The process for printing on T-shirts has fundamentally remained the same for decades because it mostly was done on 50/50 blended and 100% cotton T-shirts. But the introduction of performancewear and moisture-wicking garments has demanded some changes in the screen-print and heat-transfer decorating processes on polyester materials.
To be successful, it’s necessary to use the correct screen-printing inks, screens and processes to decorate these new, exciting fabrics. Attempting to print on polyester fabrics using the same approach as that used for printing 100% cotton and 50/50 tees is a recipe for disaster, but following the steps outlined here will make printing on polyester a breeze.
This edition of Impressions Tech Tips Newsletter is sponsored by Gildan® and features an in-depth look at three decorating processes on the Gildan Performance® Adult Core T-shirt (style 46000).
In Part 1 of this series, step-by-step techniques were listed for everything from press setup to preparing pallets and applying pallet adhesive. In Part 2, we'll start with emulsion practices and sufficient coverage on screens.
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From the moment I enrolled in my high school printing class as a freshman to the time I printed my first shirt, I’ve been hooked on screen printing.
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One of the top complaints I have heard in my career is that textile inks, whites in particular, are not opaque enough.
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