News
How Avila Design Co. Hustles for Success
If there’s one motto in the screen printing business, it’s “the hustle is real.” Many screen printers work seven days a week, operating shops in spare rooms, garages, and basements. If it’s your passion, the grind is worth it. With a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, your print shop grows and evolves. That’s what happened to Joey Avila, owner of Avila Design Co. His business in Fort Wayne, Indiana, took off with some help from a friend and his constant hustling.
How Press or Dye Merges Styles to Make Magic
Have you wanted to start a screen printing business, but didn’t know when to start? Are you waiting for “the perfect time?” If you have passion and drive, the perfect time is anytime. That’s what happened with Ashley Corr (aka Chainsaw Betty) and Ashley Stone. They started Press or Dye at the height of the pandemic’s lockdown. The passionate women from Nashville, Tennessee, share their journey and their secrets for success.
Buying New vs. Used Screen Printing Equipment
So you’re thinking about buying some screen printing equipment. Where should you buy it from? Should you buy brand-new products, or find used equipment from other printers? Printing experts Colin Huggins and Darryl Sapp discuss the benefits and drawbacks of buying new and used screen printing equipment for your shop.
How to Print T-Shirts
Ready to make your own apparel, but not sure where to start? Sounds like you need a guide on how to print t-shirts. In this 10-step guide, you'll learn about every process: making the artwork, preparing screens, printing, curing, and cleaning. Learn how to print t-shirts today, and start printing tomorrow.
Everything You Need to Know about Making a Darkroom in a Closet, Bathroom, and Garage
To get the best screen possible, you need the best darkroom setup. If your print shop is in your home, you might have to get creative with your darkroom. Setting up an effective darkroom can be challenging, but Darkroom expert Colin Huggins has you covered. In this post, he shares tips and nuances for constructing home darkrooms in a closet, a bathroom, and a garage.
Printing with Plastisol vs. Water Based Ink
Screen printers debate which is better: plastisol or water-based ink. Some printers start out with plastisol ink, while others opt to jump right into water-based printing. But how are they different? Why would you use one over the other? Ink master Colin Huggins lays out the differences and nuances to printing each type of ink. You’ll be able to decide which ink is best for your shop.
The Race Starts Here With an Equipment Only Package
Sometimes it’s best to start with the basics. If you like the freedom of choosing your own supplies but don’t want the hassle of picking big-ticket items, or you’re not sure what to buy for your shop, check out the equipment only packages. In just a couple of clicks, you’ll be ready to go. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade, do it with the right equipment.
Best Practices for Cleaning Ink Off Screens
Screen cleanup: satisfying when done right, frustrating when hiccups happen. It’s a simple process, but there are nuances to properly cleaning your screens that will keep them cleaner and make them last longer. Colin Huggins is an expert at screen cleanup, and offers a few tips on the process.
The Difference Between Wood and Aluminum Platens
One of the most overlooked variables for new screen printers is the type platen you're using to print on. Many times, the standard wood sixteen-inch platen does the trick. Depending on your needs as a printer, you might consider upgrading to aluminum or honeycomb platens. Printing guru Colin Huggins hashes out the differences between types of platens.
Everything You Need to Know to Screen Print an Underbase
Knowing how to screen print an underbase is crucial for screen printers. If you want a bright, vivid print, you'll need to lay down a solid white base. Rogue Lab Owner Lee Stuart breaks down the steps on how to achieve a fantastic underbase.
Meet the Maker of Salt & Pine Co.
Traditional, nine-to-five professions made Amanda Dunigan miserable. Cooped up in a drabby office at a bank for 10 years made her feel antsy, itching to do something more. She quit her job and started bartending, exploring creative endeavors on the side. After trying one activity after another, Amanda finally found her calling — screen printing.
How Golden Press Studio Powered the Print within the Screen Printing Community
When screen printer Jonathan Overmyer was scrolling through posts on the Rogue Printers Facebook Group one night, a post stopped him in his tracks. A new printer in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a few hours away from his shop, was washing out screens in a car wash.
That night, Jonathan decided he wanted to change that printer's life.
