Achieving the Perfect Vintage Vibe: Distressing Dear Boy's Band Merch

When the band Dear Boy came to us needing a restock of their signature merch , the goal was clear: maintain the perfect vintage, distressed look that defines their brand. While the band provided the artwork with the already distressed texture built in, achieving that authentic, worn-in appearance on fabric requires more than just a good file—it takes meticulous screen printing execution.

From Digital Design to Print-Ready Approval

The process began by taking Dear Boy's original, artfully distressed artwork and translating it onto a digital mockup. This crucial step allowed the band to see exactly how the complex, textured design would sit on the Gildan 2000 shirts, ensuring the size, placement, and overall feel were approved before any ink touched the screen. This client collaboration minimizes risks and aligns expectations right from the start.

The Production Workflow: Preparing for Perfection

Once the mockup was approved, our production team shifted into high gear, focusing on translating the digital distress into a physical print:

1. Film Positives: We first printed high-density film positives of the artwork. This film is the template that holds the detail of the distressing—the tiny flecks, cracks, and imperfections—and is essential for a sharp screen burn.
2. Screen Burning: The films were used to burn the design onto the screens. For a distressed look, it's vital to ensure the emulsion holds even the finest details of the texture. If the screen is not properly exposed, the distressed elements might clog or wash out, resulting in a cleaner, less authentic print.
3. Ink Prep: We meticulously prepared the Plastisol inks for the two separate runs. Precision was key in mixing the custom colors to match the brand standards:
   • Run 1 Colors: Vibrant Bright Red and Pantone 209C.
   • Run 2 Colors: Earthy Pantone 7739C and 2225C.

The Art of the Print Run

The final step was the print itself. Printing a distressed texture requires careful attention to the squeegee pressure and off-contact to ensure the ink deposit is thin enough to maintain the look without becoming oversaturated. The entire job was printed on comfortable and durable Gildan 2000 tees, perfect for a long tour.

By focusing on precise screen prep and color matching across two distinct runs, we ensured that every shirt maintained the intended vintage, crackle-like texture, giving the Dear Boy merchandise that genuine, pre-worn character their fans love. The result is high-quality band merch that looks like a well-loved vintage find, ready to rock the LA show!

Would you like me to draft some social media captions for Dear Boy to promote this restock?

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