Getting T-Shirts printed
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- SteveJobs
I have a design I want to get printed, but I've never done this sort of thing before. So, I have a few questines..
1) How can I ensure the printer I go to will closely match the color I have on-screen with the one they use to print my shirts? I've got this funky color that's not exactly red and not exactly pink, but somewhere in between and I'm worried it won't show up correctly.
2) Do most printers take psd's or jpeg for the source image, or do I need to learn Illustrator? And if a psd/jpeg is fine, what size do I want the source image to be in pixels?
3) Any tips that might help me here?
4) How are you doing today?
- horton0
1/ pick and specify colors from a pantone solids swatchbook.
2/ psd's only if you've created it with spot ink channels.
3/ learn to use illustrator
4/ not bad thanks
- thank you! spot ink channels?SteveJobs
- your image needs to separate into specific inks (ie. pantone pink #1905), not cmyk or rgbhorton
- unless your trying to print a full color/ photo image, in which case you should check with your screenprinter firsthorton
- I think I understand. And this is a single-color design, so I should be ok there.SteveJobs
- ah ok one color print just send them a black and white image and request any color you want to replace the blackhorton
- jpeg, tiff, whateverhorton
- fresnobob0
1 - see above
2 - Most can do it from a jpeg, but you probably want to go tiff or something uncompressed just because. Whenever I design my shirts I design them 16" x 20" @ 300dpi. 300 dpi is kind overkill for a screenprint, but 16 x 20 is about the size most printers can print without charging more for an oversized screen.
3 - be as specific as possible in your instructions to the printer regarding graphic placement, color, and all that
4 - not too bad, you?
- SteveJobs0
I found a sample of what this single color is going to look like. It's very close to what I had anyway:
The closest I could come up with in Pantone solids is Red 032 C. Any way I can get those to be a little 'louder'? I really wanted a color that kind of jumps out at you, almost neon-like. Thanks again for the help.
- horton0
what color tee you printing on? needs to be considered. darks will need a white flash behind, which might not work well with a photo image.
you could request a fluoro ink/ not necessarily pantone.
- Miguex0
you could go to the printer and choose the ink yourself if they are in your area, or go to an art shop and find the ink you like, write down the number and send it to the printer ;)
- Knuckleberry0
1) Design in vector - Making sure all your colors are trapped lightest to darkest. Specify all colors as Pantones.
2) Output all halftones using Photoshop - Export as tiff
3) Give to printer they will then:
a) Output film based on your colors
b) Create screens from the film
c) Screen your art to shirt
d) Cure the ink under UV light
e) Get back to doing this again