Frequently Asked Questions
Live Screen Printing FAQs
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Screen printing is a stencil-based printing technique that forces ink through a mesh screen onto a substrate (such as fabric, paper, wood, or plastic). A stencil blocks ink in certain areas while allowing it to pass through the open mesh where the design should appear. Each color in the design typically requires its own screen and stencil, so multicolor images are built up layer by layer.
Key elements of the process:
Screen: A frame holding a tightly stretched mesh (traditionally silk, now usually polyester or nylon).
Stencil/emulsion: A light-sensitive emulsion is applied to the mesh and exposed to a film-positive of the design; the exposed areas harden and the unexposed areas wash away to create the open image areas.
Squeegee: A rubber blade used to push ink through the open mesh onto the substrate.
Ink: Formulated for the material being printed (plastisol, water-based, discharge, specialty inks).
Registration: The method for aligning multiple screens precisely so colors line up.
Advantages:
Durable, opaque prints with vibrant colors and good coverage
Cost-effective for medium to large runs; per-unit cost decreases as quantity increases.
Flexible for printing on a wide range of materials and product types.
Limitations:
Setup time and costs are higher for small runs due to screen preparation and registration.
Fine photographic detail and very high color complexity are more challenging; special techniques (halftones, CMYK separations, simulated process) are used to reproduce complex images.
Each additional color increases time and cost and is not encouraged for live events.
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We can generally print about one item per minute and offer full event or by-the-hour booking options. For events with a capacity that exceeds our on site printing abilities, we offer preprinting services that allow us to focus on the activation without worrying about output.
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Clients can either work with an in house artist for a $500 fee or provide their own art.
All images must be single color and delivered in black and white. (Prints will also be one color but can be printed in any color ink on any color tote or garment.)
No grayscale will translate due to the photo emulsion / screen burning process. If you wish to use a photo, it needs to be half toned. We recommend using a line weight no thinner than a Ultra Fine Point Sharpie.
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In our hands, prints take about 60 seconds to be pulled and dried. For events with guest engagement, we estimate that it takes more like 90 to 120 seconds- but is under 2 minutes each nonetheless.
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Absolutely! We’ve done weddings, birthdays, and even a memorial service. We’d love to be part of your special occasion!
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It makes our job easiest when we have 1-2 banquet tables provided and access to power. However, we’ve screen printed in public parks, on the Viaduct (RIP), on a boat, and plenty of other locations that required some creative solutions.
It may impact our output rate or configuration, but we can generally work something out.
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Most clients hire us to provide all equipment, staffing, and garments which they offer as a complimentary takeaway for guests. If you want to sell live screen-printed garments at your event, we typically charge a flat rate and let your team handle the POS.
Rates listed below are based on standard conditions, but we ask all clients to request a quote for your specific event.
Standard Services:
Our base rate of $1,000 include set up, breakdown, equipment rental, and printing supplies like tape, table coverings, cleaning provisions, etc. for a 2-3 hour event with a single, one color image.
There is a $100 screen fee to burn a custom screen with your design, or a $500 fee to commission one of our artists.
Totes, garments, and paper are an additional fee and include your choice of ink color.
Standard Totes: $3-6 each, depending on style
Standard Tees: $4-8 each, depending on style
Koozies: $1-2 each
Paper and Cards: $1-2 each
Clients can provide their own garments for a $1 fee each to cover ink and additional file set up services. Garments should be approved by Party Hat before purchase to confirm heat setting and printing viability.
We also offer more robust packages that accommodate multiple screens and designs, longer events, preprinting services, and more.
Please fill out the form at the bottom of this page for a quote.
Most clients hire us to provide all garments, equipment, staffing, and complimentary prints for guests. If you want to sell live screen-printed garments at your event, we typically charge a flat rate while the client operates the point-of-sale; we do not usually work on a per-item “as purchased” basis.
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Yes! For the right occasion, we will travel for a fee. Let us know more about your event and destination using the form below.
Mobile Art Activation FAQs
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We can create a custom experience for any number of guests. From 8 to 800, we have experience creating mobile art activations that ignite fun and creativity.
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Generally, mobile art activations start at $500 + materials for set up, breakdown, and staffing for a 2 hour event. We love to work with our clients to come up with a custom offering that fits their theme and budget, so fill out the form below for a quote.
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While we love coming up with a new activation for every event, there are some activities that are chosen time and time again.
Our most popular offerings include:
Live Screen Printing
Button, Mirror, or Magnet Making
Live painting
Custom Water Bottles
Leather Stamping
Candle Pouring
Plush Pet Toys
Felt Ornaments
Scented Satchels
Zine and Book Making
Collaborative Murals
Artist Made Photo Booths
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We’re flexible! While there are some activations that have specific spatial requirements, creativity is our passion so we can make pretty much anything work with a little bit of planning and coordination.