ImagesMagUK_February_2021

Screen printing by Screen Print World Screen printing on softshell jackets is a relatively straightforward affair, advises Dave Roper, managing director of Screen Print World, provided you use the appropriate pallets, off-contact and inks. You’ll also need to pay extra careful attention to your screens – pinholes, in particular – and controlling the temperature in your dryer, as mistakes can be costly. Follow Dave’s step-by- step guide to nail your softshell prints from the start. www.screenprintworld.co.uk www.images-magazine.com FEBRUARY 2021 images 61 TIPS & TECHNIQUES STEP-BY-STEP: SCREEN PRINTING ONTO A SOFTSHELL Spray glue only works with single-ply jackets, so set up a 'jacket hold' pallet. This special pallet holds two- or three-ply jackets in place while printing and creates a tight surface that doesn't move To get the best print results use a good quality ink. Here, we've used Amex Plastisol Low Bleed White with a fibre bond additive – this is a low-cure fixer that improves washfastness and will help the ink cure to the surface of the jacket. We have used a low-bleed ink to prevent dye migration Check the temperature of the dryer, not just what is on the control panel. You don't want to over-cure the jacket as it may cause dye migration or heat damage. We cured at 150°C for one minute. As a final precaution, once cured wait 24-48 hours before you send the jackets to the customer and never stack more than five jackets at a time as they can hold heat Set up your screens as usual and make sure the off- contact is about the thickness of a £1 coin. Always do a sample print before attempting the first jacket Print as usual and make sure you have taped all the target marks up and that there are no pin holes. Mistakes at this point on jackets are very costly, and one jacket ruined could be the profit on the job, so print with caution and doublecheck everything before you start. After printing, give the jacket a final flash dry at a low temperature until touch dry – this makes it easier to remove from the press The finished screen printed jacket 1 3 2 All print and embroidery was performed on SS800 Gildan Hammer Unisex Softshell Jackets. Full product details are available on the Gildan website, where you can use the company’s Find Inventory tool to check the stock availability of the SS800 and all the styles in the Gildan range, throughout the Gildan distribution network. www.mygildan.com 20 free sample sets We have 20 Gildan outerwear sample sets – comprising the SS800 Softshell, PF800 MicroFleece and WR800 Windwear Jacket – to give away to Images readers. Email: editorial@images-magazine.com Subject: Gildan Outerwear The first 20 entries will receive a free sample set. SPONSORED BY GILDAN 5 4 6