News

How Using a Dunk Tank Can Improve Printers' Reclaim Processes

Jacelyn WedmanAug 11, 2023

Reclaiming isn’t the most fun part of the screen printing process. With all the scrubbing, waiting, rinsing, and scrubbing some more, it can become a tiresome task. It doesn’t have to be a monumental challenge, though. There’s a simple solution — a dunk tank. A dunk tank (also known as a dip tank) will change your life. How? Let’s dip into it (pun intended).

Best Practices when Printing Multi-Color Posters with Water-Based Ink

Jacelyn WedmanMay 26, 2023

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.

Celebrating Earth Day with Eco-Conscious Screen Printing

Jacelyn WedmanMay 05, 2023

The screen printing industry isn’t known for its eco-friendly practices. But there are some ways that screen printers everywhere can do a little better for their shop and environment. Ryan Moor, CEO and founder of Ryonet, believes in the power of helping the environment and the community one t-shirt at a time. That’s why we chose to screen print volunteer shirts using water-based ink for a great organization just around the corner from our Vancouver, Washington, warehouse.

Tips for Reclaiming Screens for Best Results

Jacelyn WedmanApr 14, 2023

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

Sage LarsonApr 07, 2023

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.

Live Screen Printing with Munch from Love Yourself Clothing | Screenprinting.com

3 Highlights from the Love Yourself Clothing Live Stream

Jacelyn WedmanFeb 22, 2023

You’ve probably heard it said that the best time to try something new is to try it live on camera. Haven’t heard that? Well for Maher Hachem (or Munch for short), trying new things during a live stream is the perfect time. So when the YouTube community suggested that he print a fountain print on a tote bag, Munch was up for the challenge.

“I get hype,” he said throughout the live stream.

Munch is the owner of Love Yourself Clothing. As a creative individual, he loves to try new things, all while jamming to original music written by himself and friends. Missed all the fun? Here are three highlights from the stream.

How To Dial In Exposure Times Using An Exposure Calculator

Jacelyn WedmanFeb 01, 2023

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 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.

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.

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.

The Basics of Mixing Emulsion & Coating a Screen | Screenprinting.com

Screen Coating Basics Live Stream

Jacelyn WedmanSep 28, 2022

Every screen print starts in the darkroom, and every screen starts with a good coat of emulsion. Follow along as darkroom expert Colin Huggins walks through the basics of mixing dual cure emulsion and coating screens.