ImagesMagUK_October_2021

TIPS & TECHNIQUES www.images-magazine.com 80 images OCTOBER 2021 STEP-BY-STEP: SCREEN PRINTING POCKETS The easiest way to screen print a T-shirt pocket is to use a platen attachment specially made for this task; these are designed to mount directly to any regular screen printing platen. Secure the pocket of the T-shirt by applying pallet tape and adhesive onto the pocket platen attachment Fold the T-shirt crosswise in line with the top of the pocket and move the shirt up so that the platen attachment slides completely inside the pocket. Press gently to make sure the pocket is laying flat and secured by the adhesive Register the screen so that the artwork lines up over the pocket attachment, and tape the edges of the screen to prevent ink from getting on the shirt in unwanted areas. Spread the ink to be printed onto the screen Lower the screen and squeegee the ink through the screen and onto the shirt. The printing process is complete and the shirt can be removed carefully from the platen and put on a conveyor dryer that will fully cure the ink to the specified temperature 1 3 2 4 STEP-BY-STEP: SUBLIMATION PRINTING POCKETS Measure the width and length of the pocket. In CorelDraw, create a rectangle template based on the pocket size, and add approximately 2cm to the width and length of the template as a bleed line Use strips of application tape to edge the white pocket to prevent any of the ink transferring onto the garment. Place the cut-out printed design face down onto the pocket, making sure it is completely covered. Heat tape the edges to prevent any movement during the pressing stage Always print in mirror and use the correct profile for polyester fabric. A Sawgrass SG-500 A4 printer used with Sawgrass Print Manager software allows you to select the correct profile for the substrate. Print and cut around the edges of the design Cover with a silicone sheet and then heat press at 200°C for 50 seconds, medium pressure (a Sefa Rotex Air Pro Swing Heat Press was used here). Remove the silicone sheet and carefully remove the paper while hot. Remove the garment from the press, and peel off the application tape strips once cooled slightly 1 3 2 4 Screen printing Screen printing the pocket of a T-shirt is a popular option for companies and community-based organisations to promote their brand or mission, says Paul Zingone of Vastex International, who notes that the technique is ideal for both simple, single-colour and complex multi- colour designs. "Since a separate screen must be prepared for each colour of ink, set- up time will increase as you add more colours to the design," he adds. "However, once a job is set up, large quantities can be printed rapidly and economically." www.vastex.com Sublimation printing The Vanilla Pocket Tee (VAN105) is a 100% cotton garment with a 100% white polyester pocket, making it perfect for sublimation, says Emily Crane, Xpres product development assistant. "Using sublimation paper and inks, you simply print your design then directly heat press the printed paper onto the substrate. The process of sublimation means that, under high heat, the ink on the paper turns into gas and then impregnates into the surface of the substrate. The print itself is embedded in the material rather than sitting on the surface." Sublimation printing, which is ideal for white or light-coloured polyester garments, offers bright, durable results. www.xpres.co.uk For large runs, screen printing is a rapid and economical option The Vanilla Pocket Tee is made for sublimation