Historically, a majority of the textile screen printers in our industry have strived to print primarily on 100% cotton apparel. Cotton offers fewer challenges, as fabrics containing polyester pose a problem controlling the potential for bleeding that polyester dyes present.
But apparel manufacturers have strived to bring excellent cotton/poly-blended fabrications to the marketplace that — when combined with specific instructions on how to print on blends — result in eye- catching graphics. As the drive for additional styles and fabrics have flooded our industry, the need to perfect the printing on 50/50 blends has become a necessity for every screen printer.
In this Tech Tips Newsletter, we will review the processes needed to print on 50/50 blends. For this demonstration, we will be using American Apparel’s style BB401, a poly/ cotton blend that is made from combed cotton that gives it an ultra-soft, worn-in feel and fashionable drape. The shirts are offered in solids, heathers and neons, which all are ideal for direct screen printing.
Why do we often struggle with some of the seemingly simplest things, like slathering screen-printing ink onto a decorated-apparel garment. Slathering so that it looks clean, bright, opaque and altogether attractive.
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Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there was a secret formula for designing a best-selling T-shirt for a sports team, a business or for your own pre-print line?
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As is the case with any craft, when it comes to screen-printing T-shirts and other apparel the devil is in the details. The best art, the best press in the world will inevitably come up short if you don’t take care of the little things as well.
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