Screenprint Pallet: Aligning T-Shirts Perfectly For Printing

Learning how to line up a T-shirt on a screen-printing pallet is a crucial step in the screen-printing process. While it may seem daunting at first, with practice, you'll be able to master the art of loading a shirt on the pallet quickly and efficiently. Here are some tips to help you get started:

First, decide on your preferred method of grabbing the T-shirt. Some people prefer to grab it face up (tag up), while others opt for face down (tag down). Experiment with both methods and choose the one that feels most comfortable for you.

Don't rely solely on the center crease of the T-shirt as a guide for loading it onto the pallet. While it may seem like a helpful indicator, this crease is actually a result of the manufacturing process and may not always align perfectly with the true center of the shirt.

Master the rocking motion technique for loading the shirt onto the platen. Pick up the shirt from the bottom, making the fabric tight between your hands. Rock the shirt forward onto the platen and let the collar rest snugly against the top. As you rock back, slide your hands back and grab the shoulder seams to pull the shirt back and center it. This technique ensures the shirt is loaded evenly and allows for quick adjustments.

Apply a suitable amount of adhesive to the platen to prevent the shirt from slipping during printing. Water-based adhesives, such as Green Galaxy™ Water Based Adhesive, are recommended as they provide the right amount of stickiness and last for multiple print runs.

With these tips in mind, remember that practice makes perfect. The more you print, the more natural the process of loading T-shirts onto the screen-printing pallet will become. So, don't be discouraged if you don't get it right the first few times. Keep trying, and soon you'll be loading shirts like a pro!

Choose your method: face up or face down?

There are two main methods for lining up a T-shirt on a screen print pallet: the face-up method and the face-down method. Both methods have their own advantages and considerations, so it's important to understand the differences before deciding which one to use.

The face-up method is exactly as it sounds: you place the T-shirt on the pallet with the design facing up. This method offers the advantage of being able to see exactly where the design will be placed on the shirt. You can easily line up the design with the center of the pallet, ensuring a precise print. This method is generally easier for beginners, as it allows for more control and accuracy. However, one consideration is that you'll need to flip your design before printing, as the ink will appear reversed if you don't.

On the other hand, the face-down method involves placing the T-shirt on the pallet with the design facing down. This method may feel less intuitive, but it has its benefits. By placing the shirt face down, you can avoid the need to flip your design before printing. This is especially useful if your design has specific alignment requirements or if you're working with multiple colors, as it eliminates the risk of accidental reversal. With the face-down method, you'll also have a better sense of how the final product will look, as you're seeing the design in its correct orientation from the start.

Another factor to consider is the type of screen printing press you're using. Certain presses may be better suited for one method over the other. If you're using a manual press, for example, the face-up method might be more convenient as it allows for easier adjustment of the shirt and pallet. With automatic presses, the face-down method can streamline the printing process, as the shirts can be pre-aligned and placed on the pallets efficiently.

Ultimately, the choice between the face-up and face-down method comes down to personal preference, the specifics of your design, and the equipment you're working with. Both methods can produce high-quality results, so it's worth experimenting to find which one works best for your particular setup and project. Remember to take the time to properly align your design, and don't be afraid to make adjustments until you achieve perfect placement.

Don't trust the centre crease

When screen printing, it's important to centre your t-shirt on the pallet correctly. While some shirts come with a centre crease, this is not always reliable. The crease may not be straight or centred, and it may be difficult to see on darker shirts.

There are several methods to centre a shirt without relying on the crease. One way is to use a t-square to ensure the design is straight and centred. You can also measure the distance from the armpit to armpit and place a small piece of tape at the centre point. When placing the shirt on the pallet, use the tape as a guide. Another method is to place the shirt on the pallet and use your fingers to feel the stitch of the sleeve, adjusting the shirt until both sleeves are level.

If you are printing multiple shirts, a screen printing press can be helpful. The press holds your shirt and screen in place, allowing you to lower the screen, add more ink, and lift the frame as needed. This ensures your design is evenly coated with ink and placed correctly on the shirt.

For more complex designs or multiple colours, you will need to register the colours together so they line up correctly when printed on the shirt. Using a press with a laser guiding system or micro-registration can be helpful for printing fine details and multiple colours.

Master the rocking motion

Mastering the rocking motion is essential for achieving precise and consistent results in screen printing. Here are some detailed instructions to help you master the rocking motion when lining up a T-shirt on a screen-printing pallet:

Step 1: Prepare the Pallet and T-Shirt

Before you begin printing, ensure your pallet is properly prepared. Apply a layer of pallet adhesive to the platen, which helps the T-shirt adhere to the pallet and prevents it from shifting. This step is crucial for accurate alignment. Load your T-shirt onto the pallet, ensuring it is smooth and free of creases.

Step 2: Understand the Rocking Motion

The rocking motion is a technique used to align the screen and ensure even ink distribution during the printing process. It involves gently rocking the screen back and forth over the T-shirt to find the perfect alignment. This motion allows you to fine-tune the positioning of the design before committing to the print.

Step 3: Practice the Technique

Start by positioning the screen above the T-shirt on the pallet. Lower the screen until it is just above the shirt, but not touching it. Gently rock the screen forward and backward, observing the distance between the screen and the shirt. This motion helps you gauge the correct height and positioning for printing. Practice this motion until you feel comfortable with the distance and alignment.

Step 4: Fine-Tune Alignment

Once you have a feel for the rocking motion, it's time to fine-tune the alignment. While rocking the screen, pay close attention to the placement of your design relative to the T-shirt. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the design is centred and positioned correctly on the shirt. This may involve moving the T-shirt slightly on the pallet or making minor adjustments to the screen's position.

Step 5: Finalize and Print

After mastering the rocking motion and achieving the perfect alignment, it's time to lock in your setup. Before locking the print head into place, ensure the screen is flooded with ink. Once you're satisfied with the alignment and ink coverage, lock the print head in place above the T-shirt. Now, perform the final print by pushing or pulling the ink across the screen, depositing the ink onto the shirt.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Screen printing requires precision and a steady hand, so don't be discouraged if you don't get it right on your first try. With each attempt, you'll improve your rocking motion and alignment skills, leading to better results.

Be careful with the adhesive

When screen printing, it's important to be careful with the adhesive you use to stick the shirt to the pallet. If you're using a spray adhesive, be sure to aim the nozzle at the pallet only and avoid getting adhesive on your print screen or other vital print areas. Spray adhesives can cause overspray issues, so be careful where you point the nozzle.

Water-based adhesives are a good option if you want to keep your shop clean. They can be reactivated and are long-lasting, so you don't need to apply them after every shirt. They also don't leave any residue on the shirts, providing a higher-quality product. Water-based adhesives are also better for your health, as you won't be breathing in particles floating in the air.

When applying water-based adhesive, pour some onto the platen and spread it evenly with a cleanup card. Then, place the platen under a flash unit until the adhesive is tacky. Pop any bubbles that form with a sharp knife or razor blade. For short print runs, a single layer of adhesive is enough, but for longer runs, you may need to apply a second layer for extra stickiness.

If you're using a bulk adhesive, make sure to brush or spray it onto the pallet. These types of adhesives are typically used in larger-volume printing establishments with automatic screen printing presses.

Mark your pallet

Marking your pallet is an important step in the screen-printing process. It helps you align garments during loading and ensures that your prints are properly placed on the shirts. Here are some tips for marking your pallet:

Centre Line

The most common method is to make a centre line down the pallet. This helps you centre the shirt on the pallet and ensures that the print will be positioned correctly on the garment.

Regular Intervals

You can also place marks at regular intervals along the pallet. These marks help you judge the height of the print on the shirt, ensuring that the design is placed at the desired level on the garment.

Masking Tape

Another technique is to use a piece of masking tape to make a mark for each job. This method helps you align the shirt collar, allowing for precise print placement on the shirt.

Stacking Shirts

Having your shirts ready and stacked is also essential for efficient loading. Some printers place their shirts front side up on a cart, aligning them with the pallet for easy loading. Others prefer to stack shirts face down at a 90-degree angle to the pallet, flipping them as they are placed on the press.

Loading Technique

Once you're ready to load the shirts, slide your hands into the bottom hem and pull it taut. As you rock forward, pull the shirt down over the pallet, ensuring it is centred and taught. If using an automatic press, use the foot pedal to stop the machine while you load the shirt.

By marking your pallet and perfecting your loading technique, you'll be able to speed up your screen printing production and minimise misprints.

Frequently asked questions