Screen printing is a time-honored and cost-effective method for creating custom shirts. The process involves placing a stencil (made from a screen) over the garment and using ink to paint through it into the fabric underneath. The result is a colorful and durable print that will last for many washes. Screen-printing is used in the clothing industry for a wide range of products from athletic gear to band T-shirts. The technique can also be applied to hats, bags, and other textile items.
In 1960, Michael Vasilantone opened a textile screen printing shop in Philadelphia. After realizing the existing equipment was neither fast nor effective, he began to develop his own garment printing machine. By 1969, he had patented his rotary multi-color T-shirt printer.
Vasilantone’s invention revolutionized the T-shirt business, and his company, Vastex, remains a leading manufacturer of printing machines to this day. The company’s rotatable screen printing system is the standard in the industry and has been the foundation for thousands of T-shirt shops.
Whether you’re looking to add a simple logo or a complex design, we can produce high-quality prints for any occasion or purpose. We can help you design a new line of apparel, or we can work with your existing designs to enhance their appearance. Our team of experienced technicians can ensure your finished products look their best. We have years of experience producing top-quality products for our customers, and we are always working to improve our process and create the best possible prints for you.
There are many variables that affect the quality of a printed shirt, including the type of fabric used and the ink. It’s important to consider all of these factors when choosing the right shirt for your business. For example, if you’re planning on offering a soft-print t-shirt, you should use a tightly woven shirt made from cotton or a polyester-cotton blend. A high thread count will provide a smooth surface for printing, while ring-spun combed cotton provides superior softness and durability.
Other important considerations include the type of ink and the printing technique. Plastisol ink is the most commonly used in North America, but there are other options for softer prints. Matt, for instance, uses thin-thread mesh screens to get better ink opacity on his customers’ shirts. He also recommends using the best white ink, such as Rutland Premiere, to achieve a soft print.
The first step is to prep the screen. Once the screen is ready, the next step is to prepare the garment for printing. This includes applying a layer of pallet adhesive to the platen, which helps the shirt stick to the platen and prevent it from moving during the printing process. Once the shirt is in place, the printer can begin printing. Before locking the print head into place, the screen is flooded with ink to ensure proper coverage. Once the print is complete, the excess ink is removed and the shirt is cured. This is done by applying heat to the garment for a few minutes. american apparel screen printing