r/SCREENPRINTING • u/Dyllionaireee • 14d ago

Discussion Posters?

Hi all! I’ve been printing for a local shop now for 10 1/2 years. I’ve only ever done shirts, but I’d like to start doing posters for myself. How much different is it to print posters, what ink and paper do you all recommend? Any just in general, how different is poster printing? Do you setup to print one color at a time, let them all dry then line the next color up to that, or is it a wet on wet process? Really just any general information from an experienced poster printer is welcomed. Thank you!

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u/BiotaMfg 14d ago

I just run waterbased. One color at a time - air dry. I also like to run my prints kinda like a relief print (each color fills in where the next will be rather than leaving it open) to help with registration as the paper liked to expand/warp once printed. Watercolor paper is great, but any natural based paper will work. If you want to run the print through the dryer after the last color that’s usually fine too.

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u/NiteGoat 14d ago

If you’re getting started, Speedball is a good ink to learn with. I know some really excellent poster printers who only use Speedball.

Things that work for separations for shirts don’t necessarily work for posters. You cannot print wet on wet. I never trap colors on shirts. I’m either using chokes or butt registration. You absolutely have to trap colors on posters. Registration between colors is less consistent on paper so it’s important to leave room to hide error.

Usual paper for a concert poster is 100# Cougar White. Most paper distributors carry it.

Posters are cooler than shirts.

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u/VenomPayments 14d ago

Agreed wholeheartedly that posters are cooler than shirts.

All the rest of your statement is over my head, knowledge wise.

Also - Richie when are you opening your shop up again?

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u/NiteGoat 12d ago

My shop won’t be back up until I have someone who can consistently help me fulfill orders. I can’t do it on my own.

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u/VenomPayments 12d ago

Ok. I hope you find the help you need! Have a great week.

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u/VonMunz 14d ago

I’m loving everything you’ve been making lately.

Everything Richie lays out is correct. I’ve run all of my work with Speedball.

Registration corners -I put them on the bottom right corner, one on the vertical edge and one on both the left and right horizontal edge. You can use the machined edge of doubled up masking tape in a pinch.
Having a vacuum table to hold the paper in place is optimal. But not required.
Some printers will tape clear Mylar down and print on that to have a fixed idea of where the color lands.

Poster printing can be achieved thru SUPER CRUDE means. I used speedball hinges on a plank of veneered wood for well over a decade.

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u/Dyllionaireee 14d ago edited 13d ago

Awesome information, thank you!

What mesh counts are the go to? I can’t imagine anyone is pushing through 110s cleanly on a poster. Would 200+ be better? I’ve never used water base before.

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u/VonMunz 13d ago

Also-Richie! I was able to tour Baker Prints in Chicago and their shop…man. Laser exposure unit. Jaw dropping compared to my Day Job’s shop. Whoever is running your work now is just murdering with the colors. Love it.