Tech Tips: Fleece Printing

July 31, 2009

Produce sharp prints on fleece apparel by following some basic guidelines.

To successfully screen print on fleece fabrics, there are several variables to be aware of including fleece quality, separation type and whether your design is created using vector- or raster-based artwork. Depending on the type of artwork you use, the type of screen frame and tension also comes into consideration.

Here are some basic recommendations for printing fleece using high- and low-tension screens:

High-Tension Screens
• Underlay: 110-156 mesh at 35 N/cm2
• Additional Colors: 230 mesh at 35 N/cm2
—    Flash only after the underlay when using raster art
—    After the underlay has been flashed, flash after three or four colors when using vector art
• Squeegees: When working on a manual press, use a 70 durometer, straight and sharp. For automatic presses, use a 65/90/65 durometer, straight and sharp.
• Off contact should be the same for fleece and T-shirts
• Print light- and dark-colored fleece the same
• Vector art may need a print/fl ash/print/fl ash of the underlay

Low-Tension Screens
• Underlay: 86/100 or 83/70 mesh with multiple coats of emulsion
• Additional colors: 156 mesh and flash after every color
• Squeegees: When working on a manual press, use a 70 durometer, straight and sharp. For automatic presses, use a 65/90/65 durometer, straight and sharp.
• Off contact should be higher for fleece than for T-shirts
• Print light- and dark-colored fleece the same
• Vector art may need a print/fl ash/print/fl ash of the underlay

For more detailed information on fleece printing, read our Tech Tips Newsletter, “Get Perfect Prints on Fleece,” at impressionsmag.com/fleeceprinting.

Tech Tips: Fleece Printing
To successfully screen print on fleece fabrics, there are several variables to be aware of including fleece quality, separation type and whether your design is created using vector- or raster-based artwork. Depending on the type of artwork you use, the type of screen frame and tension also comes into consideration.
July 31, 2009