Behind the Print: What Really Happens in the Screen Printing Process
- James-Lee Fretwell
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
A step-by-step guide for Channel Partners (and their clients too!)
At Advanced Impressions, we know that screen printing isn’t just “press and go.” Each project is a carefully crafted process—from blank garment to final box—built to deliver precision, quality, and consistency.
If you’re a Channel Partner who resells our services to your clients, this guide will give you
insight into how the magic happens behind the scenes. Understanding our workflow can help
you plan better, communicate smarter with your clients, and make the most of our partnership. Let’s pull back the curtain.
🧾 Step 1: The Order Comes In
Every great job starts with clear communication.
To schedule a job, we need:
●A completed work order
●All blank garments delivered to our facility
●Final approval on the digital art proof we send to you
Please note: We will send you a digital art proof for review—even if you’ve submitted
final artwork. Your job will only be added to our production schedule once you’ve
approved that proof.
💡 Partner Tip: Approve your proof promptly and send all blanks at once to keep your job
moving on schedule.
🎨 Step 2: Art Preparation & Proofing
Once your design is approved, our art team:
●Ensures it’s formatted for screen printing (think layers, separations, resolution)
●Maps out screen setup and registration marks
●Prepares a digital proof so you and your client can see how the design will look
This step is all about alignment—literally and figuratively.
🖥 Step 3: Screen Creation
Each color in your design gets its own screen. That means a 3-color print = 3 screens, carefully burned using a light-sensitive emulsion process. These screens are the backbone of the print job—and they’re custom-made for your specific project.
🧠 Workshop Insight: Screen setup is time-intensive and one of the biggest
reasons why quality screen printing has a higher setup cost compared to other
methods.
🏗 Step 4: Press Setup & Test Prints
We mount the screens on our press, align them with hairline accuracy, and conduct test prints to:
●Dial in ink flow
●Ensure color accuracy
●Double-check placement, sizing, and registration
Only when we’re fully satisfied do we hit “go".
”👕 Step 5: Production Printing
Here’s where it all comes together. Shirts are loaded, one at a time, and passed through our
press where:
●Each ink color is applied in sequence
●Garments are flash cured (quick dried) between layers if needed (e.g., underbases)
●Final prints are cured through a conveyor dryer to ensure long-lasting, wash-resistant
quality
Every piece is carefully handled—because we know your name is on the line, even if ours isn’t.
🔍 Step 6: Quality Check & Finishing
Before anything leaves our facility, we:
●Inspect each garment for print consistency and garment defects
●Fold or bag according to your specs (if arranged)
●Organize orders for shipping
📦 Step 7: Blind Shipping (Your Brand, Not Ours)
For Channel Partners, we offer blind shipping directly to your client. That means:
●No Advanced Impressions branding on the box
●You stay front-and-center as the face of the service
●We can even include your packing slips or inserts, if provided
📬 Partner Tip: Make use of blind shipping to save time, reduce handling, and strengthen
your relationship with your clients. It’s a seamless experience—for them and for you.
⏱ Step 8: Delivery & Follow-Up
We’ll send tracking info to you once your order ships. From there, you’re free to:
●Send final confirmation to your client
●Follow up with any support or next steps
●Celebrate a smooth, on-time delivery (yes, we love those too)
🤝 It’s Not Just Printing—It’s Partnership
We’re more than just a print shop—we’re your production partner. And when we work in sync, the results are clear:
✅ Happy clients
✅ Beautiful prints
✅ Fewer surprises
By understanding our process and keeping your jobs organized, you can set expectations, meet deadlines, and confidently scale your business.
Have a Job Coming Up?
Let’s walk through it together. Reach out to us anytime with questions, timelines, or custom
requests.