Screen Printing is as much
an art as it is a skill. Creativity and experience weigh heavily into the
ultimate quality your design will obtain. Our twenty year plus experience
and broad range of applications will provide insight and quality to the
image you are attempting to create.
Outlined below are the basic steps in the screen printing
process:
The first step is to obtain a copy of your artwork. We can
provide support in this process should you require assistance.
After receipt of the artwork, it is forward to our art department for
processing. The technician will provide a composite proof for your
review so that you may see what the design will look like on the apparel
item, e.g., t-shirt, sweatshirt, towel, tote bag, etc.
The proofs will show you the ink colors, the print size
dimensions, and it will confirm the specific print locations you specified.
After review, you may discuss possible changes required to fit your
application.
We will not print your job until you are satisfied with the proof and given
approval of the design.
We'll work with you until you are 100% satisfied with the design!
After approval, films are created to make the screens.
All of the art is pre-registered
and
checked again for detail and quality.
Once
the art is completely approved in-house it is sent to the screen department
where the appropriate screens are selected based on the artwork, apparel
type, ink additives, etc. Screens vary based on the size of the mesh opening.
After screen selection, each is coated with a photosensitive emulsion.
Next, the screen dries,
and it is placed on the vacuum light table and exposed with a 3000 watt
metal halide light.
After exposure, the image are washed out and then dried. Once
the image is dry, it is double checked with the films for accuracy.
Each color in the design
needs a screen and each screen must be blocked, taped, setup, and squeegeed.
Smaller runs are often place on the manual presses.
Larger runs and/or jobs with more colors, are
placed for the automatic presses.
Each color in the design
needs a screen and each screen must be blocked, taped, setup, and squeegeed.
Smaller runs are often place on the manual presses.
Larger runs and/or jobs with more colors, are
placed for the automatic presses.
By "flashing" or drying the ink between each color layer, we are able to
give you bright, professional quality printing, with years of wear and tear.
During the silk screen
printing process, whether on the manual or auto press, wet inks are squegeed
through the screens onto the apparel. These inks remain wet until run
through large commercial dryers at 350°F.
1330 Commerce St.
Petaluma, CA 94954 Tel. (707) 762-2280 /
Toll free (800) 680-0123
