2

EasyArt

Professional color separation and artwork creation system

Screen Printing Guide

www.wilflexeasyart.com

EasyArt

Screen Printing Guide

Screens:
The mesh count of your screens will depend on the Halftone Lpi count of your artwork.
We recommend for the best result that you output your artwork with a halftone screen
of 55 Lpi (lines per inch) at an angle of 22.5
To get the most detail and best color graduations from your artwork you should
use 180 (or higher for automatic press) screen mesh for your "White Base" and 305
for all other colors (metric = 62 mesh white base and 120 mesh for all colors).
If you output your artwork at a lower Lpi 45 - 50 (the screen angle remains the same)
you should use a 180 screen mesh for your "White Base" and 280 for all other colors.

Print Order
Simulated Process
Dark Shirts = White Base, Yellow, Red, Magenta, Gray, Light Blue, Dark Blue, Green,
Dark Brown and Highlight White.
Light Shirts = Yellow, Red, Magenta, Gray, Light Blue, Dark Blue, Green, Dark Brown
and Black. (NB: Black can also be printed first on some designs)
Simulated Grayscale.
Dark Shirts = White Base, Medium Gray, Light Gray, Dark Gray and Highlight White.
When printing Grayscale onto white shirts you will use the same screens as you would
for black shirts only you will use the Medium Gray ink on your Dark Gray screen the Light
Gray ink on your Medium Gray screen and the White Gray ink on your Light Gray screen.
Light Shirts = Light Gray, White Gray, Medium Gray, Highlight White, Black.
The same applies to the Sepia images.
Index Printing
Print your colors from dark to light. For example Print your white base first then Black, Brown
Medium Gray, Green, Red, Yellow and highlight white.
You can get quite different effects by changing the print order try a few different options there
really is no one absolute correct order.
Flash Curing Generally you will flash after the White Base on Dark Shirts and before the Black on light
shirts but you can flash anywhere the design requires it.
Inks
We have developed a range of Plastisol inks using the Wilflex MX and PC formulas. For the very best
results we highly recommend you use these colours. We have deliberately not given you Pantone
PMS numbers for these colors, we have found that especially in the Flesh tones and Gray tones there is
no suitable match.

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Easyart Wilflex MX Recipe Guide. (Makes 1kg)

Yellow

Medium Gray
1. MX Fluro Yellow
2. MX Yellow

500.0
500.0

1. MX White
2. MX Black

852.0
148.0
1000.0

1000.0

Red

Light Flesh
1. MX Red
2. MX Fluro Pink
3. MX Fluro Red

390.0
80.0
530.0

1. MX White
2. MX Fluro Yellow
3. MX Orange
4. MX Black

1000.0

1000.0

M agenta
1. MX Magenta
2. MX Fluro Pink
3. MX White

925.1
64.6
8.8
1.5

Medium Flesh
600.0
375.0
25.0

1. MX White
2. MX Yellow
3. MX Red B/S

1000.0

900.0
50.0
50.0
1000.0

Light Blue
1. MX White
2. MX Blue G/S
3. MX Green

920.9
43.1
36.0

Dark Flesh
1. MX White
2. MX Orange
3. MX Yellow
4. MX Black

1000.0

D ark Blue
1. MX Blue
2. MX Fluro Blue
3. MX White

673.3
224.5
64.0
38.2
1000.0

455.0
455.0
90.0
1000.0

Red Flesh
1. MX Orange
2. MX Magenta B/S
3. MX White
4. MX Black

335.6
335.5
322.2
6.7

Green
1000.0
1. MX Yellow
2. MX White
3. MX Green

339.0
330.0
331.0
1000.0

Dark Brown
1. MX White
3. MX Orange
2. MX Yellow
5. MX Black

649.8
240.7
68.6
40.9
1000.0

NOTE

The Red Flesh ink can be used in images that contain flesh tones but you dont want to screen print an additional 2
or 3 shades of skin colored ink. The Red Flesh ink replaces the regular Red. The Red Flesh produces a better
simulated flesh, which is made up from the Red, Yellow and Brown channels.

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Easyart Wilflex MX Recipe Guide. (Makes 1kg)

Light Gray
1. MX White
2. MX Black

White Sepia
960.0
40.0
1000.0

1. MX White
2. MX Magenta B/S
3. MX Yellow
4. MX Black

976.2
10.0
9.0
4.8

Medium Gray
1000.0
1. MX White
2. MX Black

852.0
148.0
1000.0

White Base, use Wilflex Arctic White

Dark Gray
1. MX White
2. MX Black

582.0
418.0
1000.0

Highlight White use 100% MX White

Black use 100% MX Black

White Gray
1. MX White
2. MX Black

985.0
15.0
1000.0

Light Sepia
1. MX White
2. MX Magenta B/S
3. MX Yellow
4. MX Black

952.4
20.2
17.9
9.5
1000.0

Medium Sepia
1. MX White
2. MX Magenta B/S
3. MX Yellow
4. MX Black

625.0
170.5
156.3
48.2
1000.0

Dark Sepia
1. MX White
2. MX Black
3. MX Orange
4. MX Yellow

581.9
258.6
107.8
51.7
1000.0

NOTE

When printing a simulated grayscale image onto a white or light colored shirt, the colors can appear a little dark so to
correct this use the medium gray ink as your dark gray, light gray ink as your medium gray and the white gray ink as
your light gray. The same applies to the sepia tone colors.

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Wilflex MX Color mixing system

Use this system to mix the EasyArt colors (can also use PC Express mixing system)
Description
The Wilflex MX mixing system is an easy-to-use, easy-to-mix color matching system with 15 intermixable
colors that enables printers to mix all of the EasyArt colors and produce simulations of coated and un-coated
Pantone Color Formula guide colors on white and dark (with white under base) garments. MX inks produce
soft-hand inks for high production, wet-on-wet printing, offering a matt finish and improved crock resistence.
Printers Parameters
Substrates
Bleed resistance
Mesh
Squeegee
Emulsion
Cure Temp
Extender
Reducer
Storage
Wash-Up
Health & Safety

100% cotton, cotton blends, some synthetics

None, use BR under base
156 - 305, t/in (43 - 120 t/cm)
60 to 90 durometer, straight edge blade
Conventional direct or capillary film
320 F (160 C) entire film
10150FNS Finesse, but modification may alter color and performance
Curable reducer #10070, but modification may alter color and performance
65 - 90 F (18 - 32 C) avoid direct sun, use within 1 year of receipt
Wilflex screen wash
Data available on request

Color Specification
MX formulas were printed through a 156 t/in (62 t/cm) mesh screen on white, 100 percent cotton fabric and
viewed under cool white flourescent (4100k illuminant) These specifications were used internally at PolyOne
for all Pantone simulation color approvals. Similar print application, screen mesh, squeegee profile and light
specifications should be implemented in your shop to ensure comparable results. We recommend that you
begin a color library of your prints.
Mixing Guidelines
MX formulas that reproduce PANTONE color simulations have been calculated by weight and are
presented as a total of 1,000 grams in the Formulation Guide. The final volume of ink produced from these
formulas will vary according to color and the specific gravity of the ink concerned, but all formulas will make
approximately 1 quart/1 liter. Wilflex recommends that MX Mixing Inks be weighed on scales accurate to +/0.1 gram. Proof formulas prior to commencing any production run to ensure color accuracy, as the final color
is dependent on print technique, mesh count and substrate used. PolyOne and its associated companies
assume no responsibility for the actual color achieved.
SPECIAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Inks produced from the MX Mixing System are translucent to opaque. When blended according to
formulations, resulting colors vary in opacity from translucent to semi-opaque.
Colors will reproduce best on white or light fabrics.
For bleed resistance, an underbase white, such as 11999XW Xtreme White, 11480HT Bright Tiger or
11195MVP MVP White must be used.
For consistency, all formulas provided were printed through 156 t/in (62 t/cm) mesh screen on white, 100
percent cotton fabric for color approval. Wilflex MX Mixing Inks can, however, be 31 Back Next Contents
printed through a range of meshes between 110T and 305 t/in (43-120 t/cm). Variation in screen
mesh and ink deposit can result in variation in depth of color and opacity.
All MX Mixing Inks colors were developed using Genesis technology and can be printed wetonwet with exceptional resistance to build-up.
Perform fusion tests before production. Failure to cure ink properly can result in poor wash
fastness, inferior adhesion, unacceptable durability, and increased likelihood of dye migration.
Testing procedures for plastisol fusion are outlined in the Wilflex User's Manual.

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Wilflex MX Color mixing system

Stir plastisols prior to printing. This product has a unique viscosity. Upon opening a container that
has been unused for several days or weeks, it will appear slightly thick. Stir to easily restore the
creamy texture.
Do not dry clean, bleach, iron the printed area.
Any application not referenced in this product information bulletin should be pre-tested or
consultation sought with Wilflex Technical Services Department prior to printing
techserviceswilflex@polyone.com
ORDERING INFORMATION
11888MX MX White
19888MX MX Black
38888MX MX Orange
48888MX MX Red (Blue Shade)
48889MX MX Magenta
58888MX MX Violet
98880MX MX Fluorescent Pink
98884MX MX Fluorescent Red
98885MX MX Fluorescent Purple
98886MX MX Fluorescent Blue
98888MX MX Fluorescent Yellow
NEW Non-Migrating Mixing colors
38881MXNM Orange NM
48881MXNM Red B/S NM
88881MXNM Yellow NM
Wilflex MX ink formulations for screen process printing produce simulations of PANTONE
Colors in this color reproduction method due to differences in ink film, opacity, pigment selection,
and substrate. The pigment selection used in blending screen process inks may cause
metamerism. MX inks were matched under Cool White Fluorescent 4100K illuminant.
Pantone, Inc. assumes no responsibility for formula accuracy. PANTONE is Pantone, Inc.'s
check-standard trademark for color. Portions Pantone, Inc., 1963,1991.

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Easyart Wilflex PC Express Recipe Guide. (Makes 1kg)

Yellow

(grams)

Genesis Plus Base

Extra White PC
Bright Yellow PC
Electron Yellow PC

789.00
12.80
89.70
108.50

Genesis Plus Base

Extra White PC
Electron Red PC
Electron Orange PC
Fluro Pink PC
Maroon PC

761.10
6.00
125.50
48.40
28.00
31.00

Red

M agenta

Dark Brown

(grams)

Genesis Plus Base

Extra White PC
Bright Yellow PC
Bright Orange PC
Maroon PC
Velvet Black PC

775.50
145.80
25.70
43.50
5.90
3.60

Medium Gray
Genesis Plus Base
Extra White PC
Velvet Black PC

760.80
223.40
15.80

Light Flesh

Genesis Plus Base

Extra White PC
Magenta PC
Fluro Pink PC

874.90
11.70
84.90
28.50

Genesis Plus Base

Extra White PC
Bright Yellow PC
Bright Orange PC
Velvet Black PC

Light Blue
Genesis Plus Base
Extra White PC
Electron Blue PC
Blue PC
Electron Yellow PC

797.00
130.40
59.60
7.60
5.50

D ark Blue
Genesis Plus Base
Extra White PC
Blue PC
Electron Blue PC

842.10
19.60
56.80
81.40

Genesis Plus Base

Extra White PC
Bright Yellow PC
Green PC

818.40
86.30
66.30
29.00

Green

NOTE

738.20
257.90
2.20
1.40
.20

Medium Flesh
Genesis Plus Base
Extra White PC
Bright Yellow PC
Bright Orange PC
Maroon PC
Velvet Black PC

750.20
225.30
14.50
7.20
2.40
.40

Dark Flesh
Genesis Plus Base
Extra White PC
Bright Yellow PC
Bright Orange PC
Maroon PC
Velvet Black PC

764.30
179.20
15.50
34.40
4.00
2.60

Red Flesh
Genesis Plus Base
Extra White PC
Electron Red PC
Electron Orange PC
Bright Yellow PC
Bright Orange PC
Maroon PC
Velvet Black PC

731.30
94.20
98.40
38.00
7.80
16.50
12.40
1.30

The Red Flesh ink can be used in images that contain flesh tones but you dont want to screen print an additional 2
or 3 shades of skin colored ink. The Red Flesh ink replaces the regular Red. The Red Flesh produces a better
simulated flesh, which is made up from the Red, Yellow and Brown channels.

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Easyart Wilflex PC Express Recipe Guide. (Makes 1kg)

Dark Sepia

Light Gray
Genesis Plus Base
Extra White PC
Velvet Black PC

744.10
251.60
4.30

Medium Gray
Genesis Plus Base
Extra White PC
Velvet Black PC

761.00
223.20
15.80

Dark Gray
Genesis Plus Base
Extra White PC
Velvet Black PC

802.70
152.50
44.70

White Gray

Genesis Plus Base

Extra White PC
Velvet Black PC
Maroon PC
Bright Yellow PC
Bright Orange PC

812.70
104.80
30.00
8.70
29.40
14.40

White Sepia
Genesis Plus Base
Extra White PC
Velvet Black PC
Maroon PC
Bright Yellow PC
Bright Orange PC

745.90
242.40
1.60
1.50
5.90
2.70

White Base, use Wilflex Arctic White

Genesis Plus Base

Extra White PC
Velvet Black PC

740.30
258.00
1.60

Light Sepia
Genesis Plus Base
Extra White PC
Velvet Black PC
Maroon PC
Bright Yellow PC
Bright Orange PC

754.00
222.70
3.20
3.00
11.80
5.20

Medium Sepia
Genesis Plus Base
Extra White PC
Velvet Black PC
Maroon PC
Bright Yellow PC
Bright Orange PC

NOTE

790.12
136.20
9.60
10.40
37.20
16.50

When printing a simulated grayscale image onto a white or light colored shirt, the colors can appear a little dark so to
correct this use the medium gray ink as your dark gray, light gray ink as your medium gray and the white gray ink as
your light gray. The same applies to the sepia tone colors.

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WilflexTM PC Express Mixing system

The Easy-to-Use PC/Base System
Create PANTONE Simulations with Just 15 Pigments
Standard Base
10680GNS Genesis Plus Base
Standard Pigment Concentrates

Optional (PCs) Pigment Concentrates

10110PC
10450PC
10470PC
10570PC
10680PC
10700PC
10870PC
10940PC
11300PC
11650PC
18000PC
18010PC
18060PC
19040PC
19080PC

10000PC
10200PC
10370PC
10490PC
10770PC
10830PC
10860PC
10970PC
11040PC
11600PC
11820PC
12220PC
18020PC
18030PC
19050PC
19070PC

Extra White
Maroon
Magenta
Violet
Blue
Green
Bright Yellow
Velvet Black
Bright Orange
Marine PC
Electron Yellow
Electron Blue
Electron Red
Fluo. Pink
Fluo. Purple

Clear
Light Brown
Fast Red
Venus
Fast Gold
Blaze Gold
Blaze Yellow
Black
Fast White
Bright Blue
Blaze Lemon
Shining Gold
Electron Green
Electron Orange
Fluo. Neon
Fluo. Magenta

Optional Base
Changing Bases: The use of IMS Software or PC Base Ratio charts allows you to change
bases, with the modification of pigment loading or special requirements.
10000GNS
10007TF
10040SSVFF
10099MVP
10108SA
10140SHC
10145IB
10150FNS
10250NPF
10425NS
10440TF
10455FCB

Genesis Halftone
Base
TransClear
SSV-FF Base
MVP LB Neutral Base
Stretch Base/Additive
Soft Hand Clear
Ice Base
Finesse
NuPuff Base
Natural Suede Base
TransFlex Base
FiberCoat Base

10480TUF
10540GNS
10640GNS
10670RB
10890NRB
11110SSV
11422MSH
12000MP
13010MP
18800MCVFF
21000SB

Tuff Puff Base

Genesis Base
Genesis Super
(Europe only)
Rock Base
Rug Base
SSV Base
Nylon Mesh Base
MP Flow Base
Super Opaque Base
MCV-FF Base
SuperBase

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4 Color Process Printing

Setting up Photoshop for process printing
It is important to set up your monitor so that what you are looking at on screen is the same as the image
on your hard drive. There is an excellent section in the Adobe Photoshop manual about monitor
calibration to help you do this.

Color Settings for Adobe Photoshop

Before converting your image to CMYK you must have the correct CMYK color conversion settings for
screen printing, loaded into Photoshop.
The color settings are determined by the Process ink you are using. For example if you are using Wilflex
Process355 ink then you load in the corresponding color settings.
For this example we will presume you are going to screen print your image using the standard Wilflex
Process 305 inks.
In the Color Settings window click Load then navigate your way to the Color Settings folder on the
EasyArt CD and double click to open. Next select the file WilflexProcess305 and click Load

Convert to CMYK
With your color settings loaded into Photoshop you can convert your image to CMYK.
To do this go to the menu bar at the top of your screen click "Image" scroll down and select "Mode" scroll
across and down and select "CMYK Color"
Make any further color adjustments required to improve the image.
Separate
Separate the image using either the EasyArt "Process for light Shirts" or "Process for dark shirts"
routines.

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4 Color Process Printing

Printing out the Film
The correct screen angles are very important. The angles are calculated to produce the least amount of
interference with the screen mesh. Using the correct angles will eliminate the moire pattern which often
appears with incorrectly produced CMYK film.
To print the film, go to the menu bar at the top of your screen click File scroll down and click Print with
Preview.
In the Print options window that opens click on the button Screens

In the Halftone Screens window that opens click on the button Load.
Navigate your way to the Printer Settings folder on the EasyArt CD, double click to open it then select
the file CMYK_Manual Press and click Load. If you have an automatic press load the file
CMYK_Automatic Press.
Back in the Print options window select Labels and Registration Marks.
If you are printing separations with a laser printer or dry imaging system you may want to add an
additional transfer curve to allow for the extra dot gain with those devices.
To do this, in the Print options window click on the button Transfer, in the Transfer Functions window
that opens click Load, navigate your way to the Printer Settings folder on the EasyArt CD and double
click to open it then select the file LaserPrinter and click Load.

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4 Color Process Printing

Screen Printing
Screen Mesh
If you are using an automatic press and produced your film at 65 Lpi the most commonly used screen
mesh is 355 - 390 (metric 140 - 155). If you produced your film at 55 Lpi then use a 305 (metric 120)
screen mesh. White base use a 305 for automatic press and a 195 for manual (metric 68)
Ink deposit, moire control and image density can also be affected by thread diameter. A finer thread
gives a larger open area, for example a 305/30, has approximately the same open area as a 280/34.
Use the thread diameter which best achieves your print requirements and make sure if you have to print
the job again at a later date that you use the exact same specifications in mesh count and thread
diameter, or it will be impossible to achieve the same print.
Your Wilflex representative will be able to give you the best advise on screen specifications for your
screen printing setup.
Screen Tension
High tension mesh is a must for successful Process printing. Use retensionable frames and make sure
all frames have exactly the same tension.
Printing Press
An automatic or semi-automatic press will produce the best results. You can produce process prints on a
good quality manual press but it is very difficult to maintain consistency on larger runs and is not
recommended.
Off contact should be set as low as possible forty-thousandths (0.040) is ideal. Keeping the screen close
to the shirt surface means less squeegee pressure required and more accurate registration.
Squeegees
Squeegee and flood bar set to 15 or less. Squeegee hardness 70 - 75 durometer, if the squeegee is too
soft you will increase dot gain.
Summary
Process printing can give great rewards and can also give endless headaches!. The best policy is to test
endlessly and record everything in triplicate!
If you are having problems check everything, artwork, screens, inks, film even the t-shirts you are
printing onto can cause problems.
Process printing can be very difficult, but is the true measure of quality. If you can produce good quality
accurate process prints you can pretty much print anything.

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WilflexTM Genesis Process ink

DESCRIPTION
Genesis process inks are formulated to achieve the cleanest and highest intensity colors for textile process
screen printing. These pure, transparent colors are designed for high productivity, direct wet-on-wet printing.
Excellent resistance to build-up, superb printability, extremely soft hand and minimal dot gain.
PRINTER'S PARAMETERS
Substrates
Mesh
Tension
Stencil emulsion
Squeegee type
Squeegee
Squeegee angle
Squeegee speed
Cure temp
Extender
Reducer
Storage
Wash-up
Health & Safety

100% cotton, cotton blends, all-white grounds.

305 to 355 threads/in (120-140 threads/cm)
(newtons) 25+
Direct, indirect & capillary
Dual (70/90) or triple (70/90/70)
blade Sharp
60+ degrees
Medium/fast
320 F (160 C) entire film
ProMatch Clear/Soft Hand Clear 10140
Finesse #10150FNS
65-90 F (18-32 C).Avoid direct sun. Use within one year of receipt.
Wilflex Screen Wash
data Available upon request

GENESIS STANDARD PROCESS SET

19850GNS Process Black

49850GNS Process Magenta
69850GNS Process Cyan
89850GNS Process Yellow
To create a process white mix 50-50 MX white with extender

GENESIS PROCESS TONE SET

Create natural colors straight from the container

49855GNS Process Tone Magenta

69855GNS Process Tone Cyan
89855GNS Process Tone Yellow
Use with 19850GNS Black

PROMATCH-1 SET

19854GNS Black 69854GNS Cyan

49854GNS Magenta 89854GNS Yellow

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WilflexTM Genesis Process ink

EXTENDED GAMUT
Extended gamut refers to adding RGB to a CMYK palette. Wilflex recommends using the Tone Set with RGB
colors:
47507GNSRGB Red 67507GNSRGB Blue
77507GNSRGB Green
HEXACHROME
The hexachrome set is an independent color gamut.
87501GNSHX Hex Yellow C
37501GNSHX Hex Orange C
47501GNSHX Hex Magenta C
67501GNSHX Hex Cyan C
77501GNSHX Hex Green C
19501GNSHX Hex Black C
FIBRILLATION
Lower viscosity process inks are more prone to allowing fibers to be exposed during laundering. To combat
this, use SuperGuard HT as an overprint.
WHERE TO GET THE COLOR VALUES
The process color values for Wilflex inks are available on this Wilflex EasyArt User's Manual CD-ROM, or
download from the Wilflex's web site: www.wilflex.com.
SPECIAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Use an appropriate underbase on colored fabrics.
Lower viscosity process inks are more prone to allowing fibers to be exposed during laundering. To combat
this, use SuperGuard HT as an overprint.
To ensure good quality separations, use a separator who specializes in the textile screen print industry or
see Process Seps in this manual in Screenprinting 101.
Line/mesh count relations of 55/305 (55/120) and 65/355 (65/140) have proven to be very effective at
minimizing moire. Refer to information on half-tones in the Art Work section of the Wilflex User's Manual.
Use consistent, high tensioned screen mesh to optimize performance properties.
Retensionable frames that allow for work-hardening of the mesh fabric are recommended.
Perform fusion tests before production. Failure to cure ink properly can result in poor wash fastness, inferior
adhesion, unacceptable durability, and increased likelihood of dye migration.Testing procedures for plastisol
fusion are outlined in the Wilflex User's Manual.
Stir plastisols prior to printing.
Do not dry clean, bleach, iron the printed area.
Any application not referenced in this product information bulletin should be pretested or consultation sought
with Wilflex Technical Services Department prior to printing
techserviceswilflex@polyone.com

Wilflex EasyArt

www.wilflexeasyart.com

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