Discuss the different plastisol screen printing inks and curing methods on the market. Share tips on getting the best results with the different ink manufacturers.
I have just received my first real order for a fire department. The current shirts are screen printed golden yellow but if you look from the inside it looks like white ink. ? Is this normal when printing on a dark shirt? Also is screen printing the absolute best option for this kind of shirt? They are Gildan ultra cotton 100% cotton. The current shirts hold up very well and I want the same quality or better. Thanks in advance for any input.
Congratulations on your new customers !!
I am just guessing a white under base then the yellow?
How many t-shirts they ordered ? it might, tho, be the best option screen printing.
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As Jerry used to say : Profit is not a dirty word.
The first order is 100 shirts. I am using the ryonet IC ink. Should i use regular white and what mesh would be best. Whats the advantage of using white underneath rather than print/flash/print with the yellow. Thanks again.
The first order is 100 shirts. I am using the ryonet IC ink. Should i use regular white and what mesh would be best. Whats the advantage of using white underneath rather than print/flash/print with the yellow. Thanks again.
The mesh count depends on the design details. We usually print most white underbases with 110 or 156 if it's a little more detailed. Sometimes we go as high as 200-300 mesh.
If you p/f/p with yellow on a dark shirt, you will see dark fibers through the ink and it will not look opaque. A white underbase will make the yellow bright on a dark shirt and create a solid print.
In my dealings with various fire departments they are usually looking for the biggest, thickest, most opaque print you can muster. I've suggested to several of them to try discharge and waterbased inks for a more breathable shirt but it always goes back to a big thick plastisol print.
But be careful, I've had 2 different fire departments ask me to supply flammability documentation with our shirt orders. And i had to use special flame retardant inks on a couple jobs. This is the same with embroidery I've done for Nascar jumpsuits. It's something your better off avoiding.
In my dealings with various fire departments they are usually looking for the biggest, thickest, most opaque print you can muster. I've suggested to several of them to try discharge and waterbased inks for a more breathable shirt but it always goes back to a big thick plastisol print.
But be careful, I've had 2 different fire departments ask me to supply flammability documentation with our shirt orders. And i had to use special flame retardant inks on a couple jobs. This is the same with embroidery I've done for Nascar jumpsuits. It's something your better off avoiding.
That is a great advice. Due to the nature of the environment where they wear the t-shirts, it must be critical !!
Thank you
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As Jerry used to say : Profit is not a dirty word.
Not only do I sell many firefighter shirts to customers all over the United States, I am also a Captain in the local Vol. Fire Dept. and have training to the level of FireFighter I & II, Hazmat technician, and medical 1st responder.
That being said, I have the biggest sells in reflective shirts using spectra reflective vinyl. As for your situation, I would recommend either using a white underbase, or and opaque yellow ink. 100% cotton is the best choice in shirt material.
As for the flammability issue, if they are so close as to get their shirt on fire, they are too close. The only time that it would be an issue in our department would be fighting brush fires. The rest of the time we would be in full turnouts which are nomex. And even they are only good for direct fire for a very short amount of time before you become a crispy critter.
Congrats on the order!
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God Bless! Booger County Outfitters LLC. Maker of custom knives and screenprinted T's
I think plastisol with a white base on a dark shirt will be fine. 110 mesh should be good depending on the design. I agree with knifemaker3, if they are that close flame retardance is kind of pointless. Let's face it, plastisol can hit 400 degree before it begins to lose color. If it is that hot at their chest and they aren't covered with something else, they have bigger problems than whether or not your shirt is flame retardant. Now, the Nascar jumpsuits I can understand because they are trying to keep the material from further burning a driver after they are pulled from the car.
Yeah, of course. If it's required it's required. I understand the need for safety. I'm just saying realistically I don't know how much it would really help. Definitely abide by your customers requirements.
I doubt it would help and I agree that if your shirt runs the risk of starting on fire your way too close and not properly protected. My dad was a firefighter for 30 years. But some cities have different regulations than others and you wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of one of these regulations.
Thanks for all your reply's I have got a ton in useful info. I am a Firefighter with this department and we have no requirements for the shirts or ink, so thankfully I wont have to get into that mess. They are BIG letters in back and a small 3 color pocket logo. Again thanks for all the input!
Fire Department Shirts 
