News

How to Prepare A Screen For Water-Based Printing

Jacelyn WedmanSep 15, 2021

Prepping a screen for water-based inks can be a little more tricky than plastisol. The print deposit is thinner, the ink dries on the screen over time, and the ink can potentially break down emulsion faster than plastisol ink would. Because of this, you need a good screen to get a good print. Let’s go through the process of making a screen so you’re prepared for your next water-based job.

How to Start Water-Based Printing

Jacelyn WedmanAug 25, 2021

Water-based ink is becoming more and more popular. With more shops turning to greener methods, printing with water-based ink can be nicer on the environment and your health. Many printers believe that water-based printing is more challenging than printing with plastisol. If you step into it the right way, water-based printing can actually be easier and save you time and money.

What is the Purpose of Emulsion Hardener?

Sage LarsonMay 03, 2021

Ever had a stencil break down during production? It sucks. Unless you have backup screens ready, production will come to a halt. Your time is valuable. For jobs that need tougher screens, use emulsion hardener to save you time and money.

Printing with Plastisol vs. Water Based Ink

Jacelyn WedmanApr 02, 2021

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.

What Screen Printers Can Accomplish with a Heat Press and Teflon Sheets

Sage LarsonJan 21, 2021

Every screen printer should have a heat press and teflon sheets. Not only will you be able to offer vinyl and foil as a service, you’ll be able to use the heat press and teflon to smooth out prints. Let’s dive into the uses of teflon sheets and heat presses as well as exploring insider tips.

Is Water Based Printing Right For You?

Sage LarsonJan 13, 2021

Intrigued by water-based inks? Water-based inks are great because they feel so soft on the garment and simple to print basic jobs, but it becomes challenging when printing complex art and it requires more legwork. Whether you’re ready for a new challenge or you received a request from a customer, printing with water-based inks is a whole new ball game compared to printing plastisol inks. Ink master Colin Huggins has shared helpful knowledge you need to know about water-based printing to help you decide if it’s right for you.

How to Print Your Own Custom Boxes

Sage LarsonDec 04, 2020

Why bother customizing the boxes you ship garments in? It's actually a small, but significant way to stand out from the crowd and look incredibly professional. That package is the customer's first impression of your business, why not make it a good one? Luckily, it's fairly easy to print on cardboard boxes. Rogue Lab Owner Lee Stuart breaks down every step of the process — from creating the artwork to curing the ink — so you can customize your own boxes effortlessly.

How to Get the Perfect Pocket Print Placement on Press

Sage LarsonNov 18, 2020

Placing pocket prints or left chest prints perfectly on a shirt is tough. You don't want the print to end up in the armpit or on the neckline of the shirt. Jonathan Overmyer from Golden Press Studio has shared his process of placing pocket prints on press. Check out their video to learn one of the many ways you can ace this print.

A Checklist for Equipment and Supplies Needed to Start Up a Screen Print Shop

Sage LarsonNov 06, 2020

Ready to start screen printing? It's a big jump, but it's so worth it. To build your shop, you will need to obtain some equipment and supplies. Our Sales and Success Team put together a handy check list of everything you should consider investing in your future shop.

How to Achieve Matte or Glossy Prints

Sage LarsonSep 23, 2020

Wondering how to adjust the final looks of the ink? (Is it too shiny? Want it to look dull? Or is it dull and you want it to look shiny?) Let's look into it.

How to Do Eco-Friendly Screen Printing

Sage LarsonJul 16, 2020

Let’s face it. Screen printing is dirty, messy, and toxic at times. From the chemicals, garment manufacturers, chemical waste, to water pollution, screen printing has a long road ahead to becoming eco-friendly. Implementing greener practices seems challenging and expensive, but that’s not the case.

Our choices matter. Let’s look at ways screen printers can implement environmentally friendly products and processes in their shops.

CMYK vs. Spot Color vs. Simulated Process Printing

Sage LarsonJun 19, 2020

Okay, so you’ve heard their names, CMYK Process, Spot Color, and Simulated Process, but what are they? What sets them apart from one another and what is the best use for each? Let’s go through them, one by one!