How to Print Multiple Colors on Safety Vests
The best way to print multiple colors on safety vests is to use screen printing. Screen-printing inks are stable, durable and opaque, and can be found in formulations to adhere to a variety of materials.
A screen is made for each color of the design to be printed, usually by exposing light through a film positive placed over an emulsion. The light cures the emulsion where ink is to be blocked from passing through the screen material and the unexposed emulsion washes away from areas that will allow ink to pass. Under pressure from a squeegee, ink is pressed through the material for each color to form the finished image.
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Instructions
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Shop for a screen-printing company that can print on the kind of vests you need. The companies will provide quotes based on how large the image is to be, how many vests you need printed, how complex the art is, and the number of colors to be printed.
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Set your software to the finished image size and resolution parameters provided by the screen printer chosen. Make sure you know what kind and size of output file the supplier can use and that your software can produce files in that format.
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Prepare the artwork for the image to go on the vests. Note that each color in your image will need its own screen, so work directly on layers if you can or use your software to separate the image into layers with the different colors. Try to stay with simple type and line art that does not have to register closely, and avoid using continuous-tone images like photographs.
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Combine all your layers temporarily so that you can print a proof to make sure everything is where you want it and the colors are registered to each other as you want them printed.
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Consult the color chart used by the screen printer and select the actual ink colors you want printed. It will be cheaper to use standard colors, but custom mixes are available from most vendors. There may also be florescent, reflective, glow-in-the-dark, metallic and other specialty inks available.
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Send your completed files and any notes to the screen printer. Confirm all your order details and delivery expectations. Complete payment arrangements.
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Tips & Warnings
Safety-vest suppliers may have the best screen-printing options and may be able to turnkey printing with vest ordering.
Screen-printing setup charges can make the process impractical for producing small quantities. Sublimation printing, heat transfers and direct-to-garment printing, if available for the type of vests you need, may be other options.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit winner image by Keith Frith from Fotolia.com
