Garment Decoration and Screen Print Techniques:

Traditionally, when most people think of garment decoration, they think of the common screen printed t-shirt. While traditional screen printing is an important technique in the promotional products industry, it certainly isn't the only way to decorate a custom garment. Read on to learn a little about the different techniques and possibilities available for your next project.

Spot Color Printing - Spot Color Printing is the most common screen printing process. Spot color printing normally uses 1-4 distinct ink colors to produce the final design. The ink colors print solid on the garment, without color variations. This print process is perfect for simple vector art, and not complex photographic processes. Half-toning is often used to create blending and different color variations. It is a comparatively inexpensive method of production, with a wide range of art possibilities.

Simulated Process - Simulated process printing uses select Pantone colors for printing and can contain up to 8 colors. This process is perfect for reproducing photographic, complex artwork with opaque, vibrant colors. Because this process prints so much cleaner that Traditional Process Printing, it produces better on dark shirts. Because we hand pick the colors in the composition, we have much more control over the finished product, resulting in rich, vibrant, faithfully reproduced designs.

Discharge Printing - The discharge printing process consists of initiating a controlled chemical reaction removes dyes or pigments from certain areas in a garment. It is akin to a "bleaching" process. The chemicals are poured on the garment and cured, at which point the chemical reaction happens, and the design becomes visible.

Foil Printing - When compared to other special effect processes, foil printing is fairly inexpensive. Foil is also relatively simply to print, and easily will catch attention from a distance when worn. With foil printing you can print an iridescent layer on top of color to create interesting reflective color effects, or you can print it in dots to simulate a sequin effect. Many consumers avoided foil printing on garments because of durability questions, but in recent times, foil printing techniques and materials have improved significantly, resulting in a far more durable and washable product than in the past.

Jelly Ink, or High Density Printing - Jelly Ink Printing produces a super high-gloss look, with a slick, tactile jelly feel. Jelly Print is very versatile in that it can be used directly on the garment, or printed on top of a color base to add some "pop" to a design. Jelly ink stretches well, and is very durable over time.

Blister Printing - Blister printing essentially adds single or multiple thicker layers of plastisol ink on the garment before it is cured. Once cured, it adds a small amount of three dimensionality to the finished product. Currently, Blister printing is very popular in consumer settings, as it creates many eye-catching design possibilities.

No Underbase Printing - Most printing on dark materials is done with an underbase. An underbase is typically a white underprint upon which, the design is printed. The colors tend to end up brighter and more clear than without an underbase. However, in the consumer market, it is very popular to print a subdued color on a garment with no underbase. This technique can be combined with varying levels of ink coverage, making an intentionally faded look.

Other Techniques - There are many other methods used in garment decoration: Rhinestones and Nailheads sprinkled-on "caviar beads", glitter print, leather etching, etc... These other methods are less common of course, but great for consumer-direct use and for high-end garments. The possibilities are almost limitless. These techniques are often combined with the previous techniques for added effect.

The above techniques can be utilized alone or combined to give your promotional product line a unique look and feel that is matched to your organization. Call Powertex today at (800) 588-7111 , or email us at: customerservice@powertexgroup.comto learn more about how you can make your next promotional branded merchandise stand out.


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