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If You Had to Pick One, Which Would You Choose: A Flash Unit or Tabletop Conveyor Dryer?
As much as a new business owner may wish and strive for it, not all have a budget to cover all their startup expenses. So, decisions have to be made and creative solutions have to be discovered. New screen printers may find themselves in this dilemma. Sometimes, they might have to pick one piece of equipment over another, like deciding between a conveyor dryer and a flash dryer. How do you know which is the better investment? Well, it depends on what you want to do. Here are three factors to consider to help you decide which is better for your shop.
Why Should I Start Screen Printing?
Screen printing is a challenging, creative process. Many screen printers start out as a hobby, or get into the trade through other means of garment decorating, like vinyl or embroidery. Stepping into screen printing doesn’t have to be a big investment, but it can have big effects on your business. Let’s talk about what it takes to start screen printing, and how it can be combined with other aspects of garment decoration.
Control Print Shop Temperature with these 3 Tips
Temperatures in screen print shops can get uncomfortable. Whether you’re sweating in the summer or shivering in the winter, controlling the temperature in your shop makes a big difference. There are plenty of ways to keep your shop’s temperature comfortable, from venting conveyor dryers to simply opening a window. Let’s dive in.
How to Start Screen Printing T-Shirts at Home
Screen printing is a unique industry. Printers take a blank shirt and turn it into a work of art. You can make anything out of the trade, whether that’s a hobby or a full-time gig. Stepping into screen printing can be a little intimidating. There’s so much to learn, and it’s a guarantee that you’ll make mistakes along the way. So where do you start? Let’s walk through what you’ll need to start screen printing and the best ways to learn the craft.
Use Scrap Wood to Create a DIY Emulsion Coating Stand in 5 Steps
Coating a screen is important to create the perfect base layer for a great print. Accomplishing this task can be done in a couple of different ways. You can coat screens by supporting the screen on the floor or creating a coating stand. Want to create a DIY coating stand? Here’s how to get it done.
Simple Steps to Keep Your Print Shop Tax Exempt
Imagine buying screen printing supplies and not having to pay taxes. What a dream, right? If your screen printing business is a registered LLC, that dream can be a reality. To learn more about what tax exemption is and how to obtain it, continue reading.
Why DIY Screen Printers Should Use LED bulbs for Screen Exposures
It’s no secret that LED exposure is the new standard. It’s more economical, less wasteful, provides stronger stencil development, and allows printers to do more with a screen. LED exposure is now the standard for DIY printers, too. But what’s the big deal? How do DIY printers use an LED bulb as opposed to a UV bulb? Stick around to find out.
How PRNT SCRN Screen Printing Stays True to its DIY Roots
When a person decides they want to screen print, there’s a ton to learn. Some may be discouraged by that idea, others love the challenge. Josh Dykstra, owner of PRNT SCRN Screen Printing, thrives off of learning new, complex forms of art. For Josh, screen printing started as a hobby, then moved to a side-hustle as he learned the trade. His business has only grown from there.
Should DIY Screen Printers Get a Riley Hopkins 150 Press or a DIY Press?
If you’re just starting your screen printing journey, you might be a little overwhelmed. With the sheer amount of equipment options available, there’s a lot to decide. Choosing which press to buy is the first and most important step of getting started. But which press should you buy? Let’s compare two beginner presses: the DIY press and the Riley Hopkins 150.
Do DIY Printers Need a Flash Dryer? Salt & Pine Co. Shares Her Experience
Getting into screen printing is expensive. Many printers start off with a heat gun as a curing device. It’s cheap, and it does the job. Once the orders start piling up, heat guns don’t cut it anymore. They slow down the process and aren’t consistent. What should a printer upgrade to that doesn’t cost a lot? Consider a flash dryer. Amanda Dunnigan, owner of Salt & Pine Co., added a flash dryer to her shop and shares how it has impacted her production.
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.
Establishing a Brand: Creating Visual Elements
Creating engaging photos, intriguing videos, and attention-grabbing websites is crucial these days. According to Opt In Monster, 69% of Americans have shopped online so far in 2020. They predict that 91% of Americans will be shopping online by 2023. Therefore, it's safe to say that your business needs to be online. Making a plain website will not be enough though. Currently, 1.3 million businesses use e-commerce in the US, according to Kommando Tech.
For your brand to be successful, you'll need to cut through the noise. Digital Content Manager Robb Cummings and Creative Director Ryan Moore have shared their wisdom to create stellar photos, videos, and web designs.
