By madMinute Studio

02/15/2011 Tip #1 Screen Printing Sizes.
Below are the maximum size most screen printers can do on one screen. I have been hit by dirty screen printing companies, that A4 was as big as they could go, and would need to use two screens to fit my image on the t shirt.
Maximum size measurements:
Mens tees - 380mm x 440mm
Ladies tees - 280mm x 440mm



Tip #2 Front and Back Designs
If you have a design that needs to be on both sides of the apparel and can fit on to the measurements provided above, no extra charge should be added for a new screen. Sweet talk your printers that both sides should count as one print. Most companies will try and charge you for X amount of colours for the front print, and X amount of colours for the back print, even if you are using the same colours.




Tip #3 - Watch Out For Set-Up Charges
Screen printers charge roughly $60 dollars per colour to set up your screens and film. I have knock this down to $15 dollars in the past. Mention competitors in the same area have dropped the prices down for you. If that doesn’t work, explain you’re a first time customer and need the discount to make this possible for you to come back and use their services again.

Tip #4 - Providing Print-Ready Artwork Save you $$$!
This is another factor that most companies use to take advantage of customers because, by doing so, they get to charge additional "artwork" charges.
Make sure all your colours are separated in different layers, correct colour palette is used and the image is ready for print at 200DPI or higher. Last but not least make sure your design is the correct size to be displayed on the apparel.

Tip #5 –Sample a few prints first!
Any time im doing a large order of apparel printing, 500+ Im always conscious that there’s will be something wrong with the design. Have the screen printers print you one or two samples. Test them, stretch the material, see if the paint cracks or not on the t shirt, put it in the wash a dozen times. Just be sure you are comfortable before you do the bulk print.

Tip #6 - Don't Let Screen Printers Choose Your T-Shirts For You!
Get your hands dirty and test the material of what apparel you want the printers to print on. If you leave it to them, they will use their cheapest brand that they have lying out back in some old storage room.

Tip #7 Set A Completion Date.
Get it in writing how fast they will be able to to complete the printing for you. This is their deadline and they will stick to it, if you ask for it.

Feel free to contact us regarding screen printing and designing material for apparel. We are associated with a number of screen printers and embroideries around Auckland and can provided discount prices.

Cheers