Name: Pappas Restaurant and Sports Bars Merchandise Recipe
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 12 pieces cotton t-shirts (blank, pre-washed); 300 ml water-based screen-printing ink (assorted colors); 6 pieces heat transfer vinyl (HTV) sheets; 12 pieces transfer paper (for inkjet/laser, if using heat transfer prints); 1 roll low-tack masking tape; 12 pieces packing labels (pre-printed or blank); 12 pieces hang tags (with string); 12 pieces poly mailers (medium); 2 pieces screen printing frame(s) (110-140 mesh); 1 piece squeegee (medium hardness, 70-80 durometer); 1 piece heat press (adjustable temperature and pressure); 1 piece ink scoop or spatula; 1 set emulsion and exposure unit (or pre-coated screens and light box); 2 pairs rubber gloves; 1 piece measuring scale (grams/ml) or graduated cup; 1 set cutting mat and weeding tools (for HTV); 1 set computer and printer (for designs); 12 sheets tissue paper (acid-free); 12 pieces sticker seals (branding); 12 pieces size labels (S, M, L, XL as needed); 12 pieces clear poly bags (for individual shirts)

Method

Design & Preparation

1
Create artwork
Finalize the design at the correct print size (typically 11 x 11 inches max for chest prints). Prepare vector or high-resolution raster files. Separate colors into individual layers if screen printing.
2
Prepare screens or cut HTV
For screen printing: coat screens with emulsion, dry in a dark area, expose each separated-color film positive under a light source per emulsion instructions, wash out the unexposed emulsion and let screens dry. For HTV: mirror the design, cut the vinyl on a cutter, and weed excess material leaving the design on the carrier.
3
Prepare workspace and shirts
Pre-press each shirt for 5-10 seconds at 150°C (300°F) to remove moisture and wrinkles. Use low-tack tape to hold registration marks on the platen or board. Sort shirts by size and inspect for defects; label shirts inside with size labels if needed.

Printing

4
Set up screen and ink
Place the prepared screen on the platen or printing board. Shake or mix the water-based ink to uniform consistency. If printing multiple colors, align screens using registration marks to ensure color placement consistency.
5
Print with squeegee
Place the shirt flat and secure it. Lay a bead of ink at the top of the screen. Hold the squeegee at a 45° angle and pull the ink across the screen with steady pressure in one smooth stroke. For heavier coverage, perform a flood stroke and then a printing stroke. For multi-color prints, allow flash-drying between colors or use a heat gun/flash dryer to tack each layer before registering the next screen.
6
Alternative: Heat transfer (HTV or transfer paper)
If using HTV, place the weeded vinyl on the shirt with the carrier sheet facing up. Preheat the heat press to the manufacturer's recommended temperature (commonly 160-165°C / 320-330°F for 10-15 seconds for many HTVs). Press with medium pressure for the recommended time, then peel cold or hot as specified by the vinyl. If using transfer paper, print with your printer, trim the design, position on the shirt, and press at the recommended temperature/time, then peel according to the transfer type (hot or cold peel).

Curing & Quality Control

7
Cure prints
Cure water-based inks using a conveyor dryer set to the ink manufacturer's recommended temperature (commonly 150-160°C / 300-320°F) and dwell time, or use the heat press for spot curing. Aim for the ink to reach the specified flash/cure temperature (check technical data sheet) to ensure washfastness. Typical conveyor or heat-press cure times vary; test with a gel-puller or wash test.
8
Inspect prints
Check every shirt for registration, ink coverage, pinholes, and incomplete edges. Reprint or touch up as needed. For HTV or transfers, verify adhesion at corners and edges.
9
Post-press finishing
Trim any loose threads and remove stray ink. Attach hang tags and size labels. Fold shirts neatly using a folding board for consistent presentation. Place each shirt in a clear poly bag with a sheet of tissue paper if desired.

Packaging & Shipping Preparation

10
Package items
Insert folded, bagged shirts into poly mailers. Add a packing slip or invoice and a branded sticker seal over the bag flap for presentation. For fragile or gift orders include tissue paper and a thank-you card.
11
Label and dispatch
Weigh each packaged order to calculate postage. Affix shipping labels to the poly mailer, check addresses for accuracy, and prepare orders for pickup or drop-off. Store remaining inventory flat or folded in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Merchandise Recipe

Ingredients

Design & Materials

Equipment & Tools

Finishing & Packaging Supplies

Method

Design & Preparation

Create artwork

Prepare screens or cut HTV

Prepare workspace and shirts

Printing

Set up screen and ink

Print with squeegee

Alternative: Heat transfer (HTV or transfer paper)

Curing & Quality Control

Cure prints

Inspect prints

Post-press finishing

Packaging & Shipping Preparation

Package items

Label and dispatch

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