Screen Printing the TFA Bomber

SCREEN PRINTING THE TFA BOMBER

Screen printing on 100% polyester can be challenging. The key is to find the right ink. An ink that is opaque enough to avoid grin through and is able to be cured at low temperatures. We have found our preferred ink at International Coatings™, we tested it and want to share some printing tips to best decorate the Threadfast Bomber, style 395J.

 

PREFERRED INK

CATALYST

SCREEN MESH

  • The All-Pro™ 900 Series Ink needs to be mixed with the All-Pro™ 900 Catalyst.
  • Catalyst quantity used must be 5% of total ink for maximum adhesion.
  • The Catalyst ensures proper adhesion to the fabric.

  • When preparing screens, use a high-tension mesh with thin thread.
  • For standard colors, recommended screen mesh is 125-230 t/in.
  • For metallic colors, 86-110 t/in and for process colors, 200-305 t/in.

ACCESS ZIPPER

PRINTING TIPS

CURE TEMPERATURE

  • Zipper provides access behind lining and fill, allowing for easy single-ply loading onto pallet.
  • Easy to hold registration.
  • Zipper opens from bottom left chest up and across to the right shoulder, see illustration*.

  • Recommended squeegee: 70-80 Durometer Sharp edge.
  • Use off-contact printing, leaving space between the screen and the fabric surface.
  • Apply ink with a single stroke, enough to achieve good coverage.

  • Recommended temperature is 275°F (135°C) entire ink film for 1 minute.
  • Maximum temperature of 285°F (140°C).
  • Fusing at lower temperatures may require a longer dryer retention time.

 

PRINTABLE AREAS

 

*INSIDE ACCESS ZIPPER

 

 

 Threadfast Apparel has partnered up with International Coatings™ to bring you this information. They are pioneers in the development and production of textile screen printing inks, traffic paints, industrial coatings and specialty compounds.

 

 

Recommendations and statements made are based on International Coatings’ research and experience. Since Threadfast Apparel and International Coatings do not have any control over the conditions of use or storage of the product sold, Threadfast Apparel and International Coatings cannot guarantee the results obtained through use of its products. All products are sold and samples given without any representation of warranty, expressed or implied, of fitness for any particular purpose or otherwise, and upon condition that the buyer shall determine the suitability of the product for its own purpose. This applies also where rights of third parties are involved. It does not release the user from the obligation to test the suitability of the product for the intended purpose and application.