Simulated Process Color

This print method can save you money if you have a compatible design & want to try something new. Understanding this process is key if you plan to use it with your Custom T-shirt Order.

What is Simulated Process Screen Printing?

In simple terms, Simulated Process Screen Printing is a method of printing photorealistic images without using the standard CMYK separations.
It is a more advanced technique that uses halftones of a few ink colors to represent the colors in the original design. We like to say the image looks like “ full color process” (CMYK), but it isn’t. This process differs from Four Color Process (CMYK) in that the inks are solid opaque colors usually printed on dark colored shirts. Because the shirts colors are normally dark, simulated processgenerally requires the use of a white base. We use Simulated Process because it works best on darker garments such as black or brown. We are able to achieve this while still using soft-hand (water-based) inks which makes the final product more professional in both look and feel.
Watch Tagless Threads Simulated Process Screen Printing

Why this process requires a knowledgeable print company:

This process is difficult because unlike most printers, we are using soft-hand inks while staying true to the desired color. We accomplish this by printing on a base of white ink while maintaining the integrity of the true colors in the design. This is a tedious & tough task. One of the “secrets” of great simulated process color is that the print needs to stand on it’s own. This means that while it might be faithful to the majority of the original art, it should be bright and detailed. There are many variables that can add to the difficulty such as shirt composition, ink opacities, poor original artwork. It is key that the artwork is as highresolution (300 required) and clean and crisp as possible. When you see an extraordinary print that has detail and edge definition, it came from an extraordinary original that had detail and edge definition. If you take an image that is 72 resolution and the size of a wallet photo and blow it up to 300 resolution for a T-shirt you will have a “soft” or “pixelated” 300 resolution image. Once in the computer at the correct size and resolution, we process the design through a special program that automates the difficult separation process. We use a program that will adjust the art into channels so that the final print on the shirt will match the original artwork as best as possible. This is the part that takes skill and applied experience from our art department. Once the adjustments are finished, the separations are printed out as usual. Simulated process requires relatively high mesh counts and screen frequencies. Depending on the design, three to eight ink colors may be needed to accurately reproduce all subtle color variations. There are many money-saving solutions you can choose as well. Some Clients like to use this method by choosing a black and white effect with a “pop” of color to cut down on costs.

 

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