Success! Fabric Screen Printing Test Goes Well!

[MattMunson]

For those of you who have been following my on-again/off-again progress on the Superman Returns costume, I had a pretty big breakthrough today.

Following the advice of a fellow RPEffer, I managed to crank out this today:

It's only a test, and the colors are not perfect (especially not in this picture) but the overall technique of screen printing seems to be currently under my control.

I'm REALLY happy with these results, and I suppose the next step is to move onto screening a larger piece of fabric, and then actually making it into the briefs.

Anyhow, just wanted to show off some happy progress from tonights' work.

There are a couple more photos and a full write up on my blog, as usual.

 

[DavidFrommi18]

Looks great!! the diamond pattern for the suit im guessing? or cape pattern?

 

[MooCriket]

That does look good. Looks like the same process can be used for JJ Trek shirts as well:thumbsup

 

[NoTsOsErIoUs]

"Well helllooo Mr. Fancy Pants!"

Looks great. Nice work.

 

[SeaMonstersRawr]

That looks really good, congrats on learning screen painting.

 

[MattMunson]

Thanks for all the kind words guys. I'm super happy with the restults, and it's just been SUCH a long road to get here, and at this level of quality and accuracy.

Looks great!! the diamond pattern for the suit im guessing? or cape pattern?

This is the one for the briefs. The diamonds on the briefs are smaller in size, but more tightly packed. Less space in between. I started with the briefs because they require a smaller screen. I wanted to do my proof of concept on the briefs rather than spend more money on the body suit, only to learn that my technique was off.

All I need to do now is give the ink a few days to dry, then I will do some sewing to see how well the ink stays in place on a finished piece. As of right now, after doing some stretch tests, it looks REALLY promising.

 

[MattMunson]

I did another test tonight, this time on a much larger piece of fabric, and using a different technique. Turned out AMAZINGLY, and on the first try.

Here's a pic of the full piece:

And here's another close up, showing how nice and even the coverage is.

I am COMPLETELY thrilled with the results I am getting, and cannot wait to push forward with this.

 

[DavidFrommi18]

Thanks for all the kind words guys. I'm super happy with the restults, and it's just been SUCH a long road to get here, and at this level of quality and accuracy.



This is the one for the briefs. The diamonds on the briefs are smaller in size, but more tightly packed. Less space in between. I started with the briefs because they require a smaller screen. I wanted to do my proof of concept on the briefs rather than spend more money on the body suit, only to learn that my technique was off.

All I need to do now is give the ink a few days to dry, then I will do some sewing to see how well the ink stays in place on a finished piece. As of right now, after doing some stretch tests, it looks REALLY promising.

Ah k Sweet man.. Is it Milliskin fabric or just lycra?

 

[MattMunson]

Milliskin all the way bro!

 

[TheNickFox]

Looking great! Screenprinting is down 30% to technology, and 70% to technique...and it looks like you're a natural.

This has got to be my favorite long-term project at the moment. There's always something fun and new going on in it.

Now, make yourself some diamond-printed underwear to sleep in while you wait to do the rest of the body suit.

-Nick

 

[MattMunson]

Now, make yourself some diamond-printed underwear to sleep in while you wait to do the rest of the body suit.

Sexy Time!

 

[clayslinger]

Congratulations Matt!!!!!

It's so great when newly learned skills pay off.

WELL DONE!!!!!

Continued success,
Chuck...

 

[pinder91]

You never cease to amaze me! Good work.

 

[MattMunson]

Thanks for all the kind words folks. Always nice when all the hard work and expense not only yields great results, but gets me some kudos from my ever-talented peers. I appreciate it

Now that I've pretty much got this part figured out, I think it's time to switch back to my screen design. I have to map out the "racing stripes" on the outfit, and then just do some measurements to replicate out the large diamond pattern for the body suit.

After that, it should be pretty smooth sailing.

 

[mdb]

Seriously brilliant skills there! I am hopelessly messy and have a lack of patience so could never imagine doing that

I was just reading your blog and I don't know if you have seen this site yet:
Somewhat Stretchy : Catsuit patterns and more
Just went further back in your blog and yes you have I think it would be easier to use the sleeves from this site and mod your existing pattern I've been using the site to work out the Seven of Nine bodysuit I cannot see any zips in her suit so I think the origami method will work

Anyway Good luck on the rest of the suit

 

[MattMunson]

mdb, thanks for the praise and the tips. SomeWhat Stretchy is a great site, though I find the complexity of the instructions a bit intimidating. I should probably sit down one day, go through step by step, and figure it out though. it's good stuff.

A bit more progress to report. after some more testing on the fabric with different inks, I've decided that my artwork needs a little refinement. I put together some artwork that has different thicknesses of the diamond pattern. I will get this burned onto a screen, do some prints, and pick the best one. Then it will just be a matter of producing the final artwork, and all will fall into place.

 

[TheNickFox]

Just based on those samples, Matt, I really like the -.25 and the .25, in that order. They just seem more well-balanced on a diamond-by-diamond basis to my eye. (0.0 is a close third)

...But I'm prepared to change that opinion based on what the final tests show, so get back to work!

-Nick

 

[MattMunson]

the one marked 0.5 is actually really accurate to the swatch I photographed, but it doesn't PRINT accurately. I'm really curious to see which one works the best.

 

[blackfeathers]

i've read your blog on & off regarding the superman costume. while i'm not doing anything like it, your attention to detail is inspiring and very informative / educational. thanks for keeping us up to date on the progress and good luck to you. :thumbsup

 

[MattMunson]

Thanks b'Feathers! Always nice to hear I sometimes worry that I'm going TOO nuts on this costume (and pretty much every other project I do) but I'm always really thrilled with the results.

I'm going to try REALLY hard to get this suit wrapped up by this years D*C, even if it means not getting the boots totally perfect.

The great news with a project like this is that the fun really IS in the journey, not the destination. I've learned so much just by attempting this project. A really great way to build your skill set is to tackle something that you have no idea how to complete.