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Product Testing: DM130 and the “Hawaiian Surfers” Sample Print (IK Archives)

In my approach to t-shirt design, the first consideration is the blank or base-product as this informs so many of my decisions (color, techniques, ink selection, print placement, etc.)  throughout the design process.  I’ve done it this way for so long that I’m virtually incapable of working on a t-shirt design without this critical piece of information in place.  And I’m okay with this, I believe it’s the correct way to think and work.  Of course this all assumes that I have some sort of in-depth knowledge of the characteristics and constraints of the base-product, ie: fabric content and weave, construction, discharge-ability, potential for dye-migration, etc.  This is where product testing and/or test results are of tremendous benefit to a designer and should be leveraged throughout the design process.  It was with this thought in mind that I decided to searched the archives…

The following is from the IK Archives, originally posted on Mar 31, 2016

Sanmar asked us to do some print testing on the new tri-blend tee from District Made®, the Mens Perfect Tri™ Crew Tee DM130.  First we tested each color in the style for both dye migration and discharge reactivity (images and results below).  Once testing was complete we proceeded to develop a vintage styled surf print to compliment the ridiculously soft substrate in Maritime Frost color.  Here are the results…

Screenshot 2016-03-31 06.53.25
We started by purchasing this graphic by on Creative Market
Screenshot 2016-03-31 06.54.35
Removed vector distressing
Screenshot 2016-03-31 06.57.55
Adjusted colors to compliment substrate color
Screenshot 2016-03-31 06.58.18
Added a subtle distress effect
Screenshot 2016-03-31 06.58.32
Added a coarse distress effect
Screenshot 2016-03-31 06.59.12
Graphic with adjusted color and distressed effect
IMG_4084
The finished product
IMG_4089
5-Colors, Discharge/Waterbase
IMG_4093
All colors printed wet-on-wet
IMG_4091
Authentic distress effect achieved
Maritime Frost
DM130 in Maritime Frost – Discharge Reactivity: Excellent – Dye Migration Test: Pass
DM130 in Grey Frost – Discharge Reactivity: Poor – Dye Migration Test: Fail
Black Frost
DM130 in Black Frost – Discharge Reactivity: Fair – Dye Migration Test: Fail
Royal Frost
DM130 in Royal Frost – Discharge Reactivity: Poor – Dye Migration Test: Pass
Purple Frost
DM130 in Purple Frost – Discharge Reactivity: Poor – Dye Migration Test: Pass
Navy Frost
DM130 in Navy Frost – Discharge Reactivity: Excellent – Dye Migration Test: Pass
Red Frost
DM130 in Red Frost – Discharge Reactivity: Fair – Dye Migration Test: Pass
Turquoise Frost
DM130 in Turquoise Frost – Discharge Reactivity: Poor – Dye Migration Test: Pass

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