How Big Can I Print?

Last week I got an email from a lady who wanted to print over the shoulder of a shirt and off the edge of another.  Unfortunately we can't screen print designs like that.  We get a lot of requests like this, so I am going to write a post about it hopefully to save some heartache in the future.

First off, we can only print in a 12"x17" rectangle:

 

That restricts how big your design can be, but if you really think about it, it will cover most of the front of a shirt.  

 

Here is an example of what one of our customers was wanting:

 We can't print something like this because, first of all, our screens aren't that big. And second of all, we can't print off the edge of a shirt. 

  The below design would not fit with our screen size either.  Also notice how it goes right to the neck line.  We have to stay 2" away from the edge of any clothing item:

Another question we get a lot is, "Can I print over a zipper."  Surprisingly we can print over a zipper as long as there is a lip covering the zipper.  Here is an example we printed today:

We can also print a design wrapped around the side of a shirt.  I don't have a picture of any right now, but when one comes through, I will be sure to post it.

5 Ideas for Cool Shirts on a Tight Budget

Screen Printing can get pricey.  Over the years, however, I’ve noticed that there are a few little things you can do that will save you money.  Here are five ideas that will keep costs down:

First: Just use a one color design!  If you only print on one side of the shirt, this is probably the best way to keep the cost down.  Most of my favorite shirts that we print are when customers choose a large, one color, artsy design that covers the front of the shirt.  Here’s an example:

Second: If you want to have some sort of differentiation between shirts, just change the shirt color.  It doesn’t cost extra to change the color of the shirt as long as the ink choice still works with that shirt color.  This is the main trick to separate teams, group dates for high school, or just to add variation. 

 

Third:  Another way to add differentiation is to change ink colors.  You keep the same design, but change the ink.  Although this is not free (usually costs around $5.00 each ink change), it is less expensive than changing designs.

 Fourth: We get a lot of questions about mixing and matching different items for the same print.  We can do this and we recommend it!  We can print the same design on t-shirts, hoodies, athletic shirts, cinch bags, you name it.  As long as the design you pick fits on all of the items, this is a great way to save screen charges.  

Fifth: Half Tone your design!  (See the previous post about Half Tones).  Basically it is the process of making a one color design look like a two color design by pixilating your image. 

 Now that you know some great cost effective screening tips, give us a call for pricing!

435-787-1636