Custom Screen Printed Tshirts & more...
FAQ | Request info about Printing Shirts | Upload Artwork | View Samples
When it comes to apparel printing, screen printing is the industry standard for superior quality. Most graphic tshirts sold in major retail stores have been screen printed. This process is designed to make the apparel bold in appearance and cost effective at the same time. No matter what your demands may be, we can always provide you with the right printing solution. Our Screen printing department has the benefit of years of experience in the industry and is on the leading edge of "what can be done".
Screen printing on t-shirts is one of our specialties. We are one of the best custom t-shirt screen printers around, featuring unique screen printing inks and larger than normal print areas that can cross seams & collars or wrap around the shirt. If you're looking for custom screen printing on t shirts, with a super soft feel(soft hand) that goes beyond the normal, you've found the best kept secret in Lancaster, PA.
Screen printing(in a nut shell) is accomplished by making a mesh stencil(called a screen) for each color that needs to be printed. Screens must be lined up(or registered) and test printed to ensure that all of the colors line up correctly. Inks are then pushed through the screens one color at a time onto the apparel. Finally, each piece is run through a large dryer to cure the inks.
Common Screen Printing inks & styles we use:
Plastisol inks
Plastisol is the most common ink used in commercial garment decoration. Good color opacity onto dark garments and clear graphic detail with, as the name suggests, a more plasticized texture. This print can be made softer with special additives or heavier by adding extra layers of ink.
Suede
Suede is an additive that is added to plastisol. With suede additive you can make any color of plastisol have a soft suede feel.
Soft Hand
Soft hand(soft to the touch) is one of the most sought after screenprinting styles for tshirts today. We're constantly perfecting this style and with a combination of various techniques. Feel free to stop by our showroom and "feel" the difference for yourself.
Water Based inks
Water based inks penetrate the fabric more than the plastisol inks and create a much softer feel (soft hand). Ideal for printing darker inks onto lighter colored garments. Also useful for larger area prints where texture is important.
Discharge inks
Discharge inks work by removing the color dye in the shirt and if needed applying a new dye color. Since this process actually changes the color of the thread rather than laying ink on top of it, you end up with the softest print possible. You can't feel it!
Discharge is less graphic(bold) in nature than plastisol inks, exact colors are difficult to control, and some variation may occur, but the end result is bound to be your new favorite shirt.
Glitter | Shimmer | Metallic
Metallic flakes are suspended in the ink base to create this sparkle effect. Available in gold or silver but can be mixed to make most colors.
Expanding | Puff ink
Printing with puff ink is a very popular type of special effect done on t-shirts and sweatshirts. Puff ink, like it’s name implies, raises or “puffs up” when the ink is cured (dried) in the printing process. It adds a 3D look & feel to your design and if done properly can be used as a low cost substitute for the look of embroidery.
Flocking
Flocking is the process of applying tiny fibers to the shirts that stand up and give a velvety feel to the print. This is commonly used for fashion and/or collegiate prints.
Gloss Gel
Gloss is a clear base laid over previously printed inks to create a shiny, almost "wet" appearance.
Four color process | CMYK
With four color process, artwork is created and then separated into four colors (CMYK) which combine to create the full spectrum of colors needed for photographic prints. This means a large number of colors can be simulated using only 4 screens, reducing costs, time, and set-up. The inks are required to blend and are more translucent, meaning a slight compromise with vibrancy of color.
Ordering Process:
- First fill out this form detailing your job along with any questions you may have.
- Pick the Apparel, colors & printing style of your choice & Send us the artwork you'd like printed.
- We'll email you a proof along with pricing.
- Once you approve the design, you select sizes & quantities, and Away We Go...
Minimums:
Screen Printed Apparel is generally 24; though less may be re-ordered.
Artwork Approvals:
Once you pick the styles/colors/designs that you'd like to see combined together, we'll work up
a proof for your approval before production begins. Production times begin once we have approval.
Production:
Virtually all our apparel items have a 10 working day production time. Rush service is available.
Please contact us for available schedules.
Setup | Screen | Run Charges:
None, Nada, Zip. If needed, they are already built into our low prices, so all you need to
think about is your final price. There are no additional add-ons other than shipping.
Shipping from PA!
We'll gladly ship by your preferred method, though generally we ship UPS ground from our
plant in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. If you're local, you're more than welcom to pick up
your order right here at our plant.
FREE Custom Designs!
We'll gladly create a custom design to suit your needs at no additional charge when you order
products using that design. Already have a logo you'd like to use on your items? That's no
problem either, just send it to us.
FAQ | Request info about Printing Shirts | Upload Artwork | View Samples
