[gmtully42]

How's everyone doing? I was wondering if anyone had any inside info on how North Face is producing its screen print hooded sweatshirts? I have had one for a year and half and the print is holding up really well. It looks to be a thick plastisol ink they are using that has not cracked or faded away from time in the dryer. Does anyone know how many passes they are doing or are they laying down thick emulsion for the screens? The sweatshirt is a 80/20 cotton/poly blend.
Thanks!

 

[nypdofficer1]

What's up Greg. Lol.

 

[gmtully42]

ok, so no responses. maybe these photos will help out. I just want to know if there are any inside secrets to what NF screen printers are doing. rodney, you know what it might be?

 

[sben763]

I use international coatings ink or union and I have some shirt 3-4 years old many washing with no cracks. I do 2 passes on a thick stencil. On hoodies we add stretch additive not much and 2-3 passes. I think the trick to longevity is proper curing. On thick print I slow cure even if it means sending them through twice.

 

[ScreenFoo]

They're only contracting printers who can print properly.

Sben's right on--making sure the ink deposit is thick enough, or strong enough, or elongates enough to stick to the garment without cracking is the first step, and the second is curing it properly.

Your choice of ink *and* garment can make a huge difference here. A cheap white ink on lycra will crack pretty much no matter what you do, whereas the same cheap white ink on canvas (with almost no elongation in the fabric) won't, if it's cured properly.