News
Sim Process Separations | The Secret to Photorealistic Screen Prints
SIM Process Separations might be one of the hardest things to do well in screen printing. Luckily, we have good news! We’re sharing the secrets to achieving photo-realistic screen prints with step-by-step instruction using SIM Process color separations. We’ll walk you through the entire process from design, separation, to printing on press in our Photoshop for Screen Printing: Advanced Color Separations course!
Your Brand Starts Here With Learning | How To Screen Print With A Kit: 250 Edition
Our How to Screen Print with a Kit: 250 Edition Online Course isn't just about learning; it's about transforming your passion into a successful brand. Join us, and let's make your screen printing dreams a reality as we guide you through 12 modules teaching everything from dialing in the darkroom to cataloging prints.
Best Practices when Printing Multi-Color Posters with Water-Based Ink
Ever looked around at your walls and thought “This could use some pizzazz?” Screen printing professional Jamie is with you. The walls of her print studio were bland and boring. Why not print some posters to liven things up? Printing on posters takes a little bit of a different skill set than printing on t-shirts. You’ll need different squeegees, a different platen setup, and a unique curing method.
Tips for Reclaiming Screens for Best Results
Emulsion remover removes emulsion. Seems simple, right? This chemical reclaims stencils faster with a concentrated emulsion remover solution. The chemistry breaks down emulsion when applied to a screen, and can be used in either a dunk tank or a traditional reclaim setup using a washout booth. But what happens when reclaiming screens takes more effort than usual? How do you reclaim locked-up screens?
A Guide to Screen Printing T-Shirts
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.
How To Dial In Exposure Times Using An Exposure Calculator
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 Print White Plastisol Ink on a Black Shirt with a Smoothing Screen
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.
3 Ways to Create Soft Prints with Plastisol Ink
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
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.
The Basics of Mixing Emulsion and Coating a Screen
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.
A Guide to Firing up Your T-Shirt Printing Side Hustle
Need some extra cash? Want to diversify your income? Starting a side hustle is a great way to earn some extra money while doing something you love. Screen printing is a great side hustle to start up. Dip your toes in with a small press and take the craft as far as you want. Let’s talk about why you’d want a side hustle, what you’ll need, and how to be successful at it.
Screen Printing Hoodie Basics
It’s hoodie season again! Got questions about printing on everyone’s favorite cold-weather garment? Josh Wells walks through the basics of printing on hoodies, proudly provided by SanMar, and answers questions from real printers about the ins and outs of hoodie screen printing.
