S17 Water Based Camp – Artwork & Print Theory for Water-Based
Why Someone Should Come
Successful water-based printing starts long before ink hits the screen. Art preparation, print order, screen selection, garment choice, ink behavior, and production planning all shape the final result. This session gives attendees a stronger understanding of how to design for water-based printing and how to think through the variables that affect opacity, hand feel, color, registration, and durability. Val and Eric Solomon bring the perspective of award-winning screen printers who have solved the same production problems thousands of times and know how to translate theory into practical shop decisions.
Who Should Come
This session is ideal for screen printers, production managers, art department staff, shop owners, and experienced decorators who want to improve their water-based results at the planning stage. It is especially useful for printers who are comfortable with standard production but want to move into more advanced retail, licensed apparel, discharge, high-solids acrylic, or hybrid water-based techniques.
What They Will Learn
- Designing for Water-Based Printing: Learn how artwork, separations, garment choice, and print goals affect the success of water-based production.
- Print Theory for Better Results: Understand how mesh, stencil, ink deposit, opacity, underbase strategy, and print sequence work together on press.
- Advanced Decoration Concepts: Explore how water-based systems can be used for soft-hand retail finishes, discharge effects, high-solids acrylic applications, and hybrid approaches.
- Problem-Solving Mindset: Learn how experienced printers diagnose issues early, make better production decisions, and avoid repeating the same mistakes on press.
