Case studies › Tiger Martial Arts
A print that survives hot washes: 200 uniforms for Tiger Martial Arts
Tiger Martial Arts was founded in 2014 and teaches across the south-west, Bath, Trowbridge, Melksham, Chippenham, on the principle that martial arts is about teamwork, integrity, growth, respect and self-control as much as kicking and punching. The uniforms are washed at high temperatures, constantly. The print has to survive that.
The brief
A durable print of the Tiger logo across the back of 200 client-supplied martial arts judogi, in black and white, able to withstand continual use and high-temperature washing. The garments were a thick drill with a coating: a difficult surface for ink.
What went wrong, and what we did about it
A standard screen print looked right on the press. In the wash it faded, and the client, understandably, was not happy. We had the whole batch sent back, including the faded pieces, and went back to testing.
After more test prints and wash tests the answer turned out to be an additive: a Sericol EZ444 catalyst at around two per cent of the ink, which hardens the ink as it passes through the dryer and makes it bite into the fabric rather than sit on top of it. To be certain, we then heat-pressed every top to reduce any fibrillation from the drying process. The full run was reprinted with the new process.
The result
The reprinted uniforms have held their print through the washes, and Tiger Martial Arts have come back to us every year since.
“I purchased 200 black and white prints on my own supplied martial arts uniforms, with high expectations! Garments arrived looking fresh and crisp with a nice big black Tiger Martial Arts logo on the back. I had some difficulties with the print after washing due to the type of material. After speaking with Garment Printing, they arranged for the entire batch to be sent back to them, including the ones that had faded in the wash. After some test prints with a new process, Garment Printing managed to get an upgraded ink with more thorough curing process, and have continued to provide a perfect print for my martial arts uniforms. We’re very happy with the way that the team dealt with the situation and how they managed to find a solution! We are continuing to use Garment Printing every year for their excellent services.”
— Nick, instructor, Tiger Martial Arts
At a glance
- Product
200 client-supplied judogi (martial arts uniforms) - Technique
Screen printing with a catalysed ink, heat-pressed after drying - Print position
Large logo across the back - Sector
Martial arts club · uniforms - Where
Bath and the south-west
The work
Have a similar project?
Tell us the garment, the quantity and the date you need it by. We reply with a quote, a garment suggestion and the print method that suits the artwork.
Get a Fast Quote