T-Shirt Screen Printing is a beautiful, intricate and occasionally messy decoration technique which crosses the border between art and fashion.
But what is so incredible about it?
At first, I was scared of screen printing. It seems to be a very permanent application of something onto something that actual people are going to wear. Unlike internet graphics, which can be changed in a matter of seconds if there are any mistakes, screen printing uses real ink on a real t-shirt and as a result leaves the printer with a real responsibility.
Not just the printer, in fact everyone who is involved with the printing process. That starts with the customer, continues with the sales assistant, passes onto the art department who hands the baton to the printers who oversee the final product.
With all of those hands involved, it would seem mistakes are inevitable. Not really. So long as good communication is present, screen printing can actually become an enjoyable job - still, it is a great responsiblity to produce a well printed garment but also a great opportunity to improve on an ancient technique. And I am no longer scared of it.
Labels: Best Screen Printer in Newcastle, Quality, Screen printing
0 Comments Published by Jess, Zulu Warrior on Thursday, September 4, 2008 at 8:30 PM.
Traditionally, the students design a front image (usually as part of the Creative Arts Curriculum or an in-school competition) and we transfer this image onto the screen for printing.
On the back of the t-shirt is a list of names, whether arranged neatly or randomly placed, signifying the students who completed the year. The teachers usually get a look in - whether comically or serious - with the year and the class name.
Different schools choose to emphasis different aspects of the year group but the most popular has easily been the "We're out of here" theme. That is, "Let's kiss this school goodbye and move forward to the future" - more or less!
I don't think the creativity of the design is what matters, nor what order the names are in - it is simply that you can get a t-shirt to signify the completion of one part of your life - something to say, "That's right, I've made it... and I got this t-shirt!"
R U 2Kool4Skool?
Labels: 2kool4skool, Catalogues, Promotion, Screen printing
0 Comments Published by Jess, Zulu Warrior on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 9:39 PM.
Are you 2 kool 4 skool?
Yes, I know how to spell - I am referring to our latest promotion for school leavers. Or rather for the tireless teachers who need to do the leg work for the school leavers.
More often then not, teachers have to chase up the end-of-year jerseys or jumpers because sometimes things get out of hand. Here at Zulu, we want to make things as easy as possible.
We have online catalogues and online prices. Why not save your time hunting someone down and then waiting for a response by using our online services for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Or just let your students look for themselves by giving them our link. It is virtual simplicity!
Labels: 2kool4skool, Promotion, Quality, Screen printing, Website Updates
0 Comments Published by Jess, Zulu Warrior on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 4:36 PM.
Zulu Graphics has been nominated for a local business award under the category "Specialised Business" in the Hunter Region!!!
Why not vote for us now and go in the draw to win a 10MP camera - and it is all online these days.
Go to www.thebusinessawards.com
Choose Awards Area - Metropolitan - Hunter
Fill in your details (so you can grab a camera) and then choose a category.
NB: Zulu is under Specialised Business
Choose the business by clicking the radio button next to it
NB: Zulu was last on the list when I checked
Click submit.
And don't forget to verify your vote by clicking on the link in the email.
Your support is much appreciated and our thanks goes to all those who have voted already.
Labels: Best Screen Printer in Newcastle, Local Business Awards, Press, Promotion, Screen printing
0 Comments Published by Jess, Zulu Warrior on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 4:07 AM.
By Jess, 21/06/08
In my quest to discover more environmentally friendly suppliers, I have come across Moral Fibre.
They supply 100% organic, ethically grown & sewn garments including t-shirts, aprons and carry bags.
What is beautiful about this company is that practice what they preach. Billie Paris (business partner of Moral Fibre) is down-to-earth and honestly cares about making a difference in the world.
I love that they contribute 10% of profits to female leaders who are striving for gender equality.
I love that have real cred; they have the legal proof that all of their garments are made in agreement with the Fair Trade Standards.
And finally, I love them because they are BEAUTIFUL – inside and out; in their actions, in their personalities, in their character and most importantly, in life!
I am proud to say that Zulu Graphics will partner with Moral Fibre as one of our suppliers. We are able to print and embroider all of their products.
These products are more expensive than those from Johhny Bobbin or Ramo, but surely it is worth it.
Why not let your business be defined by the decisions it makes, as well as the product and the service?
Why not let your band make a statement about what you believe in?
Please, browse through their shop but, if you are looking to get decorated products, please email me for a price; if you buy through us, we can offer a discounted product and decoration rate.
Why not start an ethical movement with your next screen printed shirt?
Next Blog - Cleaner Screen Printing
Labels: Catalogues, Embroidery, Green Screen Printing, Moral Fibre, Screen printing
0 Comments Published by Jess, Zulu Warrior on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 11:26 PM.
I would like to commend October, a UK garment print and embroidery one stop shop, not unlike ourselves. They frequently update their blog – http://octoberonline.wordpress.com/
– with a variety of interesting and relevant topics for the decoration consumer. Understandable, their target market is Brits, but their information has world-wide appeal.
Some articles of particular interest for any Greenie (which, these days, is becoming a fashion statement as well as a way of life)
How Green Is My Ink
A-Z of Ethical Terms
Next, I’d like to examine a few articles which demonstrate an extent of truth about the nature of screen printing
Chopper Eco Couture … and Screen Printing
In this lengthy article, Michael explores screen printing as a process and how it has been made “more eco-friendly” by Chopper Couture.
Printing Process Descriptions
In this straightforward, technical and slightly boring website, the exact process of screen printing is described with little embellishments. NB: May be a little hard to understand if you are unfamiliar with the terminology.
It appears there isn’t much on environmental screen printing in Australia, although I am going to continue looking around. If need be, perhaps sites will be created to fill this need.
Next Blog – How Green is your Garment?
Labels: Environmental Screen Printing, Global Warming, Green Screen Printing, Screen printing
0 Comments Published by Jess, Zulu Warrior on at 10:44 PM.
By Jess
13th May, 2008
Fourth Challenge - Information Highway
On the quest to becoming the best screen printer in Newcastle, we faced a dragon - the internet. At first we hit with our dagger - testing the skin of the beast. Then, after experimenting the best way to attack, we drew our broad sword and plunged it deep into the heart of the monster. The new www.zulugraphics.com.au burst forth out of the head of the dragon. We were victorious in our quest.
Technology frightens many people; particularly the older generations. As the illustration above demonstrates, after some research and time, the insurmountable problem becomes surmountable.
At Zulu Graphics we have learnt to embrace the website as an extra employee. It has proven to be a cost effective worker; it doesn't demand overtime (though it works 24/7) and always tells it as it is.
Screen printers have been slow to catch onto the WWW phase, but we are proud to say we encourage various sectors of the web within our site. We have a blog (as you are reading) and information pages, but most impressively, have a fortnightly newsletter informing our customers with relevant and interesting progressions in the industry.
Whilst the online branch of Zulu Graphics is ever growing, it is a key aspect we have over our competition. Our innovative and honest desire to serve our customers underlies this expansion. Now you are not limited by time or location; anywhere in the world, at any time, you can visit our virtual showroom and learn more about who we are and what we do best.
We remain the best screen printer in Newcastle because we face the dragons of our industry. Does your screen printer?
Labels: Best Screen Printer in Newcastle, Blog, Challenge, Screen printing
0 Comments Published by Jess, Zulu Warrior on Monday, May 12, 2008 at 9:52 PM.
By Jess
11th May, 2008
I have changed the colour of the blog updates on the Home page; you will notice it is now a nice shade of red, rather than the very light blue which was difficult to see. We have had no complaints, but after reading a web design article this morning, I decided to take act upon my new found knowledge and make a slight change.
Hopefully, this will make life easier for you, our customers.
If there is anything else you have having trouble with, please let me know.
Labels: Blog, Screen printing, Website Updates
0 Comments Published by Jess, Zulu Warrior on Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 3:16 AM.
By Jess
8th May, 2008
Firstly, thank you to Long Chang Printing Machine Factory for using our blog as an advertising space - too bad most of our customers aren't looking to buy a screen printing machine!
Third Challenge - Screen Printing Knowledge - In the Know
It is important the person you trust to do your screen printing knows what they are talking about. There is no point sending your garments to somebody who uses the same type of screen for everything. What does the screen have to do with it? This is where your screen printer needs to be "in the know"!
While it is good to use the appropriate ink (as discussed in the first challenge), it is vital to use the right sort of screen. Screens come in various sizes and densities. If the wrong type of screen is used, the print becomes is patterned and produces a moiré effect.
Similarly important is the application of the layers of ink. If you would like a three colour job screen printed, the order of colour application can be critical to the quality of the final print; if the colours are black, white and green it might seem best to do white, green and than black, but in some cases this isn’t the case. The order of colour application is changed for a number of reasons; darkness of the colour, type of ink used, amount of one colour in design, garment material as well as the overall look trying to be achieved. If this order is taken lightly, and your screen printer simply always prints from lightest to darkest, they are limiting their ability to achieve high quality prints.
Finally, I would like to discuss a fundamental step that is often rushed or overlooked by screen printers – artwork preparation. I will cover this fully in the next blog, but this is something that people think is simple and quick, but is actually the reason each print works out. If your artwork and films aren’t prepared correctly, your print will look unprofessional and nightmarish.
The challenge still stands – Is Zulu Graphics the best screen printer in Newcastle? As of today, they still practise the basic screen printing knowledge, they still answer and they are ‘in the know’ – what more could you ask for from your screen printer?
If you would like to know more about the overall screen printing process, please visit this month’s Set In Print.
Labels: Best Screen Printer in Newcastle, Challenge, Quality, Screen printing, Set In Print
0 Comments Published by Jess, Zulu Warrior on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 12:52 PM.
23rd April, 2008
I have been asked on numerous times - why do you think Zulu Graphics is the best screen printer in Newcastle? I have decided to set you, our consumers, a challenge. Find me a better screen printer in Newcastle and I will relinquish our title.
First Challenge - Basic Printing Skills
At Zulu Graphics we take pride in our screen printing; it isn't about the money, it is about achieving our high standards on every job.
Firstly, we watch our coating.
What does this mean? Basically, when you screen print something you generally give it one or two coats. If we simply wanted to make money and did not care about the screen print quality, we could always do one coat of ink. But one coat isn't enough - particularly on dark garments. If you are screen printing a light colour onto a dark garment (say white ink on black t-shirts) one coat most commonly results in the print appearing "faded". This is good if you are trying to achieve that vintage look but if you aren't, you will be as disappointed with the one coat as we are. We prefer to keep our customers happy.
Secondly, we know our inks.
As in any job, there are certain things you learn while you work. Having been in the screen printing industry for 22 years now, we have learnt alot. Perhaps the most important thing is using the correct ink for the material. There are two basic types of ink: water-based and plastisol. Certain fabrics allow for a better screen print according to the type of ink you use. Whilst plastisol is more expensive, in some cases water-based just isn't sufficent. Unlike other screen printers, we do not charge extra according to the type of ink used, we charge only according to quality. To adhere to our high standards of screen printing, we make careful and informed decisions about the type of ink we use on your job and as such achieve the best results.
Unsure about whether your current screen printer knows their inks? Or think your print has too few coats?
Don't be afriad to ask. If you are unsatisfied with the answer, come and talk to me.
I will prove, over the next week, that Zulu Graphics is the best screen printer in Newcastle.
Bring on any contenders!
Labels: Best Screen Printer in Newcastle, Challenge, Promotion, Screen printing
1 Comments Published by Jess, Zulu Warrior on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 3:24 AM.
By Jess
21st April, 2008
It might seem attractive to order your screen printing from overseas; mostly (and I believe only) because it is cheaper.
My advice would be not to. Sure, you think, Jess would just say that because she would rather us buy her screen printing. Well, yes, I do think you should purchase your screen printing through us. But I have a few valid reasons.
Firstly, while it may be cheaper per garment to order from overseas, watch out for the monster freight! It doesn't matter if you are paying $2.00 per shirt (screen printed and all) if the freight is costing you $200! We have reasonable freight charges - that is, if you don't pick it up from our showroom.
Secondly, if quality is crucial, don't risk it. We have seen too many screen printed garments from overseas which haven't been cured properly. What does this mean? Basically, they don't put the ink through a hot enough dryer or they haven't mixed their fixer in properly. How would you find this out? Though the print looks good on first sight, it will start to wash out within the first or second wash. And you will regret that overseas purchase if it only lasts one wash...
Thirdly, time is always ticking. Most overseas screen printing companies have a turn around time of six weeks minimum. This is a whole four weeks longer than our normal two week turnaround. How come our timeframe is shorter? We don't need to account for weeks of travel on a ship, most obviously. It is not as though it takes longer because they are doing a better quality screen print.
Fourthly, long distance relationships rarely last. Say you do have a problem with the screen printing washing out - what are you going to do about it? Send it back overseas and demand they fix their mistake? Not likely. If the freight monster didn't bite you on the way over, it certainly will on the way back. We are more than happy to attempt to fix their disappointing screen printing attempt, but we would rather save you the money. Further, if you aren't happy with our quality, we will look into it immediately.
I am not completely against overseas screen printers; they are developing the latest screen printing technology and have been responsible for many of the recent improvements. Also, there are a few companies who provide reliable, long term screen printing. But you are still restricted by time, the ocean, perhaps the language and the freight.
My advice would be to come and talk to me about it first. Even if you would like to ask a few questions with regards to the screen printing methods and the process, so you can understand exactly why it takes them four weeks longer, I don't mind talking it through with you.
You never know, you might be surprised at how knowledgeable we are about screen printing. After all, it is what we do for a living.
Labels: Freight, Overseas Printing, Quality, Screen printing
0 Comments Published by Jess, Zulu Warrior on Sunday, April 20, 2008 at 11:47 PM.
By Jess
21st April, 2008
Moving is always hard; you try and get everything into a position that seems more like home. For the first few months you might make a few changes until you can look at it and smile and know you are home.
Making a website is much the same.
I thought I was satisifed with the way our home page was set out, but it didn't sit right. I had a few visitors through, who (as all visitors do), offered their varied opinion of what would look best.
As such, you could say it was a collaborative effort. The Home Page has been rearranged. And it feels more like home.
Don't you think?
Labels: Screen printing, Website Updates
0 Comments Published by Jess, Zulu Warrior on at 11:36 PM.
By Jess
20th April, 2008
I have just uploaded two profiles to the Who page so that you can learn more about what makes us tick as individuals.
I believe it is important to trust the people who are doing your printing and decorating. Sometimes, it is hard to look at a website and realise there are people behind it. Zulu Graphics is a screen printing company built by people for people -so why not get to know those people?
Labels: Screen printing, Website Updates
0 Comments Published by Jess, Zulu Warrior on Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 5:48 PM.
By Jess
Friday, 18th April, 2008
Day 5 - Screen printed?
My final day with Sunny has come (and it is again raining).
I have decided that I will approach Sunny again later in the year when it is a bit warmer to get an accurate answer to whether or not she is "cool-dri".
Interesting Fact: Little to no ironing required. I didn't hang this polo on a coat hanger at all this week; I treated it with as little care as possible and still, even after being scrunched in my bag for an hour, it remains creaseless. The polyester just snaps back to place when you wear it :) What a bonus!
The vital question (particularly for those who are interested in our 20 4 20 promotion) is how well does it screen print?
According to Mark, our head screen printer, "Very well". The ink, water-based or plastisol, adheres beautifully to the 100% polyester and offers a crisp finish. Occasionally, finer prints can appear a little fuzzy as a result of the mesh effect alot of the cool dry materials have. If you are unsure, just ask us. We print hi vis garments every week and know which ones print better than others. Johhny Bobbin's 6HVPS generally allows for a smooth, consistent and professional screen print.
And so it is; Sunny the Lime/Royal Hi Vis and I are finished for a while. It will be sad to leave her behind, but I look forward to my next test drive...
Want to know about how a garment wears? Ask me; I'll wear it for you :)
Labels: Blinded by the Bright, Hi Vis Polos, Screen printing, Test, Workwear
0 Comments Published by Jess, Zulu Warrior on Friday, April 18, 2008 at 6:31 PM.
By Jess
8th April, 2008
This week we screen printed a two colour job. Big deal; we print two colour jobs nearly every day.
But it was a big deal - it was a big print area - 52cm wide by 62 cm high!
How did we do it?
Firstly, we used very large screens (in comparison to our normal screens which maximum print is about 32cm wide by 48cm high).
The boys also built a special hinge (which you can see in the left side of the photo) and attached it to one of our tables to achieve the right angle and area for printing.
The pieces of material were lined up with an image on the table to ensure the two colours would be in line (as each colour was printed in a separate run).
A big squeegee was used to apply the pressure, and it took strength to equally apply the pressure for the entire length of the screen.
And I am happy to say, it all went swimmingly!
We successfully screen printed nearly 100 pieces of fabric to be sewn together to make uniforms. This technique allows for a really big print, as the material is sewn up after being printed- you aren't limited by seams.
In fact, you are really only limited by the size of the fabric; we can screen print anything!
Labels: Photo, Print size, Screen printing
0 Comments Published by Jess, Zulu Warrior on Monday, April 7, 2008 at 3:33 PM.