Zulu Blog

Scared of Screen Printing

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:30:00 +0000

By Jess, Friday 5th September 2008

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.

I love that screen printing takes a variety of skills to accomplish.

I love that screen printing is something where the process is as important as the outcome (if not more; if you skip a step, there is no final product!)

I love that screen printing provides an opportunity for people to display their creativity to the public in a sometimes subtle but not ineffective way.

And finally, I love that something so complex, something so time consuming can result in one single perfect print.

I have recently also fallen in love with embroidery. If you haven't caught my fever yet, check out the latest newsletter here .

Screen Printing for Primary Schools

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:39:00 +0000

By Jess, Thursday 21st August, 2008

Screen printing has long been a popular choice for the end-of-year t-shirt or rugby.

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?

Check out our online prices and catalogues @ 2Kool4Skool - double sided screen printed t-shirt prices starting at $12!

2 Kool 4 Skool

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 23:36:00 +0000

Wednesday, 20th August, 2008

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!

We also stick to a lead time of two weeks from artwork confirmation - which can be vital for meeting school deadlines.

Want more information? Check out our home page for 2Kool4Skool or call Jess on (02) 49 550 550.

Celebrity Made T-Shirts

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 06:50:00 +0000

Sunday, 10th August 2008

K-Mart has them.
Target has them.
Jay Jays has them.
Best and Less has them.

I don't know about you, but I'm all shopped out looking for a t-shirt that isn't celebrity designed!

Why pay $23.95 for a shirt that a famous person designed? For the same price, you can get a front and back print on a t-shirt that is 100% designed by you!

Ask us for a good deal today and become a celebrity in your own right.

Local Business Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:07:00 +0000

By Jess, 23/06/08

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.

Moral Fibre

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 06:26:00 +0000

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

Screen Printing for the Enviro-Masses

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 05:44:00 +0000

By Jess, 21/06/08

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?

Screen Printing Challenge -Information Highway

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 13 May 2008 04:52:00 +0000

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?

UI Upgrade

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Sun, 11 May 2008 10:16:00 +0000

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.

Screen Printing Challenge - In the Know

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Wed, 07 May 2008 19:52:00 +0000

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.

Screen Printing Challenge - We Answer!

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:50:00 +0000

By Jess
28th April, 2008

Why do I think Zulu Graphics is the best screen printer in Newcastle? Last blog I discussed a few reasons we can maintain our high screen printing standards. This time I would like to explore the way we communicate with you, our customers.

Second Challenge - Telecommunications - We Answer!

Firstly, we answer the phone. This might sound like a simple thing, but many screen printers do not take the time to answer the phone. We do. If you have an enquiry or you are after a quote, we are only a phone call away. In fact, we make sure that throughout the week we answer the phone consistently; polite and informative. We listen to what you, our customers, are saying and provide you with accurate, reliable answers.

Secondly, we answer our emails. Many screen printing companies have email addresses on their website or business cards but don't utilize them. Either they don't check them at all or don't check them regularly. We have someone on the other end of our main email address almost all day. This means we are able to respond to your emails within moments of receiving them! Whilst we can't always offer instantaneous responses, we do reply to all emails within one working day at the latest.

Thirdly, we answer our online enquiries. I am a bit of a nerd. I frequently send enquiries to all sorts of companies via online forms. Far less frequently do I get a response. This is disappointing because it would seem to me that if the customer has decided to take the time to submit an enquiry, it would be only fair to return the time in a response. As such, I make sure this occurs with our own online enquires. All of these enquires are forwarded to our main email address which allows us to respond quickly.

Fourthly, we answer our fax. It wasn't that long ago that faxes were fashionable. Most of our artwork was received via fax (yes, on that thin white paper in black, lined ink!) Most of our invoices were sent via fax. With the implementation and increase in popularity of the email, the fax has almost become extinct. We have chosen to keep the beast alive! We know that many of our customers still use faxes as their main form of electronic communication and we respect their decision to do so. Whilst we enjoy being e-savvy and i-savvy, we also don't want to discriminate any of our customers. As such, we respond to faxes for quotes, artwork specifications and general enquiries as quickly as we do emails or online enquiries.

We continually improve upon these methods of communication. Like all technology, telecommunications is continually evolving and we, in our understanding of this evolution, are alert for new ideas and innovations.

We answer - does your screen printer?

The challenge still stands with no contenders - Zulu Graphics is the best screen printer in Newcastle.

Screen Printing Challenge - Basic Screen Printing Skills

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:24:00 +0000

By Jess
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!

Over the Ocean

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 06:47:00 +0000

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.

Moving In - The New Home

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 06:36:00 +0000

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?

Who do you trust?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:48:00 +0000

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?

Blinded by the Bright - Day 5

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 01:31:00 +0000

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 :)

Blinded by the Bright - Day 4

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 08:08:00 +0000

By Jess

Thursday, 17th April, 2008

Day 4 - Washed and Worn

After washing this polo, whom I have affectionately nicknamed Sunny, I have found that after a good wash (and I washed it with the rest of our washing, in a machine) it is much more comfortable. In fact, it is as comfortable as a t-shirt (except for the buttons at the collar).

Interesting Fact: The most common colour combination bought in hi vis polos at Zulu Graphics is the lime / navy short sleeve. Landscapers prefer to get the lime/bottle, whilst mechanics purchase the orange / navy.

Interesting Fact: The most common print combination is a small left chest print and a full back print and most commonly these prints are in the contrast colour (the colour of the front panel).

Innovation: Tomorrow is high-five-a-hi-vis-guy day; if you see anyone wearing hi vis, I challenge you to high five them and tell them how good a job they are doing. Be sincere and make that person's day!

Tomorrow I will investigate how screen printing works on hi vis (in particular, JB's Dri 100% polyester polos).

From Sunny and I - Goodbye.

Blinded by the Bright - Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:40:00 +0000

By Jess

Wednesday 16th April, 2008

Day 3 - Wet Weather

And on the third day it rained. And was freezing.

But the polo still wears well. It is surprisingly bright in a lasting way.

Interesting fact: Speaking with other embroiderers today, we have agreed that the JB's Dri (and in fact all cool dry material) is relatively easy to embroider and ends up looking quite spiffy. As they are 100% polyester, the embroidery adheres well.

Interesting fact: With our 20 4 20 promotions, it is cheaper to get your garment screen printed instead of embroidered.

Looking forward to a brighter tomorrow

Jess

Blinded by the Bright - Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 06:16:00 +0000

By Jess

Tuesday, 15th April, 2008

Day 2 - Wet

It has been raining and cold all day today. So in response to the many questions we get about whether or not these shirts are cool - indeed, if you do not wear a jacket, they are quite cool in cold conditions.

If it were sunny, it would be interesting to see how the UPF works. I suppose you wouldn't really "see" it working... perhaps you are wondering "what does UPF mean?" Let me investigate.

UPF is the Ultraviolet Protection Factor. Basically, the 50 + UPF that this garment has means that by wearing this polo I am protecting myself against the dangerous Ultraviolet radiation the sun rays contain. And 50+ is classed as Excellent Protection; think of it like Superman standing between you and those UVs!

Interesting fact: As it says on the JB's tag - "Remember that the garment only protects the skin it covers." Good call guys :)

Also, when you are wearing hi vis, it is like you are a magnet for other people wearing hi vis; I walked into Andy's Takeaway (on Sandgate Rd, Shortland - great food, great people!) to find myself waiting with not one, not two, but FIVE other people wearing hi vis.

Interesting fact: I feel a strange affinity with council workers.

Catchya on the bright side (hopefully the sun will come out tomorrow!)

Jess

Blinded by the Bright - Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 06:35:00 +0000

By Jess

Monday, 14th April, 2008

Day 1 - Unwashed.

I have worn the hi vis polo all day; unwashed. My first impression is: wash before you wear.

It is a little stiff and uncomfortable; I will wash it tonight and hopefully the feel of the shirt will change.

Interesting fact: I chose to go with lime and royal for colour combinations as I have never sold one before (and frankly, they are very bright!). To my surprise, when I filled up with petrol this morning there were two men there also wearing the lime and royal hi vis. What are the chances!

Also, I went for my morning walk in this polo (to test its ability to quickly evaporate sweat - what the JB's Dri material does) and am unable to report any findings; it was so cold this morning I think my sweat turned to icicles. I will try again tomorrow morning.

Good deal: We are running a promotion for the next two weeks where you can buy 20 hi vis polos, just like the one I'm wearing, with a one colour print for only $20 including GST per garment. Bargain! Feel free to wait until the end of my test drive to order :)

Don't believe I am really wearing the polo? Feel free to come into our shop, without warning to check.

Catchya on the bright side,

Jess

Blinded by the Bright - The Concept

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 01:50:00 +0000

By Jess

13th April, 2008

I am constantly being asked by customers about the wearability of our garments; are they comfortable? Are they cool? Do they wash well?

I have decided to test them out, starting with the Hi Vis polo. This is a popular product, due to the new work wear standards (they need to be bright so they can be seen easily) but just how cool is it?

Garment Code: 6HVPS or 6LPTS (Womens)
Garment Name: Traditional Short Sleeve High Vis Polo
Supplier: Johhny Bobbin
Official Website:
http://www.johnnybobbin.com/www/272/1001127/displayproduct/1012508.html

Quick Description:
50+ UPF Protection
Australian and New Zealand Saftey Standard Compliant
High Visibility
100% Polyester
JB's Dri

Colour Combination: Lime/Black, Lime/Navy, Lime/Bottle,
Lime/Royal, Lime/Maroon, Orange/Black, Orange/Navy

Testing Conditions: 1 week of wear, worn and washed for 5 working days undergoing standard duties.

Come in this week and be blinded by the bright!

One big deal

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:33:00 +0000

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!

Look on the bright side...

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 01:51:00 +0000

By Jess

5th April, 2008

Let's take a jump back in time...

The year is 2006.

Brokeback Mountain won best picture and Superman Returns.

Melbourne hosted the Commonwealth Games.

Brothers and Sisters was born. So was Ugly Betty.

West Coast Eagles and the Broncos were premiers. So was Morris Iemma

I was in year 12. We had a fluoro day. It was not fashionable...and fluoro was really hard to find.

Since 2006, fluoro seems to have taken a big fashionable leap into department stores. You can buy fluoro everything from almost anywhere and you can wear it wherever and whenever you want.

Now, Ramo has released the fluoro hoodie in lime, hot pink and yellow. Why not check it out here?

They have also just introduced a wide range of hoodies for the 2008 Winter season.

I am going to order a fluoro hoodie... you never know when I might be crossing the road in the dark and be saved by the brightness of my fleecy.

And it never hurts to look on the bright side :)

Where am I?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:47:00 +0000

By Jess

3rd April, 2008

I have heard that a couple of people are having trouble finding there way around the new website (we have changed a few of the navigation names), so I have uploaded a sitemap to make it easier.

You can get to the sitemap by clicking here. You can also look at it by clicking on a link from the home page.

It includes what is on a few of the key pages (eg. what happens when you click on "What", what is in screen printing).

If you are still having trouble, why not let me know what the problem is and I'll see if I can sort it out.

In The Online Press

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 05:07:00 +0000

By Jess

2nd April, 2008

Our newsletter release was published on the Wide Format Online website.

Our first "press release"!

You can view it by clicking here.

It contains quotes from both Mark and Diana about our business and the launch of the newsletter -

"We have launched our website so that we can supply our quality products to a wider range of people... " - Diana, read more -->

"It can be a challenge to follow a design from artwork through to final print and achieve quality at each step of the way..." - Mark, read more -->

Wide Format Online also sponsored our latest newsletter.