Simulated process printing is another printing technique used in screen printing that allows full color design prints on garments like T-Shirts and tops. This process is quite different from the more popular four color process printing which uses the CMYK half tones to recreate a photographic print onto a fabric or paper. The difference is that simulated process printing makes use of more than four colors to create and transfer the design onto a fabric. In fact, the process entails the use of all the colors needed based on the original artwork or design. This means that if the design was made using 12 different colors, then simulated process printing will require that you use all 12 different colors in the process.

How It Works

The process begins by creating the artwork or design. Once the design is complete, all the colors will be separated to identify what colors to use. Back in the day, separation was done manually by hand and through the use of a camera. Today, with tons of software available that allows you to separate color digitally and automatically, the separation process is much more efficient and less time consuming. Software like Adobe Photoshop can help in this process.

Once all the colors have been separated, each color will have its own mesh whether the printing is done manually or automatically. Once the meshes or printing plates are ready, the process begins. Ideally, Plastisol is the best ink to use for simulated process printing.

Practical Applications

Because of the use of so many colors, simulated process printing is one of the most expensive screen printing methods. However, because it can provide a full color design far from the quality provided by four color process printing, it is still used by many printing companies especially when it comes to T-Shirt printing. In fact, if you see a black T-Shirt that has an intricate artwork on it with full and vibrant colors, it most probably was printed using this screen printing method.

There are many professional printing companies that provide simulated process printing as part of their screen printing services. One company that has excelled with this type of printing method is All Access Merchandising (www.allacessmerch.com). Check out the rest of our website if you need to have custom-printed T-Shirts made. If you prefer the four color process printing for its cost-effectiveness, we is are experts in that as well.