We've all been there—excitedly unwrapping a newly acquired screen-printed shirt, only to find that the design is off-center, the ink has bled, or a pesky typo slipped through. Sure, mistakes happen. But when it comes to screen printing apparel, they can be especially disappointing. The good news is that you can avoid them! Below, we discuss some common screen-printing apparel mistakes to avoid.
Printing Misaligned Artwork
One of the most noticeable screen-printing blunders is misaligned artwork. It can be a crooked logo or slightly off-center design that leaves you with an urge to straighten it out—somehow. To avoid this frustrating error, keep the following tips in mind:
- Double-check your artwork and setup before printing.
- Use a ruler or T-square to ensure you’ve aligned everything properly.
- Test your alignment with a few sample prints on scrap fabric.
Taking the time to get things straight in the first place will save you from any misalignment mishaps.
Experiencing Ink Issues
In the world of screen-printing apparel, there are endless ink choices! However, not all inks are equal, and the wrong choice can lead to a subpar finished product. To keep ink issues at bay, consider these suggestions:
- Invest in high-quality ink to avoid poor opacity or bleeding.
- Understand the differences between water-based and plastisol inks, and choose the best option for your specific project.
- Check your mesh count and tension to ensure proper ink flow and avoid blotchy prints.
Mastering your ink selection and application is critical to creating a lasting, vibrant design.
Skipping the Proofreading Process
You've nailed down your design, but what about that catchy slogan or personalized text? Have you taken the time to proofread it? Even the smallest typo can throw off the entire look of your screen-printed apparel. These simple steps can make a world of difference:
- Always review your design files for any text errors.
- Have a second set of eyes proofread your artwork to catch any sneaky typos.
- If you're creating custom shirts for a group, send the proof to all members to ensure everyone is happy with the final result.
Nobody wants a shirt with a typo, so take the time to proofread your design before sending it off to print.
Carefully planning and executing your screen-printing projects can save you from a world of frustration—and who doesn't want that? By avoiding these common screen-printing apparel mistakes and giving your projects the attention they deserve, you'll be on your way to creating some top-notch screen-printed gear.
Need an extra touch of professionalism for your project? Consider adding Extreme Screen Prints' custom hem tags to show off your brand. A little extra effort goes a long way toward creating a perfect finished product.
