Print problems

This is the section concerning all things that relate to printing on press. Topics may include but are not limited to loading the pallets, screen set up, registration problems, squeegee durometer, how to screen print using an automatic, manual rotary press or fixed station presses and general trouble shooting on any print job.

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sandyclaws
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Jul 10, 2017 1:12 pm

Print problems

Post by sandyclaws »

I am trying to make a crest print. It is 2 color and a simple design. It has block letters on a circular path with a drop shadow. It is 4 inches wide. I printed the same design on the back of the shirt 10 inches wide with no problem. The light blue block letters on the crest worked perfectly but for some reason the drop shadow is giving me all kinds of grief. I have made it on 200 mesh, 156 mesh, 110 mesh. After washout all the shadows look good on the screen, but when I go to print they are not all printing. I am using cryocoat emulsion because of it's long shelf life. Problem area moves around a little too. with the different screens. My transparency looks good and like I said the screen looks like it should print fine. I even tried stroking the screen sideways and same problem. Do I need an exorcist? I am using 2 transparencies on top of each other.
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Catspit Productions
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Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Re: Print problems

Post by Catspit Productions »

If this drop shadow is a halftone then you may need to use a better emulsion. If it's a very small fine line or something similar enough to be considered small details then we may need a better emulsion as well. Also if you are under exposing any details at all then the dots or fine lines could fill in with some emulsion scum. If you are over exposing it could also choke the small details like halftones or fine lines. These 2 videos should help out.





Good luck!
Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
Learn how to screen print tee shirts!

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/CatspitProductions
sandyclaws
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Jul 10, 2017 1:12 pm

Re: Print problems

Post by sandyclaws »

Nope, The shadow is not even a halftone. The transparency looks good and the screen looked good. The rest of that design comes out great but the shadows on the letters just keeps screwing up. I printed a halftone mountain man with no trouble once I got the exposure down. I have burned 4 screens so far and I am trying to burn one more tonight with 3 layers of transparencies in case that might be the problem.

Thanks for the advice. I will let you know how I make out. Is Saati better than cryocoat? I do this as a hobby and shelf life is important to me.

Thanks again,
Sandyclaws
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Catspit Productions
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Posts: 1995
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2012 10:47 am
Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Re: Print problems

Post by Catspit Productions »

You're very welcome. I'm not sure what could be happening there. Very strange indeed.

Yes, in my humble professional opinion the Saati emulsions are maybe the best on the market. That's why I use and sell them. A photopolymer will last for many years in the bucket.

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/saa ... ion-quart/

Let me know if you have any questions I can help with.
Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
Learn how to screen print tee shirts!

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/CatspitProductions
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