[bw_stokes]

I have a great opportunity to get some shirts into a retail chain, but I can't get a good enough quality print. I have, what is essentially, a black & white photo going on a white tee. Admittedly, I don't know what I'm doing, but I've been through numerous printers trying to get this thing produced, and so far, none have had the ability to do it. I think part of the problem is that it's been printed as one-color. I'm thinking that I need to prep the art for multiple screens...like process, minus the color. That's my best guess (I was an apparel designer at a co where graphic tees were the lion's share of the biz, although, I'm learning I don't know sh*t when it comes to screen printing. Mad props to all of you who have mastered the craft).

Help would be tremendously appreciated. Oh, digital printing won't do, nor will sublimation. The design is too big and the quantity too large to go digital, and it's going on cotton. I will attach a sample portion. I'll be forever indebted if someone can help me pull this off...

 

[ole Jobe]

You need a postscript printer to print a dot pattern (grayscale). At least 65 lpi, 260 or 305 tpi screen. If you don't have a postscript printer, you can use a program such as ghostscript or another RIP to generate the halftone to print to an inkjet printer. There is a way to generate halftones from Photoshop but I use Corel so I don't know about it. God Bless.

 

[Pixelman]

If I am correct, you are in need of separation help, not output help? Although jobe is correct about output. I think that a 55 line screen on a 230 mesh woul be acceptable.

I can help with the separations if needed. I think it's hard to get a good looking print with black halftones on a white shirt.

Good luck with the project.

 

[GraphicGuy]

What program are you using for your images, is it photoshop?

 

[bw_stokes]

I'm using photoshop

 

[red514]

For ideal results i'd suggest going with an Index or Simulated process separation. Printing a black 1 color halftone design on a white shirt will give ok results but there's too much contrast between the black ink and the white ground making the halftone dots stand out sharply.
I just did another grayscale design yesterday like what you want and it was a 4 color index ( and it came out great, high detail with smooth tones). The challenge is getting an experienced printer that can do the work, not all shops are experienced enough to handle index printing or simulated process work.

the settings used when separating will be dictated by the print shops capabilities. find out what mesh count they will be using (280 mesh, i'd suggest 55lpi. 300+ i'd suggest 65lpi, lower mesh is not recommended for these types of prints if you want high detail).
Is the print shop using an automatic or manual press?

 

[bw_stokes]

Thanks for the help everyone. Red, They are...or were doing the print on an automatic. I haven't heard back from them, so I'm wondering if I got kicked to the curb. I have to get a sample approved by the buyer (which is standard practice) but most shops won't touch my job bc they don't want to waste time on a sample-even if they stand to gain business in the long run.

Anyway, what is index printing? I'm not familiar?

 

[red514]

Thanks for the help everyone. Red, They are...or were doing the print on an automatic. I haven't heard back from them, so I'm wondering if I got kicked to the curb. I have to get a sample approved by the buyer (which is standard practice) but most shops won't touch my job bc they don't want to waste time on a sample-even if they stand to gain business in the long run.

Anyway, what is index printing? I'm not familiar?

i feel for ya. it's tough finding a good experienced printer that will do small runs for a reasonable price. If this printer you are currently working with is the shop you want to use (they can produce the quality you want) and you have no other local options, i'd suggest talking with the print shop and working something out.

Are you doing a small run compared to what the printer normally handles (this is usually the issue for the printer)?


Index printing is another separation technique for doing multiple color prints, mostly photographic images. here's a link to a great article posted on GraphicFX web site, explaining different screen printing and separation methods.
FAQ -=> Artwork

 

[bw_stokes]

Thanks again—to everyone