Getting an AI logo onto fabric

[andrew050703]

I know its mainly a design forum; but I'll try anyway. Basically I have a logo for a youth group I run, and want to get it onto black fabric. Unfortunately the logo is quite complex so doesn't lend itself to stencil & spraypaint (which is what I've used before) and although I've been racking my brains, can't think of a good way to transfer. BTW the banner is ~1.5m wide by 2.4m tall (5' x 8' for imperials) & the logo is below (hopefully)

 

[JJJosh41]

Most print shops these days will print large format AND supply a wide range of media. Maybe the best way to go about this would be to have them print your logo with a black field behind it on a stock canvas. (Or banner paper of your choice) I know it's not the most cost effective way but I don't think iron on transfer sheets come that large (not to mention you would need a large format printer anyway.)

 

[wongulous]

Well, unless you're ordering full-color-print vinyl, it's probably not going to happen screen-printed like that. Make a simplified version of just the text and maybe a few solid circles?? Wasn't this something you thought about when you designed the "logo," how it would never transfer to printing well except on an inkjet?

 

[Cabbit]

Aye that is far to complex to screen print, to many shades and shapes it would take to many passes and a very high margin for error with the positioning.

 

[JJJosh41]

My original post was refering to full color large format printing on canvas. I work at a print shop as a designer and print out graphics like this on large canvas almost every day. So an answer from the printer himself: it CAN be done.

 

[andrew050703]

Wasn't this something you thought about when you designed the "logo," how it would never transfer to printing well except on an inkjet?

nope - just thought it would be good for websites, presentations & letterheads etc; never thought I'd do this until someone suggested it. Thanks for the advice wongulous & jjjosh41 - might try getting a vinyl done for a horizontal banner.

 

[Kwill]

Where there's a will there's a way

If this art is vector it can be made to be compatible with screen printing. If it has sufficient resolution, it could even be done in Photoshop by someone skilled with alpha channels.

I did something similar for someone a couple of months ago, only it was four spot colors. Basically, I recreated the art in Illustrator and then converted it into pre-separated high resolution screened art in Photoshop.

Printing "onto fabric" is a bit vague. Do you want to produce one gross (144) black T-shirts (silkscreen) or a single polyester fabric banner (inkjet) with a black background? Will it be hanged outdoors? How long does it need to last? Did you select fabric only because it seems more durable than paper? There are many types of material like poly-cotton canvas, polypropylene or reinforced scrim.

Printing method may be based upon quantity and intended use. Silkscreening is costly to set up for one print. Inkjet printing on polyfab is possible, in which case the black background will be printed along with the logo, leaving the fabric unprinted for the white logo text. For short-term outdoor use or longer term indoor use, UV aqueous inkjet printing is fine. Longer term outdoor use may require solvent inkjet printing.