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A Guide to Screen Printing T-Shirts

Sage LarsonApr 07, 2023

Each printer has their own unique story of why they got into screen printing. Some wanted to start their own clothing line. Others found it as a way to make a living. No matter what boat you're in, screen printing can be challenging. Check out this easy guide to learn the proper steps for screen printing t-shirts.

What's the Difference Between the Riley Hopkins 250 and 300 Presses?

Jacelyn WedmanApr 05, 2023

Ready to step up your screen printing game? Whether you’re printing in a spare room, garage, or commercial space, a press upgrade can jumpstart your shop. Beginner presses like the Riley Hopkins 150 are perfect for learning the ropes. But eventually, you may find yourself wanting more printheads, stations, and upgraded manual press technology. There are two options in the Riley Hopkins press line: the 250 and 300. Which is best for you? Let’s break it down.

What is Minimum Order Quantity and Why Does it Matter?

Jacelyn WedmanMar 15, 2023

Every printer wants to make money. You don’t want to lose profit on a job, but don’t want to turn potential customers away. So what do you do? Set a minimum order quantity. A minimum order quantity will ensure that you are putting in the effort that isn’t going to waste. It also can help weed out customers who aren’t committed to quality like you are. Get your calculators out; this is going to take a bit of math. Don’t worry though. Here’s everything you need to find your minimum order quantity for every job.

What is a Laser Guiding System and How Does it Improve Screen Printing Performance?

Jacelyn WedmanFeb 15, 2023

It’s no secret that lasers are cool. They’re not just for laser tag or entertaining cats. Screen printers can take advantage of laser precision using a laser guiding system to line up prints on press. Why is this system a game-changer for printers? Let’s find out.

How To Dial In Exposure Times Using An Exposure Calculator

Jacelyn WedmanFeb 01, 2023

Figuring out exposure times is one of the most difficult tasks in screen printing. If you're struggling, you're not alone. The best thing you can do is invest in a 21-Step Exposure Calculator. How does it work? Let's dive in.

How to Screen Print White FN-INK™ on a Black Shirt with a Smoothing Screen | Screenprinting.com

How to Print White Plastisol Ink on a Black Shirt with a Smoothing Screen

Sage LarsonDec 16, 2022

Printing white ink on black shirts is a popular design combination. For this design choice to be most effective, the ink needs to be clean and bright. For the best results, printers should use a smoothing screen. Want to learn how to do it? Print expert Colin Huggins has the answers.

The Screen Printing Equipment Every Water-Based Printer Needs

Jacelyn WedmanDec 14, 2022

Water-based printing takes a few different pieces of equipment and a bit of know-how. When printing with water-based ink, the water in the ink needs to evaporate in order for the ink to cure. This may seem challenging, but it’s a cinch with the proper tools. Let’s talk about the tools needed to print with water-based ink.

3 Ways to Create Soft Prints with Plastisol Ink

Jacelyn WedmanDec 07, 2022

Soft hand prints are best achieved with water-based ink but can be done with plastisol ink as well. Between the inks you choose to use, the garments you're printing on, to the available ink additives, achieving soft plastisol prints is possible. Let's take a look at three ways to create soft hand prints with plastisol ink.

Best Practices to Ensure Proper Ink Curing with 4 Curing Methods

Sage LarsonNov 18, 2022

Curing your prints is one of the last steps of the screen printing process, but it is one of the most important steps. Ink needs to be cured properly so it sets into the garment. If the ink does not cure fully, it will crack, fall apart, and not last for long. Printers use either heat guns, heat presses, flash dryers, or conveyor dryers to cure inks. Let's take a look at how each curing device works.

Best Practices for Setting Up Shop in Your Garage | Screenprinting.com

The Best Way to Set up a Screen Print Shop in a Garage

Sage LarsonNov 01, 2022

Tons of print shops start off in basements, spare rooms, and garages. Think about it, they're already investing a good chunk of cash into purchasing the equipment and supplies, why not set up shop in a space they have already paid for?

Print expert Darryl Sapp shares his past experiences of working in a garage shop, offering best practices to make the most efficient workflow in the space you have.

The Basics of Mixing Emulsion and Coating a Screen

Jacelyn WedmanOct 04, 2022

Not all emulsions respond the same when coating screens: some emulsions require adjustments in pressure and speed, depending on the emulsion thickness and the type of mesh you're working with on your screen. The end result should give a nice glisten that makes a great stencil for your next screen printing job. Darkroom expert Colin Huggins is on the case.

How Screen Printing Constantly Evolves to Fit an Ever-Changing World

Jacelyn WedmanSep 15, 2022

Screen printing is a wide, diverse industry. From its start in the Song Dynasty to its current variations, the trade has taken on a whole new look. But what is screen printing? How has it evolved over hundreds of years? Let’s take a look.