Is there some particular method of lining up left and right chest logos/names? I have been adjusting the shirt on the pallet, but then sometimes it comes out "off". Either uphill or downhill, etc. How do you line up your left and right chest prints?
No offense taken. Yes, I do know how to properly load a shirt, but the problem comes especially with the really large shirts. I am trying to line up the right side name with the left side logo and since they are on different screens, I have to adjust the shirt. Also, when I adjust the shirt over, I lose the whole neckline/sleeve distance, etc. But how do I not have to move the shirt to get the logo where it belongs on the shirt?
Yes, I did a gang screen, assuming that means putting a bunch of different names on one screen. But then you have to tape off all the other names and take time out to clean the tape residue on each one. I just wondered if there was a better way.
I'm not positive that I am picturing this correctly but for any name used a few times I wouldn't bother with the press - put the shirt on the platen and line the screen by eye. Print it, slap some masking tape across the bottom of the name and move to the next one. Extra cool if you can rig a laser level that will shine across the shirt and line up the tops of the images.
edit: to clarify, I would probably print the heart logos all at once then reload the shirts and print the names, lining them up by eye (or with a laser level for maximum coolness). And I hope you are charging them well for this.
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Last edited by wormil; August 13th, 2008 at 08:41 PM.
I'm sorry. I don't understand what you mean by not bothering with the press. The screen is on the press. And what do you mean by putting the tape at the bottom of the name? I have 8-10 names on each screen and taped off all but one at a time. If I don't, how do I keep from getting ink where I don't want it?
I'm sorry. I don't understand what you mean by not bothering with the press. The screen is on the press. And what do you mean by putting the tape at the bottom of the name? I have 8-10 names on each screen and taped off all but one at a time. If I don't, how do I keep from getting ink where I don't want it?
I think he means tape across the shirt, which really isn't as bad idea at all. Just run a piece of masking tape across the shirt, using the first printing as a guide. That way you have a straight line to print on. Like notebook paper.
Reply to previous edit. I did the left chest first, cured them, and reloaded for the names. I like the laser idea. I'll try that. I have been eyeballing it, but like I said, on the really big shirts, I can't see the logo because it is hanging off the edge.
I thought I was charging them well for it, but I'm wondering now if I was being a bit too generous.
I mean don't mount the screen in the press. I imagine you're using a rotary press? A press is a convenience but isn't necessary for a one color print.
Tape off the names on the bottom.
Use a small squeegee ~4"
Tape your chipboard or whatever you're using for off contact onto the bottom of your screen
Load your shirt
Line up your name screen, lay it right on the shirt
Use a dab of ink and flood the screen
Print
Slap a piece of masking tape over the bottom of the name
Rinse, lather repeat
Messing around cleaning the screen and trying to register the screen using the press each time will take forever and won't yield any better result. The only thing you need to be careful of is holding the screen still while you print.
There is a way where you burn each name to a small screen that drops into a larger frame so you can line it up and print both graphics at once but obviously you have nothing like that available. You have to make do with what you have.
I think he means tape across the shirt, which really isn't as bad idea at all. Just run a piece of masking tape across the shirt, using the first printing as a guide. That way you have a straight line to print on. Like notebook paper.
Actually I just mean tape off the names on the bottom of the screen so you don't have to completely clean the screen each time. But that is an excellent idea you had with the tape. I just bought a laser level and keep thinking of ways to use it, if you can't tell.
Reply to previous edit. I did the left chest first, cured them, and reloaded for the names. I like the laser idea. I'll try that. I have been eyeballing it, but like I said, on the really big shirts, I can't see the logo because it is hanging off the edge.
I thought I was charging them well for it, but I'm wondering now if I was being a bit too generous.
Oh I see. You need a larger pallet.
I bought a laser level after reading about them in another thread and just keep finding uses for it.
printing left and right chest 
