Alright let’s take a look at Simulated Process and CMYK screen-printing methods. To fully understand what they are and why they are so commonly used you must first understand that screen-printing has two major limitations when it comes to full color renderings.
First let’s just say that screen-printing is limited to 7-8 colors, our largest press is a 10 color but rarely do we set up projects that contain more than 6 colors, anything more typically isn’t cost effective for the customer. Secondly screen-printing is a spot color process, you can only print 100% of a color, any graduation is done with halftones that simulate opacity.
If you don’t fully understand those last two sentences no worries, I’ve prepared some visuals to assist us as we go. Also check out this article for a basic understanding of the screen-printing process.
Alright let’s start with CMYK printing. CMYK is a deductive color system meaning that it subtracts colors from white (white being all the colors in the visible spectrum) the same way your desktop printer uses Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black (or Key color). That also means that it only works on white, very light grey or natural colored sub-straights. It sounds crazy but it’s really simple. It’s just seperating the CMYK channels and half-toning them. We print CMYK with specially formulated semi transparent inks that combine to simulate about a million colors.
Advantages of CMYK is that it can be done in 4 screens, disadvantage is that like I mentioned above it only works on light colored garments. Another note on this is that it works best on high-density finer knits.
Next we have Simulated Process printing. Unlike CMYK the Simulated Process system uses fully opaque inks making it applicable on dark colored sub-straights. Separating the art is a little more difficult than the methods used on CMYK but the principles are the same. You create channels from the art file and use halftones to simulate values of any one print color. Most art can be achieved in about 6 colors.
The advantages with Simulated Process is that it works on any color garment and is far less finicky than CMYK on courser sub-straights such as fleece. It also has a lot of advantages when it comes to art that contains a lot of spot color.
Hopefully this has been an informative read that will help assist you when engaging in a print project. Feel free to reach out with any questions!
Daisley Gordon2021-09-02We've worked with The Foundry for two projects. Logo'ed kitchen towels which we sell and custom embroidered custom aprons for a special group of out staff at Café Campagne We were very happy with the results.
Peter Keckemet2021-08-30Great to work with, very helpful in getting concept to product.
Janet Charbonnier2021-08-24We love The Foundry! We too are a small business and appreciate working with another small local business. The communication was on spot, our bags and patches were perfect and our job was done in a timely manner. You guys rock!!!
jeremiah robinson2021-08-04These guys were awesome to work with! Not only were they more than helpful with the process of getting my shop custom shirts and hats, but also helped with getting the image I wanted to come to life a reality. Very helpful and easy to work with! highly recommend for your next project.
Nina Arranza-Riley2021-08-03I chose Foundry out of the many print shops available to us nearby because of their stellar communication and follow-up, plus they made the shirt-making and ordering so easy for me to understand! I have no knowledge of screen printing and shirts whatsoever, but with Clint and Kara's help I was able to pick and design one for my company AND THEY TURNED OUT AMAZING! Seriously, I can't thank you guys enough. The people at the Foundry are kind, helpful, patient and professional, answering my many questions and easing my worries. Project was completed on time and on budget, shipped fast, shirts were comfortable and the designs well printed. I am absolutely going back here in the future.
BS_creativeDir.2021-05-05Working with Foundry was a wonderful experience. Clint was professional and he helped us tremendously. I will most definitely do more business with Foundry. Foundry is A1.
Aimee Peck2021-04-15Great experience with The Foundry! They were able to do a project super fast and the end result was awesome! I will be working with them again.
Drew Mortenson2021-03-31Fantastic customer service with friendly employees and high quality prints. They are great at accommodating for their customers and making sure that everything comes out absolutely perfectly. Definitely recommend for anyone who needs quality screen printing services!
Liv Nagler2021-03-29The Foundry ROCKS!! So quick to respond and able to accommodate anything we threw at them! I can't wait to order from the team again!
Marcus Hahnemann2021-03-29I got awesome service and some really cool swag for my new business. Forrest talked me through best bang for my buck and with some high-quality items. The logos turned out great in my members at the Cle Elum Back9 love the gear. I’ve already had to re-order some more gear.
