Screen Printing FAQ

Spot color is a pre-assigned color that is not made by mixing other colors together. OSI uses spot colors that corresponds with the Pantone Color System. Pantone color system is a series of colors with assigned numbers and exact formulas for recreating those colors with pigments. This is the standard color system used throughout the creative industry.

Process color is blending of 4 primary colors (CMYK- Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) using a series of dots to create all the colors of the spectrum. Process color screen printing usually requires a more complex set up and higher costs, so we would like to review the project before quoting. Textiles require adjusting regular CMYK separations. The ridges and rows of filaments and fibers create interference patterns with the dots, and the irregularities in the surface generally produce a softer look. Areas with solid blocks of colors like text reproduce better when they are on their own screen. Most full color designs can be reproduced more faithfully on textiles with a series of spot colors instead of CMYK.

As an alternative, we offer Digital on Garment printing with a few limitations and no setup costs.

Every color in a design needs to be on a separate screen for printing. Solid blocks of color are often easily separated, while gradations require extra finesse to translate for screen printing. Photographs that you see in a magazine or newspaper are usually separated in CMYK files, or four different transparent colors Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. Each color prints tiny dots of different sizes that overlap with the other colors to create the illusion of a tonal image. This is called Process printing.

A base is used when printing light colors on dark materials in order to keep the fabric color from showing through the ink. A white base is applied first and then flash dried. The other light colors go on top of the base. A base counts as a print color, even when you can't see it. For example, If you wanted to print a hot pink logo on a black shirt, that would be a 2 color job with standard inks. Certain ink colors are available in high opacity versions that can look acceptable on dark colors without a base, depending on the design and coverage area. On 100% cotton garments you can skip a base by using water based discharge inks.

In addition to the standard locations, we have printed on almost every possible area on a garment.

We offer ink matching through the Pantone Color System. If you don't have a Pantone matching book (and why would you?) you can come in and pick your colors at OSI.

Yes, but some medium to dark colors may require an additional screen for a base.

Most of the time yes, but sometimes an additional charge may apply for synthetic materials.

Yes. Hats & visors can be printed on. The process has more restrictions than with flat garments and as such is limited to 6 colors.

This is called a “press proof”. A press proof is recommended for large quantities, or other complex jobs. Please request a press proof when you place your order.

Yes, a mid-run ink color change can be easily accommodated and a small charge will be applied.

Print sizes Standard Print - 13.75” W x 16” H Oversize Print - 20” W x 30” H Additional charges may apply for oversized prints.