How do they print on skate boards?

2476 Views 7 Replies 4 Participants Last post by PrintsCharming, Aug 19, 2010

freshlysqueezed

Discussion Starter · Aug 18, 2010

Im Just Courious

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ItsNnicholas

· #2 · Aug 18, 2010

they screen print and heat transfer.
if youd like i can tell you two reputable companies whom some of my friends bought boards from.

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freshlysqueezed

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 18, 2010

With like a normal heat press or something special?

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Rexx

· #4 · Aug 18, 2010

the one i seen was a roller type of heat press. you laid the graphic on and ran it threw then peeled off the transfer tape.

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Like what Rexx said, they heat press the graphic with like 2 rollers on top of each other so when you push the board in thru the rollers, the whole board gets graphic pressed all over. this is for people who wants designs all over. but some skaters dont like this because the graphics crake or when you boardslide or something and it doesnt look right.
if you screen print it, you can only print on the flat side, but the graphic is like in the wood so sometimes your boardslides are easier and it doesnt crack as much.

next summer im thinking of getting boards printed.
hope i answered your questions!

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PrintsCharming

· #6 · Aug 18, 2010

ItsNnicholas said:
if you screen print it, you can only print on the flat side, but the graphic is like in the wood

not exactly

boards had graphics waaaay before heat transfers.
The art of screen printing boards has faded but not lost. There are still companies doing it. For the most part it is slower production/ not as profitable.
It deffinatley takes talent to screen print boards. Some people use custom frames to go with the shape of the board. Some people use bigger frames with a low tension. Squeege with no handle to compensate for contour. Etc. find a way that works best for you. You are not limited to the flat surface, it is simply easier.

Your correc, the ink does aid in boardslides but the ink is not "in" the wood. It lies ontop like a coat of wax.

If you purchase a board that has been screen printed, chances are the overall craftsmanship of the board has had more time and thought put into it as well.

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ItsNnicholas

· #7 · Aug 18, 2010

@PrintsCharming haha sorry i left that part out. do you know where to get those custom frames? im thinkin of ordering boards with the specific concave that matches the frames. my clothing line that im starting up quality over quanity so i would like better craftsmanishp on my boards.
I said "like" in the wood. I didnt exactly say its in the wood its more "in" than heat transfers
just wondering but have you ever had any boards done?

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PrintsCharming

· #8 · Aug 19, 2010 (Edited)

ItsNnicholas said:
@PrintsCharming haha sorry i left that part out. do you know where to get those custom frames? im thinkin of ordering boards with the specific concave that matches the frames. my clothing line that im starting up quality over quanity so i would like better craftsmanishp on my boards.
I said "like" in the wood. I didnt exactly say its in the wood its more "in" than heat transfers
just wondering but have you ever had any boards done?

I would make frames to match the board.
I believe all those frames are custom made. Check this out:
Silk Screen Press • DIYskate.com

these dudes are the OG's of printing boards:
http://www.screaminsqueegees.com.au/

I have not had boards "done" for me. I'm more of a DIM kinda guy.

To make that press I showed you one step better, I would use an uncut board as your pallet.

One word of advice with your clothing line, "don't spread yourself too thin!"

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