(May 13, 2013 06:09 PM)Anal Voyage. Wrote: A lot of the DIY stuff aren't very good quality.
I tried making T's on my own and they didn't last long at all.
If it's something important, I encourage you to visit a shop.
Hell, my exhibition pieces were printed at a shop and they were great quality.
Were you using the proper inks?
Art print inks and t-shirt inks are two very different things.
Your exposure methods, emulsion, and screen micron size all change for these types of prints. (Speedballs Diy kit is tailor made to keep you from making good prints for instance)
Textiles and coated/uncoated bonds are two different substrates.
Best advice i can give to Op if he visits a shop:
Never buy offline if you want assured good quality.
Talk to real people.
Have your images ready to print before you get there. Most place will charge you extra for the hassle.
Take multiple quotes from more than one shop.
Now if your wanting something extremely complex, look for a shop that has a 12-18 color automated press. Normally those places have minimum on how many you can order of each print, so be prepared to spend a little.
Ask for a proof before you buy. (Legit places will offer you this, or if its not worth the money the will let you inspect a portfolio of some type.)
Ask lots of questions to whoever they send to talk to you.