What makes a great screen printer? According to Josh Wells AKA @joshlikesink, it’s the perfect mix of hustle, experience, and the right gear. In this episode of Shirt Show, Josh shares real shop stories, must-have equipment advice, and the moments that shaped his screen printing career, from a teenage side hustle to leading education at Ryonet.
Josh’s Journey: From Garage Shop to Ryonet Educator
Josh started printing at 15, scraping screens in a garage shop in Oregon. He got his first real experience at a Christian apparel print company, then leveled up by working at Pacific Print Works, a contract shop that printed for Nike and Jordan. Later, he joined Oregon Screen Impressions, where he spent 15 years refining his craft and managing production across multiple automatics. Today, he brings decades of hands-on experience to his role at Ryonet, creating education, content, and support to help other printers grow.
RELATED: BEHIND THE SCENES OF TOUR MERCH | SHIRT SHOW
What Belongs in a “Real” Starter Kit?
If you’re printing for clients, quality matters. Josh breaks down the essentials every serious printer should invest in:
✅ Must-Haves:
- Conveyor Dryer, ink must be fully cured, or it will wash out.
- Reliable Exposure Unit, for consistent, pro-level stencils.
- Good Film Output, critical for crisp details.
💡 Upgrade If You Can:
- Two-station press (speeds up workflow)
- Quartz flash unit (more efficient and safer)
- Donut probe or temperature strips for accurate curing
- Liquid adhesive (healthier and more consistent than spray)
Kits That Align with Josh’s Advice
Riley Hopkins 150 4-Color Kit
Ideal for beginners getting into small-scale production with limited space and budget.
Riley Hopkins 250 Complete Kit
Comes with everything you need to grow past hobby-level printing and start taking real jobs.
Riley Hopkins 360 Auto-Ready Shop Package
Designed for printers moving into automation or needing serious daily output. Built tough, built right.
RELATED: SHOP HACKS AND WORKFLOW TIPS EVERY SCREEN PRINTER SHOULD KNOW
Why Education and Real Talk Matter
Josh doesn’t sugarcoat it — screen printing is hard work, and the learning never stops. That’s why education is at the heart of everything he does. Whether it’s teaching shop safety, dialing in exposure times, or helping a printer pick the right kit, Josh brings real-world experience to every conversation.
"Roll the dice on yourself. – Aaron Draplin"
– Josh Wells