COLOUR SEPARATING
For artworks that have multiple colours, it is required to have one screen per colour. This is because screen printing uses the mesh like a stencil. Once we have all filmwork exposed onto each individual screen, we have to align the artwork so that it sits in the right position.
Here is an example:
This is my completed artwork that I want to be screen printed on a white t-shirt. Here you can identify all six colours. We are excluding the white as a colour because it is being printed on a white garment.
The total screens for this job will be six.
Screen no. 1 appointed for red.
Screen no. 2 appointed for yellow.
Screen no. 3 appointed for brown.
Screen no. 4 appointed for blue.
Screen no. 5 appointed for flesh.
Screen no. 6 appointed for black.
On each screen we use something called a registration mark (the crosses above and below each artwork) that helps us to connect the artwork together.
When each screen is lined up together it should be ordered and look something like this:
Other tips:
- If you're on a really tight budget, it would be good for you to consider the complexity of your artwork.
- Think about the garment colour that you are printing on. If you are printing on a dark coloured garment, a base layer will be required to achieve really vibrant/opaque colours. This involves the set up of one extra screen.
- Screen printing is most appropriate for large runs. If you're just starting out your label and require something simple as a sample, we also offer vinyls. This is a good alternative before putting lots of money into something you're not 100% certain of.
- For further information it would be handy to watch the video on our screen printing process page.