Creating a vintage underbase in screen printing is an essential technique to get a soft and worn aspect on the T -shirt while maintaining the sustainability of printing. Whether you are an experienced printer or just starting, this technique will help you produce designs in high quality difficulties that attract retro and pioneering markets.
This guide will guide you through the best methods, materials and techniques to get the classic side effect in the screen printing.
Table of Contents
What Is a Vintage Underbase in Screen Printing?
A vintage underbase is a technique used in screen printing to create a softer and faded look instead of a heavy feeling and plasticky. It is a question about the use of ink deposits or modifications to allow a part of the shirt to show, which gives it a more breathable and retro retro aesthetic.
Advantages of the use of a Vintage Underbase:
- Soft Hand Feel: Less ink meaning printing more comfortable and moving.
- Breathability: ideal for light and soft clothes.
- Classic Look: made a popular and classic fashion call in fashion.
- Cost Efficiency: Reduce ink saving equipment and money.
Source of Essential Supplies for a Vintage Underbase
Before starting, make sure you have the right materials to get a high quality classical print.
Screen Printing Equipment:
- Screens: 110 to 156 Mesh screen better works for classical prints.
- Plastisol or Water-Based Ink: Adjusted for a thinner, semi-transparent look.
- Squeegees: from middle to light (usually 70-75)
- Press and Dryer: A manual or automatic press, along with a flash dryer or conveyor dryer.
- Reducer or Extender Base: is used to brighten ink and get a softer appearance.
Best T-Shirt Blanks for Vintage Printing:
- Tri-blends (50/25/25 Poly/Cotton/Rayon) – Ideal for soft and faint appearance..
- 100% Cotton (Ring-Spun) – Provides a classic and breathable facility for vintage prints.
- Burnout or Heathered Fabrics – Naturally give a distressed appearance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Vintage Underbase
Step 1: Select the Right Underbase Ink
For a vintage effect, you must modify your underbase ink by:
- Using a Light Gray Instead of White: A muted underbase creates a softer finish.
- Adding a Curable Reducer: This helps to brighten ink without affecting sustainability.
- Mix an additive with soft hands: improves the feeling and flexibility of the fabric.
Step 2: Adjusting Your Screen Mesh Count
- Lower Mesh (110-156) – allows multiple overtaking inks, ideal for softer prints.
- Higher Mesh (200-230) – Helps control ink deposits, creating fading effects.
Step 3: Printing the Underbase Layer
- Use a Single Stroke Print: Avoid excessive the shirt with ink.
- Flash Cure Lightly: Only cure enough to be touch-dry.
- Ensure Soft Edges: A heavy print will make the underbase too bold.
Step 4: Adding a Vintage Top Layer
- Reduce Ink Opacity: Use 50% ink and 50% reducer for a more wash effect.
- Distressed Screen Effects: Consider using a halftone or rough texture in your artwork.
- Print With an Off-Contact Setup: increases the consistency of the ink warehouse for a lighter touch.
Step 5: Proper Curing and Finishing
- heat adjustment at 320 ° F for plastisol or 300 ° F for water -based ink.
- uses a thermostat with a kraft leaf for a softer feeling.
- Check washing to ensure sustainability.
Fix Common Issues
Issue: Print Feels Too Heavy
- Use less ink and higher mesh screen.
- Increase squeegee angle to charge less ink.
- Reduce flash curing time to avoid excess ink accumulation.
Issue: Design Seems Too Bright
- Use a light gray underbase instead of white.
- Add a reducer to dull down the color intensity.
- prints less lines for fuzzy effects.
Issue: Ink Does Not Comply Properly
- Ensure proper curing temperature.
- Use high-quality garments with minimal fabric treatment.
- Increase off-contact setting to allow ink to adjust correctly.
Conclusion
Mastering the vintage underbase in screen printing requires the appropriate balance between the selection of ink, technique, and garment selection. Whether you are printed on cotton fabric, tri-blend or heather, using the correct number of meshes, adjusting the blurring of the ink and applying a suitable hardening process will help you create high-quality, soft-hand prints that stand the test of time.
are you ready to enhance your vintage screen printing game? Start testing with these techniques and find the perfect combination for your brand!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I get a vintage look using water-based inks?
yes! Squid is based on naturally embedded water into the fabric, creating a soft and breathable print with a vintage feeling.
How do I create a distressed or faint look without special software?
uses a half -tone model or a rough brush structure on your design before burning the screen.
The best way to check the vintage effect before adequate production?
Print some tests on different fabrics and adjust your ink thickness and hard time accordingly.
Can I use discharge ink for a vintage underbase?
Yes, discharge ink helps eliminate dye from the fabric, creating a soft and natural print, but it works best on 100% cotton garments.
How can I guarantee that my prints are durable despite using less ink?
Proper curing is key. Ensure that ink reaches full curing temperature and use high-quality additives to improve washing.