FAQ - Products
Q: What is FRP, HB or MDF?
A: FRP stands for fibers-reinforced plastic and is a composite made from fiberglass reinforcement in a plastic (polymer) matrix.
HB Hardboard, also called high-density fiberboard, is a type of fiberboard, which is an engineered wood product, and MDF.
MDF stands for "medium density fiberboard." MDF is an engineered wood made from compressed and bonded wood fibers.
Q: Is FRP a recycled product?
A: DMAC Studio does attempt when possible to use FRP products made from recycled materials. Currently our suppliers are using recycled materials more and more to produce products so as that happens DMAC Studio has more products that use recycled FRP.
Q: What is the difference between Sublimation & silk screening?
A: Sublimation printing is a digital process transfer type printing. The art is created in a software program like Corel or Photoshop. The digital media is printed in reverse image on a special transfer paper suited for the substrate you are printing on. The transfer paper is then placed image down on the substrate in a heat press at 400 degrees F for 15-60 seconds (Dependent upon the substrate). The transfer paper is removed and the item cooled. That is basically it! Sublimation inks are actually a dye that switches to a gas form at 400 degrees F and adheres to a special poly coating on the substrate.
Screen printing involves making a black and white hardcopy of the print image on a vellum paper or transparent film. Next a screen is selected and coated with a UV sensitive emulsion. The hardcopy is then placed on the screen and exposed in ultraviolet light for about 3.5 minutes. Once exposed the screen is power washed removing the emulsion hidden by the black image on your hardcopy, then the screen is placed in a rack to dry. Now you can finally start the screen print process. For each color in your design, there will be a separate screen needed.
The screen is loaded onto the actual screen printing turnstyle and the non print areas are masked off with tape. Ink is then loaded onto the screen evenly across the top of the design.
The garment is loaded onto the pallet and the screen lowered onto the garment. Next you pull the squeegee from top to bottom applying even pressure. The ink will transfer thru the open mesh area and onto your garment. Finally the garment must be ran thru the curing oven to dry. There is still a lot more involved in screen printing, but you get the idea!
A lot of work to print a one color shirt design.
Q: What can you print on?
A: To put it simply, if it can stand temps of 400° then just about anything.
Q: Will the colors fade on my garment?
A: Some fading will occur with either a custom made garment or one off the rack of a department store. If washing instructions are followed the fading will be minimal.
Q: Can I wash my etched glassware in a dishwasher?
A: Most of our glassware can be washed in a dish washer. If it is a thin delicate piece hand washing is recommended.
Q: What is the smallest graphic file you can use?
A: The largest file you can send is always preferred, but DMAC Studio will attempt to work with any file size. As it is up to you to approve the final image, you make the determination of stopping the order or proceeding.