the art of screen printing

(this page is currently in development, feel free to look around and admire the excellent photography though)

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Screen printing involves stretching mesh over a rigid frame and burning it to create a stencil. The area of mesh that has been stenciled remains open while the rest is filled with non-porous material. Either an automatic machine or a manual Press operator pushes ink through the open mesh stencil onto a blank garment to create the art you see on your favorite graphic tee.

Screen printing is the premier print method for high quality streetwear, sports team apparel, and band merch.

Explore below to learn more about our process at Cole Apparel

 
 

Our Process

 
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Pre-production

 
  • Proper art preparation is crucial for achieving outstanding results in screen printing. High-quality designs require meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that the artwork is created in the correct format and resolution to maintain clarity during the printing process. Utilizing vector graphics is typically ideal, as these can be scaled without losing quality. Additionally, understanding the color separation process is essential to achieve vibrant and accurate colors in the final print. Elements such as text size, negative space, and overall composition play significant roles in creating a visually appealing design. By adhering to these best practices in artwork preparation, screen printers can produce stunning and professional quality prints that accurately reflect the intended vision.

    - Use Vector Graphics: Create designs in vector format to ensure scalability and clarity without pixelation.

    - High Resolution: If using raster images, ensure they are at least 300 DPI to maintain quality during printing.

    - Color Separation: Plan and prepare for color separation if using multiple inks to ensure accurate color reproduction.

    - Correct File Format: Save artwork in compatible formats such as .AI, .EPS, or .PDF for optimal results.

    - Simplicity in Design: Aim for simple and bold designs, which translate better onto the fabric and reduce printing issues.

    - Consider Ink Colors: Select spot colors wisely and ensure they are consistent with the printing process.

    - Avoid Small Text: Use larger fonts to ensure readability and avoid potential registration issues during printing.

    - Check for Overlap: Make sure that overlapping elements are properly layered to prevent issues during ink application.

    - Outline Fonts: Convert text to outlines to prevent font-related issues during the printing process.

 
 
 
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Production: Part I

 
 
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Production: Part II

 
 
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