Screen Printed Plastisol Ink — How to check print quality
There are two things you really are looking for in a plastisol print:
1. Is this print going to last in the wash?
The best way to check this without actually washing the shirt, is the “Stretch Test”. Most cotton t-shirts, hoodies, etc. will have vertically knit fabric. This is not a technical term just a description of what it looks like when you look closely. You’ll notice that you can pull the fabric easily horizontally and see the knit stretch. To perform the stretch test, pick an area on your print and lightly stretch the fabric and print. If the print has been cured properly, the ink will stretch with the fabric and will not crack. If the print cracks or pulls apart as you stretch the fabric, then it has not been cured properly and will wash out.
Of course, you are not going to check every item in the batch, but check a couple of items. It is also a good idea to keep a shirt or two for yourself, wear it, wash it, and put it through the usual wear and tear to see how it holds up. If shirts are washing out, your printer will most definitely re-imburse or re-print the batch for you. If they don’t, then find new printer.
2. How does the print feel?
This is more of a preference thing. Plastisol ink is oil based and sits on top of the fabric. It is a thick print, especially when printing light ink on dark fabrics. This is not the type of ink that you won’t be able to feel. You will always be ale to feel it. So, in general just feel the ink and make sure it doesn’t feel rough and crappy. Feel it as if you were the customer, if it’s smooth, not too thick, and not to heavy then your good to go. On the other hand sometimes a nice thick print is desirable. For example on a heavy black hoodie, if your design is bold strong letters, you might want to nice heavy print. It can add to the bold feel of the design. It’s all preference.
For the most part if you are using an experienced print shop you won’t have to scrutinize their work too closely. Screen riding is generally a simple craft. If they’ve been in business for awhile, they’re prints are probably fine. Go for price.
I touch on pricing, buying wholesale clothing and other info like this here ->
