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How to register

Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 5:43 pm
by mac3687
I do a lot of basic screen printing for myself/friends, but I'm having a hard time figuring out how to line up a multi color print. I understand the idea of adding the bullseye registration marks, but thats as far as a I can figure it out. I'e been printing with my frames 'loose', not actually attached to a four arm setup or anything. I was thinking about buying Speedballs hinges or building myself a multi arm setup, but even then, once I have my four arms all registered, what do I do after I print the first color of a shirt? As soon as I move it, it wont matter if I had previously registered it. Or do I go to the next color? And if I do that over wet ink, I'll end up making a mess. I must be missing something here :(

Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2007 11:08 pm
by yaleteamsandtees
As I understand your current set up, there is almost no way to register multi color prints.

An inexpensive single station 4 color press might be the best way to go.

Are you trying to do this as a hobby or to make some money?

Maybe finding a local shop to do the multi color work for you is the way to go.

Toss out some more info and we'll see if we can help out.

-Rob

MULTI-COLOR

Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 12:24 pm
by 5thQuarter
I bought a Printa System 770. It has worked great for me with multi-color (up to 6 colors). I like the way Printa has the "pin registration". However, I am going to be purchasing a Riley Hopkins 6/4 with micro joystick registration and a new exposure unit (not sure which yet). Now I am a bit nervious about multi-color. Can any of you experts out there tell me your method of burning multi-color screens? I know about several "add on" products you can purchase, but most of them require attaching something to the frame. I know this has been done for years without all the gizmos. Any suggestions on methods, techniques and products would be greatly apprecaited.

Re: How to register

Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2010 8:18 am
by hnama
I was in a very similar situation a year ago. I got some hinges and a dumpstered table, and since then it's been 100x easier. I would consider them a necessity not only to registration for multiple colors, but also to make sure the shirts/paper are consistently aligned correctly.

After you get those installed and do a few test prints to make sure the stencil and ink is working properly, before yo ubegin your run of whatever it is, take a few pieces of acetate, bigger than your printed area for that particular color, tape one side of it to the table or edge of the table, and print directly onto it. Remove it, place the garment/paper/etc. down underneath the transparency and align it from there.

That's the cheapest, most effective method I've found, and as long as you're willing to accept the fact that you'll most likely have to print a run & a half to get a good edition, it just takes time.