smudges.

    Touch-ups: If needed, we do minor touch-ups to make sure everything is just right.

STEP 8

FINISHING TOUCHES

    Cleaning the Screens: After printing, we clean the screens of any remaining ink and emulsion so they’re ready for the next job.

    Packaging: Finally, we fold, package, and get your awesome products ready for delivery.

​And that's it! Now you know exactly what happens behind the scenes to bring your custom designs to life. If you have any questions or want to get started on your own project, just let us know!
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