print process - Brand Makers

FOUR COLOR PROCESS (CMYK)
Artwork is created and then separated into four
colors (CMYK) which combine to create the full
spectrum of colors needed for photographic
prints. This means a large number of colors can
be simulated using only 4 screens, reducing costs,
time, and set-up. The inks are required to blend
and are more translucent, meaning a compromise
with vibrancy of color. We recommend a
simulated spot method which uses plastisol and
retains its brilliancy after washing which is not the
case with four color process.
FLOCKING/FOIL PRINTING
Consists of a glue printed onto the fabric and
then foil or flock (or other special effect) material
is applied for a mirror finish or a velvet touch.
GLITTER/SHIMMER
Silver Flakes are suspended in a plastisol ink to
create this sparkle effect. Usually available in gold
or silver but can be mixed to make most colors.
PRINT PROCESS
PLASTISOL INK
The most common ink used in commercial
garment decoration. Good color opacity onto
dark garments and clear graphic detail with, as
the name suggests, a more plasticized texture.
This print can be made softer with special
additives or heavier by adding extra layers of
ink. Plastisol inks require heat (approx. 150°C
(300°F) for many inks) to cure the print.
WATER-BASED INKS
These inks penetrate the fabric more than the
plastisol inks and create a much softer feel.
This method is ideal for printing darker inks
into lighter colored garments. Also useful for
larger area prints where texture is important.
DISCHARGE INKS
These inks are mostly used to print lighter
colors onto dark background fabrics. They
work by removing the dye in the garment
resulting in a much softer texture although
exact colors are difficult to control. Discharge
inks are less graphic in nature than plastisol
inks and are especially good for distressed
prints on darker fabrics.
METALLIC
Similar to glitter, but smaller particles suspended
in the ink. A glue is printed into the fabric than a
nanoscale fibers applied on it.
EXPANDING INK (PUFF)
An additive to plastisol ink which raises the print
off the garment, creating a 3d feel.
GLOSS
Gloss is achieved by putting a clear base laid over
previously printed inks to create a shiny finish.
HEAT TRANSFERS
A transfer is made up of a carrier paper and inks.
When heated to a certain temperature and
pressed with a significant amount of pressure for
a certain amount of time, the transfer inks are
passed over to the imprintable material. Some
inks are adhered and embedded to the surface of
the material, while others (namely, sublimation)
permeate the coating of the material.
PAD PRINTING
Pad printing utilizes a flexible silicone rubber
transfer pad that picks up a film of ink from a
photo-etched printing plate and transfers it to a
three-dimensional part surface. The inked image
is transferred from a photo-etched plate to a
thick, soft silicone pad. The pad can wrap itself as
much as 180° around a small object.
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SCREEN SIZES
EMBROIDERY
Embroidery is the art of decorating garments, fabric, or textiles with designs stitched in thread or yarn using
a needle. Other materials such as beads, sequins, pearls, or quills may also be used to create designs. The
examples below demonstrate the number of stitches in a design which is the determining factor in the cost
of embroidery.
PRINT PLACEMENT