percentage of open screen area to image area

[sweetts]

Is there a ratio or amount of open area (non image area) you should have on your screen for optimum image quality? To put it another way what is the maximum image I should print off a 20x24 or 24x31 screen? I have been reading way too much and I have been seeing ranges from 40-82 percent image to screen area. I typically will go as large as 14.25 inches wide and 17 inches tall on a 20x24  screen is that typical? What is the standard sizes off that size screen?

[Frog]

Someone probably has the actual figures, but you have two things to consider.
1. Different tension (and printing characteristics) as you approach the frame, and
2. Room for an ink well and to clear the image comfortably with your squeegee

[sweetts]

I have printed some big prints and ended up reducing them because of weird things going on on the edges but was wondering what would be a standard amount of space on the edges 1.5-1.75 inch on the sides seems to work but should I allow more room?   

[frogtest]

Well, as I said, someone out there has a formula, but I shoot for 2.5" on each side minimum. I rarely stray over 12" on my 17" ID frame.

and yes, I'm a civilian at the moment.

[Chadwick]

That's an interesting question.
I'm not into spec numbers or any of that, but a good general rule, for me at least, is this.

Keep the images' size as close to less than a one inch ( at least ) border on your pallete,
and things are nice when you've got a couple inches ( again, at least ) border on your screen.
This sort of situation makes me smile.

Doesn't always work that way of course ( I'm a grumpy pr*ck most days ),
but room too maneuver is always good.
Screen printing works best when you can keep it as close as you can to an optimal situation.
Find where yours is and go with it.

[sweetts]

12 inches max wow I have been pushing it, but I do find my smaller prints run much smoother. I think the next two jobs will be at 12 -12.5 and see if things go smoother. I know at times I can see a slight difference on the edges when I get it up around 14 inches. Good stuff thanks

[Fresh Baked Printing]

When it's a must to print a larger image, my rule of thumb is 2" from the frame. I Generally use 18" X 20" Newmans.

[3Deep]

Sweets on a manual you can get away with a little taller print on 20x24 but width wise it suffers...now on my auto I can print right up to a 14 wide by 14 ,15 1/2 if I set my squeegge just right with no problems, but im more like Frog 12 1/2 x 13 is good for me on the 20x24 frames.

Darryl

[sweetts]

I have been shooting for consistency but have varied my image size, over looking the obvious I guess?

[Gilligan]

Very good discussion... I'm taking notes.

[Denis Kolar]

I did designs as big as 12.75x15.5" on 20x24" screen, and I would not suggest it.
It was a small run of shirts that I did for myself, but I would never do that for customer. I tell them that my max is 12x14.

On the other hand, my printer prints only 13" wide, so that would prevent me from even going bigger (yes, I can turn the print sideways too).

[sweetts]

Awesome thanks for the help, Todays chapter was on mesh size and open space in the weave, so money questions.... The more I learn the more I realize I dont know sh*t