SILKSCREEN PRINTING

Custom apparel printing is a process that allows you to create unique, personalized clothing items. There are various methods used for custom apparel printing, including waterbase printing, plastisol printing, four color process printing, and foil printing. Each method has its own unique characteristics and is suited for different types of designs and apparel.Waterbase printing uses water-soluble inks that dye the fabric directly, creating a soft, breathable print. Plastisol printing uses a PVC-based ink that sits on top of the fabric, creating a vibrant and durable design. Four color process printing uses only four colors to achieve a photorealistic image. Foil printing uses metallic foil to create a reflective design.By working with a custom apparel printer like French Press Custom, you can choose the best printing technique for your specific needs and create custom apparel that is both high-quality and visually appealing. Whether you need shirts for a corporate event or team uniforms, custom apparel printing is an excellent option for creating unique, personalized clothing items that are sure to impress.

PRINTING STYLES WE PROVIDE

Plastisol

Plastisol printing is the most popular and versatile method of screen printing, using a PVC-based ink that sits on top of the fabric and creates a vibrant and durable design. It's perfect for intricate designs or detailed graphics, as the ink creates a strong color contrast, making your design stand out. The ink is heat cured, allowing it to work on a variety of fabrics such as cotton, polyester, and blends. It is also machine washable and won't fade or peel over time, making it an excellent choice for custom apparel products such as t-shirts, hoodies, and jerseys.Plastisol printing is also versatile, allowing for accurate and smooth color placement on a range of fabric colors and types, including dark and light-colored fabrics. At French Press Custom, we specialize in this method and have the expertise to produce high-quality custom apparel for our clients. We take pride in our work and ensure that every project is delivered to meet or exceed our clients' expectations.

Cons

  • Thick texture: Plastisol ink sits on top of the fabric, creating a thick texture that may not be suitable for all designs.
  • Environmental concerns: Plastisol ink contains PVC and is not considered an environmentally friendly option.
  • Not suitable for certain fabrics: Plastisol ink is not ideal for printing on certain fabrics, such as those that are heat-sensitive, as it requires a heat cure process that could damage the fabric.
  • Limited breathability: As plastisol ink sits on top of the fabric, it may affect the garment's breathability and overall comfort.
  • Not suitable for soft prints: Plastisol ink creates a thick, rigid print that may not be ideal for designs that require a soft or subtle finish.

Pros

  • Versatile: Plastisol ink can be used on a variety of fabric types and colors, offering flexibility in design choices.
  • Vibrant color: The ink's opaque quality creates a strong color contrast, making it ideal for detailed graphics and intricate designs.
  • Durability: Plastisol ink is long-lasting and can withstand frequent washing and wear without fading or peeling.
  • Cost-effective: Plastisol printing is a cost-effective option, making it an excellent choice for large quantity orders.

Waterbase

Water-based printing is a highly adaptable and sought-after technique, best suited for white and light-colored garments. This method dyes the inks directly into the fabric, creating an exceptionally smooth and cohesive appearance. The water-based printing process delivers striking, faded, or vintage visuals when used on dark-colored fabrics, adding a unique touch to the final product.One critical aspect to consider is that light ink colors on dark shirts may be affected by the garment's color, resulting in slight hue variations. For example, white ink on a black shirt may take on a light grey tone due to the shirt color's influence. To achieve the desired "no feel" state, garments with water-based inks must be washed after printing, ensuring a comfortable and seamless finish for the wearer.Environmentally friendly and gentle on fabrics, water-based printing is an increasingly popular choice for custom apparel. This method allows for breathable prints, as the ink penetrates and becomes one with the fabric, enhancing the garment's overall comfort. Additionally, water-based printing works well on a range of fabric types and colors, offering greater flexibility and creativity in design choices.In conclusion, water-based printing is an excellent option for those seeking a versatile, eco-friendly, and comfortable print on their custom apparel. The method's ability to create vintage and faded effects on dark fabrics further adds to its appeal, making it a popular choice for various applications.

Cons

  • Color tinting: Light ink colors on dark shirts may be affected by the garment's color, potentially altering the final print hue.
  • Wash required: Water-based inks need to be washed after printing to achieve their "no feel" state, adding an extra step to the process.
  • Limited vibrancy: The vintage look and penetration of ink into the fabric may result in less vibrant colors compared to other printing methods.

Pros

  • Eco-friendly: Water-based printing utilizes environmentally friendly inks, making it a sustainable choice.
  • Soft feel: The ink penetrates the fabric, resulting in a smooth, comfortable finish with no rough texture.
  • Vintage appeal: This method is ideal for achieving a worn-in or vintage look, especially on dark-colored garments.
  • Breathable: The integration of ink into the fabric allows the print to remain breathable and comfortable to wear.
  • Versatile: Water-based printing works well on a variety of fabric types and colors, offering flexibility in design choices.

Process Printing

Four color process printing, also known as CMYK, is a printing technique that uses four colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) to produce photorealistic images on white or light-colored garments. This process is commonly used in the printing of photographs, illustrations, and designs that require a high degree of color accuracy.While four color process printing can produce striking and detailed prints, it is not well-suited for designs with intricate details or a high amount of color detail. This method relies on the blending of the four colors to create a range of hues and tones, which may not be as precise as with other printing methods. As a result, it is typically recommended for designs with a limited color palette or those that do not require fine detail.Simulated process printing is a more complex variant of four color process printing that utilizes a wider range of colors to achieve a more accurate representation of the original design. This method is often used for designs with a high level of detail or those that require a more vibrant color range.At French Press Custom, we have extensive experience with both four color process and simulated process printing techniques. Our team of experts can advise you on the best printing method for your project, ensuring that you receive a high-quality and accurate print that meets or exceeds your expectations.

Cons

  • Limited color accuracy: Four color process printing relies on color blending, which may result in limited color accuracy.
  • Limited ink opacity: Four color process printing uses transparent inks, which may not be as opaque as other printing methods.
  • Longer turnaround time: Four color process printing requires multiple passes to produce the final print, resulting in a longer turnaround time compared to other printing methods.
  • Not ideal for dark-colored fabrics: Four color process printing is typically performed on white or light-colored fabrics, as dark-colored fabrics may affect color accuracy.
  • Unsuitable for printing metallic or fluorescent colors: Four color process printing cannot reproduce metallic or fluorescent colors accurately.

Pros

  • Photorealistic printing: Four color process printing can produce photorealistic images, making it ideal for designs with photographic elements.
  • Wide range of colors: Four color process printing utilizes a range of colors to produce a variety of hues and tones, allowing for more creative flexibility.
  • Suitable for large designs: Four color process printing is ideal for larger designs, as it allows for seamless color transitions and gradients.
  • Suitable for high-volume printing: Four color process printing is an efficient method for high-volume printing, making it an excellent choice for larger orders
  • Compatible with a variety of fabrics: Four color process printing can be used on a wide range of fabric types and colors.

Foil Printing

Foil printing is a technique that uses a metallic foil to add a unique and eye-catching element to custom apparel designs. This technique involves adhering a metallic foil to the fabric using a clear adhesive ink. Foil printing creates a high-quality finish with a reflective shine that catches the light, making it a popular option for creating custom apparel that stands out.Foil printing can be used to create designs on a variety of fabric types and colors, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats. The foil used for printing can come in a range of colors, including silver, gold, and a variety of other metallic hues. Foil printing can be used to create a variety of designs, including logos, text, and graphics, making it a versatile option for custom apparel.

Cons

  • Special care required: Foil outlining requires special care to maintain its luster, including washing on a gentle cycle and avoiding ironing directly on the transfer.
  • Not ideal for intricate details: Foil outlining may not be ideal for designs with intricate details or fine lines, as the foil may not adhere properly.
  • Limited color options: While foil outlining comes in a range of colors, the options are still limited compared to other printing methods.
  • Cost: Foil outlining can be more expensive than other printing methods, especially when used in combination with other techniques.

Pros

  • Unique and eye-catching: Foil outlining can add a unique and eye-catching element to a design, helping it to stand out.
  • Versatile: Foil outlining can be used on a variety of apparel types, including both light and dark fabrics.
  • High-quality finish: Foil outlining creates a high-quality finish with a reflective shine that catches the light.
  • Can be combined with other printing techniques: Foil outlining can be used in combination with other printing techniques, such as silkscreen or embroidery, to create a multi-dimensional and visually striking design.

What Our Clients Say

At French Press Custom, our clients' satisfaction speaks volumes about our commitment to quality, creativity, and outstanding service. They appreciate our attention to detail, personalized approach, and the value we bring to their custom silkscreen and embroidery projects. Our clients frequently praise our ability to capture their unique vision, deliver exceptional craftsmanship, and meet their diverse needs across various industries and occasions. We're proud to have built lasting relationships with individuals, businesses, and organizations that trust and rely on our expertise for their custom apparel requirements. Choose French Press Custom and experience the difference that has earned us a loyal and satisfied clientele.

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