Can anyone recommend a T-shirt screenprinter in Auckland?

**jrandom** · 16th November 2007, 12:51

As per thread title.

I have a small run of T-shirts I'd like to get printed up with a design of my own. Far too small a number to go to the big commercial printers. I spoke to some on the phone today, and they don't get interested unless you're doing production runs in the hundreds or thousands.

Can anyone recommend a company?

They will need to be able to use a photographic emulsion process to handle a reasonable number of different shades in a full-colour design.

**MSTRS:Me** · 16th November 2007, 12:54

Can't you do them yourself, using a flipped image on that iron-on canon paper? A heatpress makes a better job than a handheld iron but...

**jrandom** · 16th November 2007, 12:57

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Can't you do them yourself, using a flipped image on that iron-on canon paper?

I want a quality job that won't fall apart after two washes.

Or even six months worth of washes.

**MSTRS:Me** · 16th November 2007, 12:59

Do them right and they aren't too bad. But hear what you are saying. Give Decrastrip a call 09 828 9391 - they are wholesalers to the sign industry. Perhaps they will know of someone who will do small runs.

**SpankMe** · 16th November 2007, 13:28

http://www.esponline.co.nz/ They do the KB shirts. You wont find any better.

**SpankMe** · 16th November 2007, 13:31

Or just use CafePress. Free to setup and you can order any amount of shirts. Quality isn't as good as the shirts from ESP thou.

**jrandom** · 16th November 2007, 13:35

Originally Posted by SpankMe

http://www.esponline.co.nz/ They do the KB shirts. You wont find any better.

Ah, yes. They do full-colour CMYK printing. Good. I've been running into hassles finding someone who does.

I shall go with them.

Ta!

I won't use CafePress because they don't print onto the back of dark colour T-shirts, for some reason, and also, yes, I want the best quality possible.

**MSTRS:Me** · 16th November 2007, 13:43

If I understand you Dan, you want printed photos?? Screenprint won't do a great job of that cos it's one colour and dry, one colour and dry etc. Setup is usually quite expensive too (there's a guy here that is the cheapest I've heard of at $45 per colour/screen).
You really need a digital print/transfer process...

**Stickchick** · 16th November 2007, 13:43

Originally Posted by jrandom

Ah, yes. They do full-colour CMYK printing. Good. I've been running into hassles finding someone who does.

I shall go with them.

Ta!

I won't use CafePress because they don't print onto the back of dark colour T-shirts, for some reason, and also, yes, I want the best quality possible.

They don't print onto the back of dark T-shirts because to do so they would have to put a white base down first for the picture to show through properly.

**jrandom** · 16th November 2007, 13:47

Originally Posted by MSTRS

You really need a digital print/transfer process...

ESP appear to offer something appropriate. Am I reading their website wrongly?

**jrandom** · 16th November 2007, 13:48

Originally Posted by Stickchick

They don't print onto the back of dark T-shirts because to do so they would have to put a white base down first for the picture to show through properly.

Well, well. I learn something every day!

**BIGBOSSMAN** · 16th November 2007, 13:54

Originally Posted by jrandom

Ah, yes. They do full-colour CMYK printing. Good. I've been running into hassles finding someone who does.

I shall go with them.

Ta!

I won't use CafePress because they don't print onto the back of dark colour T-shirts, for some reason, and also, yes, I want the best quality possible.

Speak to Alan at ESP and mention my name (for a slap 'round the chops) for a discount. He fitted Biggles08 with a rather tasty 'Tradeshow girl' outfit last year - it looked primo!
Great guy, known him for over 20 years.

Gary

**MSTRS:Me** · 16th November 2007, 14:01

Originally Posted by jrandom

ESP appear to offer something appropriate. Am I reading their website wrongly?

Yes, I think you are. They ask for artwork as layered, grouped colours with the original photo for comparison. That means they want vector images which are cuttable in the same process I use. This is so they can create the individual colour screens. ie They do not do a digital print/release job - they do screenprinting = not what you asked for in your first post.
I really think the only way you will get what you want is to compromise on longevity and do the print/transfer thing I mentioned first

**jrandom** · 16th November 2007, 14:08

Originally Posted by MSTRS

That means they want vector images which are cuttable in the same process I use.

I do have the artwork in vector format.

Originally Posted by MSTRS

I really think the only way you will get what you want is to compromise on longevity and do the print/transfer thing I mentioned first

I think I'd actually prefer to have the vectorised artwork done per-colour, maybe with some colour shade simplification, and then screenprinted, if that will result in better longevity.

**SpankMe** · 16th November 2007, 14:08

After looking at your pic you want done, there's no reason why ESP can't do it. It just needs converting into vectored. They may be able to do it for you at a cost.

They do all Illicit clothing which is just as detailed.

Yes, I wouldn't mind one myself.