Decorated Apparel Blog

Custom apparel is an ideal way to promote a business or nonprofit organization, particularly if the apparel is distributed a number of different ways. This can include providing employees with apparel, such as custom t-shirts, to wear during work hours or at promotional events, or giving customized apparel away to potential clients among other possibilities. Do the necessary research before choosing custom apparel for a business to gain as many benefits as possible. 

When estimating the number of screens needed to produce a custom screen printed order, designers and brokers alike are often unsure whether or not their design will need a preliminary white under base for the best print. The print colors in the design plays a part, but generally it’s the shirt color that determines whether or not an under base is needed.

Q:I know that “dark” garments need an under base, but is royal (or red, or orange...) considered a dark garment?

A: By “dark” screen printers mean any shirt that is a color or vibrant. This includes, but is not limited to, black, navy, purple, red, royal, green, yellow, gold, charcoal - basically any color that would not be considered pastel. If your shirt color is anything other than white or a pastel, you will likely need an under base.

Logo embroidery adds a one-of-a-kind custom touch to any garment. Hobby clubs, organizations, small businesses, and corporations can all benefit from this type of apparel. It will help members of a company stand out at a trade show, identify various teams at a tournament, or give all the members a sense of belonging and solidarity, no matter what kind of group they belong to. When arranging for logo embroidery, there are several important points to consider.

What is screen printing? Screen printing is the method for transferring an image onto fabric using a mesh fabric stencil stretched over a frame. It's a great way to create uniforms, logo shirts and just about any kind of promotional shirt you need. There are a few things you need to know about custom screen printing before you dive in.

Pantone® colors are invaluable tools in most graphics related fields. However, when it comes to screen printing on dark t-shirts and other textiles, some Pantone® colors don’t print precisely like the chip or fan book. The following is a list of 5 colors to avoid if at all possible because you may not get what you expect.

When it comes to the decorating of apparel, embroidery can be considered the alpha when stacked up against its counterparts - screen print and digital print. A fully formed practice for a long time, embroidery is used to decorate polos, caps, bags, luggages, and much more. When talking custom embroidery for decorated apparel, its important to understand the options available to you, as well as the process involved.

It’s amazing how much has changed in the custom apparel decoration industry in the past decade - let alone the 25+ years Sharprint has been open. Technology in screen printing and embroidery have taken huge leaps, including the ability to print all-over designs on t-shirts and digitizing for embroidery in a matter of hours. Of course, digital printing is one of the latest and greatest improvements that has yet to reach it’s potential. Upon looking at some old Sharprint infographics the other day, I realized there are some things that haven’t changed at all.

Regardless of whether one is concerned or not about this planet and its environment, there are countless benefits to wearing organic clothing. It’s likely the majority of individuals who wear organic clothing, aren’t even aware of it. The one’s who do wear sustainable clothing, are aware, and are consciously making the effort to better the planet with their actions. Hopefully by the end of this article you’ll be inspired to consciously choose your outfit material, and want to rework your entire wardrobe with organic clothing.

Carlos Ballesteros joined the Sharprint team almost two years ago. We lucked out, for sure. He's an incredible production manager, and has brought so much more than kick butt numbers. 

What's better than screen printed posters and beer? Screen printed posters and beer for a good reason.

Screens 'N' Suds began in 2009 as a collaboration between Brian Gearing, Sam Verrill and Ric Hersh. The yearly beer and screen print poster event started out in Richmond, Va and is making it's debut in Chicago with the help of Andrew Lautner and Matt Herakovich. All proceeds from Screens 'N' Suds table along with door donations go to The National MS Society.

The timing couldn't be more perfect. Chicago's beer inspired art show and tasting will be on the eve of the infamous Dark Lord Day. Expect to see prints from the likes of Pollock Prints, Screwball Press, and more of your favorite Chi-town poster artists. Sharprint will be printing up some t-shirts designed especially for the event. Breweries representing will be Goose Island, Metropolitan, and Breckenridge for starters.

There's more folks...check this out:
For the week leading up to the event, stop in Nightwood Restaurant for special plates that will also benefit MS Society. If you haven't been there - now is the perfect opportunity. Soooo delicious.

Here's the skinny on the art show & tasting:
Friday, April 27 from 6-11
@ Pilsen Social Club
1804 South Racine - 4th Floor
$5 suggested donation
DJ Pikel Per

Come on out. Drink some beer. Get some art.