October 21, 2022
If you're looking for custom-designed T-shirts or other items for your next promotion in the Greater Tulsa area, Printed Theory has a staff of printing professionals who can provide you with a quality design. Here's how it's done.
The screen printing process is used for artwork and posters as well as custom-designed clothing and other products. If you've ever worn a T-shirt with a design on the front, you've worn a screen-printed item.
If you're looking for custom-designed T-shirts or other items for your next promotion in the Greater Tulsa area, Printed Theory has a staff of printing professionals who can provide you with a quality design. Here's how it's done.
The first step in the screen printing process is to create a design. Either you can make one yourself or printing professionals can create one for you. It's then printed onto an acetate film.
Next, the printer will prepare a mesh screen by coating it with light-reactive emulsion. The acetate film is laid on the screen. The printer then shines a bright light on the whole thing ;to harden the exposed emulsion. That part of the emulsion that isn't exposed remains liquid and can be rinsed away. This produces a clear imprint that ink can pass through. A separate screen is prepared for each color in the design.
A printer will then place the item to be printed on the printing press and place the stencil on top. The ink is then pressed through. For a design with many colors, several different stencils will be used.
The ink will need to be cured, so the item is placed in a special dryer that makes the ink colorfast. The final product is then inspected and washed to remove any extra residue.
Different inks produce different textures, so make it clear to your printer what type you want for your next project. Also, be sure and choose a professional printer to ensure the end result is the best you can obtain.
Contact our team at Printed Theory if you have a design you’re ready to see on some shirts or special items!