Heat Transfer

The heat transfer process is the newest way of printing skateboards, it is now considered the industry standard. We are one of the few US manufacturers that print heat transfers in-house, instead of importing from overseas. This advantage allows us quicker turn around time and better quality control. When printing heat transfers we print on a flat surface so we eliminate most problems associated with printing directly to a deck such as: registration, smudging, and smearing. The heat transfer process gives us the capability to print clean, detailed graphics from nose to tail. This process also gives us the ability to stock up on graphics allowing for a quicker turn around time.

How the Heat Transfer Process Works

We print the skateboard graphic on to transfer film using a special ink that bonds with the film. The print is then cured in a climate controlled room. While the print is curing we apply a special heat activated glue to the skateboards. After curing, the film is transferred onto the pretreated skateboard using a heat transfer machine specifically designed for skateboards. The machine uses heat and pressure to release the ink from the film. Once put through the transfer machine, we peel the film away and the graphic is firmly stuck to the board

Bent-screen

A "bent-screen" is using a silk screen that is bent to the concave of the skateboard. Back in the 80's this was the innovative way to print a skateboard from the nose to tail. Before the bent-screen, graphics could only be printed on the flat area of the board. The bent-screen process is time consuming , difficult to setup, and therefore costly.

Screen Rocking

The screen rocking technique is done using flat screens. This process requires two people, one person to rock the screen and another person to pull the squeegee. This process startsby rocking the screen parallel to the nose, next the screen is set down to print the middle of the deck , lastly the screen is rocked parallel to the tail of the board. This process is also time consuming, difficult to setup, and costly.

South Central

South Central has the capabilities to print any graphic from photo realistic- four color process prints, multi colored spot prints, to your basic one color mini logos. We have the ability to mix any color: metallics, fluorescents, and any color in the pantone chart. Screen printing to a skateboard is primarily done using three different techniques: Heat transfer, Bent screen, and screen rocking. Most skateboards printed at our facility are printed using the heat transfer technique. We do offer the bent screen and screen rocking techniques as well. Top graphic printing is also available.