News

What Is Water Based Ink in Screen Printing?

Jacelyn WedmanJan 06, 2023

What is water-based ink? What makes it a desirable ink for screen printers? The basic answer is that water-based ink uses water as a base. Seems pretty self-explanatory, right? There’s a lot more to know about water-based ink than just the base itself. Let’s dive in and talk about what water-based ink is and how printers can get the most out of it.

Why Should I Start Screen Printing?

Jacelyn WedmanDec 28, 2022

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.

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.

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.

Want to Screen Print? Here’s How to Choose the Best Start Up Press for You

Jacelyn WedmanNov 25, 2022

The day has come: you're ready to jump into the screen printing world. A key factor needed to get started in this adventure is a screen printing press. With tons of press options, it may be difficult to choose the best press to get started with. Luckily, there’s a guide to choosing the best startup press for your shop. Keep reading.

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.

A Guide to Firing up Your T-Shirt Printing Side Hustle

Jacelyn WedmanSep 09, 2022

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.

Why Every Screen Printer Needs a Heat Press in their Shop

Jacelyn WedmanSep 07, 2022

A heat press is a great tool and has tons of uses. Many screen printers start by heat pressing transfers onto t-shirts, tote bags, or other garments. Heat presses can be used to cure garments, and are great for printing at live events. Let’s talk about all the benefits of having a heat press, and what you’ll need to be successful.

A Crash Course in Choosing Proper Scoop Coater & Squeegee Sizing for a Job

Jacelyn WedmanAug 12, 2022

Size matters in screen printing. But it’s not just about how big your press or conveyor is. The sizing of all your equipment and supplies is important, even down to squeegees and scoop coaters. If you’re having issues when coating screens or getting a good print, it might not be your technique. You might just not have properly sized supplies for the job. So what size scoop coater and squeegees should you use? What can happen if you don’t use the right size? Let’s find out.

4 Steps to Prepare Your Screen Print Shop for a Severe Storm

Jacelyn WedmanAug 10, 2022

It’s summer storm season again. You know what that means: natural disasters and storms that can impact your business. What should you do to prepare for a severe storm and protect your print shop? Here are six tips for prepping before a storm and what to do if your shop does get damaged.