More and more individuals and organizations want to go beyond just t-shirt printing and try things like tote bag printing and jacket printing. Jackets make a great part of a uniform, sporting teams can have different jackets for different seasons and more. But unlike with t-shirts there are more challenges when it comes to printed jackets for the printers. Here is a closer look at what a printer has to consider with the whole process.
Decide on the best type of jacket
It used to be that jacket printing only used nylon jackets or some kind, like a windbreaker. But now things have changed so that there are a lot more choices possible though nylon remains popular. Consider what goal or purpose the jackets have, and who is most likely to wear them and then you can better choose.
Using the right inks is key
It is important to use the right kind of inks for printing onto jackets as plastisol ink does not stick to smooth surfaces like nylon. This means the printers have to add something to the ink so it adheres better. There are also inks that can be invested in that a printer might choose to keep if jackets are a commonly ordered item.
Keep the jackets secure can be a problem
Another thing printers have to take care of is that jackets tend to shift around and that can be a disaster. It is especially a problem with jackets that have a lining as it sticks to the pallet, but it happens to all of them. There is something printers can use to fit over so they hold the jacket down more firmly during the printing process. Then you won’t have the design shifting around.
The right mesh needs to be used
The mesh used on the screens for jacket printing also needs to be different and that will depend on the material of the jacket. For example with nylon a former squeegee and a finer mesh are required. For something like a fleece jacket then a lower mesh count in the screen is needed and more ink.
The temperature for curing is lower and the speed is slower
Since most jackets are made from a synthetic material the curing process needs to go on for a lot longer but the temperature needs be lower. Otherwise they will burn under a higher heat. When that happens the dye in the fabric of the jacket will actually turn to a gas and it changes the color. With a slower speed on the belt on the dryer conveyor and a lower heat you can stop that.
Conclusion
If you are looking at screen printing and other options like tote bag printing or jackets, you will see there are some other things to be taken into account. That is something for the buyer to think about and for the printer to consider. There are still ways they can deliver excellent results every time they just need to take a few extra steps or make some adjustments.
