Frequently Asked Questions
Screen printing is a methodical, detailed process of stenciling single and multi-color images with ink through a screen using a squeegee.
The process starts with a design. From this design vector artwork is created. If the design is more than one color, the colors need to be separated into individual files. Each file is sent to a camera house to create film positives, and we use this film to create a stencil in a screen.
A film positive can also be hand-cut from masking material called rubylith. While tedious, cutting rubylith is a fun, old-school way to make color separations... but takes some skill to master.
A screen is just that - a fine meshed screen attached to a frame.
The screen is coated with photosensitive emulsion.
When the emulsion is dry, a film positive or transparency can be placed on the screen and be exposed to light.
Where the film is transparent, the light can shine through, hardening the emulsion.
Wherever the light is blocked by the opaque parts of the film, the emulsion stays soft and can be washed out with water.
This leaves an area of the screen open, like a hole in a stencil, for ink to go through.
After a screen is "burned", it can be set up on press.
If there is more than one screen, registration is needed to make sure each color prints in the right place.
Once the screens are set up, the ink colors are mixed and are pushed through the screen using a squeegee.
Leaving a print on your substrate which can be a
t-shirt, paper, or in this case: fabric.
- Fill out the custom order form
- You will receive a quote from us with information on how to email your artwork
- Adjustments to your order or artwork are made if necessary
- You give final approval of the quote and artwork
- After a deposit is made, we print your shirts
- When your order is completed we will contact you for pick up and payment
Shipping is available for those not local to Portland. If you require shipping, please let us know so we can figure it into your quote.
Yes we do... crewnecks, hoodies, and full zip sweatshirts are available. Jersey-knit sportshirts, long sleeve shirts, aprons and tote bags too.
Take a look through our apparel catalog to see the current styles we have to choose from.
We do not print on fleece, and thickly textured fabric like piqúe sportshirts can cause your print to look spotty. Embroidery is a better option for these fabrics.
Yes, we can provide:
- individual names on front left chest
- individual names across shoulders
- team name across shoulders
- team name on sleeves or pant leg
- individual numbers large on back
- individual name and number large on back
Individual names and numbers are special ordered cad-cut vinyl transfers from Stahls. There are many fonts and colors to choose from... even flock, glitter, and neon options.
There is a minimum order quantity of (5) names per order. If you would like more information on this service, please send an email and we'll respond shortly.
It is good to figure 10 business days from the time your order is placed, although sometimes Gregg can turn orders around within a week.
An order is considered "placed" only after your artwork is finalized and you send an approval of the quote via e-mail.
Even though shirt styles are highly subjective, these are the shirt styles we prefer and print the most here at Phantom Chicken.
Basic 6.1oz 100% cotton shirt: Gildan 2000 / Hanes 5250
Basic 6.1oz 100% ringspun cotton shirt: Hanes Beefy 5180
Lightweight 4.2oz 100 ring-spun cotton shirt: Canvas 3001
Ladies Lightweight 4.2oz 100 ring-spun cotton shirt: Bella 6004
Here is a link to our apparel catalog so you can compare and contrast.
We highly recommend checking size charts before placing your order!
Roll over or click on links below for size charts.
Gildan Ultra Cotton Size Chart
Gidan Soft Style Size Chart
Bella Ladies Size Chart
Bella Missy Size Chart
Canvas Size Chart
Hanes Size Chart
Jerzees Size Chart
Anvil Size Chart
American Apparel Size Chart
While we don't have minimums, we do have screen set up charges that are the same whether you print 1 shirt or 100. So it will be more economical if you order more shirts to offset the set up.
We also offer digital heat transfers for custom single shirt orders. Currently, these can only be printed on white shirts. Image area for these transfers goes up to 8"x10". Turn around time for a transfer order is 3 business days. We will not create designs for single shirt orders.To initiate an order, a 50% deposit on the quote is requested.
The balance is due upon completion of the order.
Payments can be made with cash, check or money order.
If you would prefer to make a payment with a credit card, please let us know and we will send a money request via Paypal which will include a 3% service charge.
Yes, we print posters and other flatstock like wedding invitations and music packaging. In fact, poster printing is our passion! Unlike most screen print shops, we print everything by hand ~ no vacuum table or semi-automatic press here... just a tabletop and arm power.
It takes real time to "hand-pull" our posters, so we like to keep print runs under 100 pieces. Our largest image area for a poster is 17"x23" which works well with an 18"x24" size.
Because each color in a print requires it's own screen and set up, one-color images are the most economical. We can collaborate with you to come up with ideas that make your flatstock project unique.
Gregg has also been screen printing other projects in the studio. Printing on flat surfaces like wood or plexiglass is always fun. Single-color powder-coated projects have been coming through the studio too, like metal amps and guitar pedals.
These kind of projects have a lot of variables, so we ask that you set up an appointment with us so we can discuss in detail and see an actual sample of what you would like to have printed. Some projects are not a good fit for our studio, but we will try to accommodate your request.
For T-shirts:
Union Maxopaque
Union Plasticharge (discharge)
QCM
For Posters:
Nazdar Multi-Purpose
For Powder-coated Metal:
Nazdar
Epoxy
For screen printing, it is best to create the artwork in a vector program (Illustrator, Freehand, CorelDraw) turn the fonts to outlines, group like colors together, and save as an .ai, .eps, or .pdf file and send to studio@phantomchicken.com
Artwork can also be created as a high-resolution .jpeg or .tiff file. Image size should be 300 or 600 dpi at actual print size. Sometimes a file this large is too big to email, if so you can use YouSendIt.com to email these images to studio@phantomchicken.com.
Yes, we will happily print on shirts supplied by you.
We do request a minimum of 24 shirts... and highly recommend providing an extra shirt or two for testing purposes.
Let us know the color, fabric and style of the shirts you would be supplying with your quote request.
Yes... we have a few shirts available on Etsy. Go check it out...
Also, every year we have a t-shirt clearance sale at the Belmont Street Fair late in the summer here in Portland.
If you have any other questions, please contact us at: studio@phantomchicken.com or give a call: 503.233.4971.
If you would like to place a custom order, fill out the quote request form and we'll get back to you shortly.