T-shirt: on to (production?)

( … almost … )

So, last post showed and told of some degree of success in my effort to bring “Choices: Look up!” to the t-shirt world. That initial effort exposed a few weak aspects of my skill level at that point … homemade screen frames and “press”, poor emulsion-spreading skills, etc..

Since then, I’ve invested in a (low-cost-but-adequate) press and manufactured frames. I’ve also been very deliberate in the process of emulsion spreading, exposure timing, and producing much better film negatives for screen exposure. Given these improvements, I’m hoping for better, and more consistent, results … maybe even achieving a level that I could sell a few.

(two weeks later) Ok, finally got back to printing. Well, worked hard at getting smooth, not-to-thick emulsion … then, properly aligning the screen in the press, moved totally into Plastisol inks, decent pallets knife … quite a bit of $$ later. I have been very deliberate in doing a test strip for exposure (wash-out is scary) … but, finally got some good prints onto t-shirts. Six or so, were very good, good enough to sell/share … but, found that three of those were just not printed straight! Centered, yes, but slightly crooked (!!) So, encouraged, but … darn …

So, next week, I plan to run six or so new ones … with a new plan to keep the print straight.

Here’s a few shots: oh, I also designed a hang tag, and have printed the inside label … all with my “brand”. 🙂