I'll be printing on golf towels for the first time..any tips?

[Mark @ Hurricane Printing]

Just got an order in to do 500 golf towels. I have never printed on a towel before. I have not seen the art yet nor do I know how many colors involved...I hope to get this info today (I'm being contracted thru the guy that handles the embroidery side of things for my biz).

Is there anything unique I need to know about printing on towels? (I'm running a manual press <8/8 chameleon>). I have been told to use waterbased ink....other than that I know nothing about the process....should I use a certain squeege? Things like that I'm clueless on so I figured I'd ask you guys & gals..the pros!

Mark

[Denis Kolar]

TIP......... outsource it   

Just kidding, I would be interested in hearing the tips too. Never printed on towels

[mk162]

you can use waterbase, or use a good amout of curable reducer or softee base.  that will help the ink soak in.  Waterbase is still better.  Is your emulsion WB ready?

[Mark @ Hurricane Printing]

you can use waterbase, or use a good amout of curable reducer or softee base.  that will help the ink soak in.  Waterbase is still better.  Is your emulsion WB ready?

yes..I have waterbased emulsion

[Gabe]

it all depends on the color print if it`s dark ink on light towels
you can follow MK advice plastisol ink with good portion of softhand or curable reducer
it also works with good results not great but good

[sweetts]

Lower mesh count 80 ish

Sent  from samsung gem(the worst smart phone ever)

[LuxInks]

We print towels all the time. just be sure that enough ink is layed down. Also, make sure that it's cured properly as a towel absorbs a lot of ink, and takes a bit longer to cure.
Good luck man and congrats on the order!
Paul

[Mark @ Hurricane Printing]

We print towels all the time. just be sure that enough ink is layed down. Also, make sure that it's cured properly as a towel absorbs a lot of ink, and takes a bit longer to cure.
Good luck man and congrats on the order!
Paul

thanks..but its not etched in stone just yet.

[Frog]

Whether you get the job or not, this may be a good time to order a few towels, and experiment in-between other jobs,
Knowing first hand what it involves may also help you quote more accurately, and also describe, and maybe even show an example of the finished product to your potential clients.

Many printed towels are not nearly as effective for wiping perspiration as blank towels. They can get a little "crunchy" and stiff, and abrasive, especially if dark printed with light.

If an order is large enough, a design can be woven in to during manufacture.

[Frog]

There are towels, and then there are towels. In other words, I've seen quite a range. The last ones I got were real cheapies that were un-knotted, or what ever the term is, and each piece of the pile could merely be pulled out.
Make sure that you and your client know what they expect and what they will get.

Someone else will have to steer you towards what's what, and what's out there today though, as I haven't touched one in years.

[Prosperi-Tees]

I have printed Anvil promo towels with a based down plastisol. But the towels were not intended for normal towel use, just prop use so it didnt really matter if it held up or not.

[Frog]

As I said, that's fine as long as that's what the client specifies, or at least approves.