Screen Printing Tools

Screen Printing Tools

Match the platen to the part of the garment

Start at the garment

Start at the garment, with the artwork held where you want it. Note which seams or closures would lie under the screen and how much of the garment opening must slide over the board. A platen that supports a broad shirt design can be awkward on a narrow sleeve. A narrow board can fit the sleeve but leave too little support beneath a large print.

Compare three kinds of support

Compare the 10 × 14-inch youth board for smaller shirt bodies and the 18 × 22-inch 009010 for a broader support. For sleeves, compare the narrow QOMOLANGMA board and its mounting requirements. For a small pocket or tag, the Ecotex plate clamps to an existing board within the stated 1/8- to 1-inch thickness range and raises the work by 3/4 inch. The raised surface changes the screen clearance, so check the press’s adjustment before buying it.

Make a clearance check

Before printing, check the seam position, support height and screen clearance together. A clamp-on accessory changes the surface height. A replacement board also needs a mounting bracket that fits the actual press arm.

Source documentation

Guide questions

Do I start from the press or the garment?

Start with the garment and image for support shape. Then check whether the resulting board and bracket can fit the press.

When would a pocket plate be too small?

Measure where the design needs to sit. A long sleeve mark may need support along more of the fabric than the short attachment provides.

Can one bracket fit every board?

Verify the mounting points on the board, the attachment to the arm and what hardware comes in the offer.

Compare the tools in this guide

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