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How to Post Expose your Screen Printing Stencils

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  Durable stencils are incredibly important to the integrity of your print. A strong stencil is required for all printing however it is especially important when you have a long print run or are printing with water-based inks . During long print runs the emulsion can wear down causing your print edges to be less crisp. Today we discuss when to use post exposure and how you can use post exposure to strengthen your emulsion. What is post exposure? First let’s do a small recap on the processing of exposing emulsion, understanding this process will help you to understand how post exposure works. Exposing emulsion is when the emulsion coated onto a screen-printing frame is exposed to light, the light hardens the emulsion anywhere the light touches the screen. The hardened emulsion on the screen does not rinse out, what remains is your stencil. Post exposure is exposing the screen again to light after the screen has already been exposed rinsed and dried. The purpose is to strengthen or to he
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How to Maximize Space in a Small Screen Printing Shop

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  Screen printing equipment and all the supplies required to print can take up quite a bit of space. If you are printing out of your home or garage, space is not always the easiest to come by. Your printing press might be competing with your bicycle for prime real estate in the garage. There's so much equipment necessary for running an efficient screen-printing business, every inch counts. Today we will discuss our favorite tips/ tricks and storage support items to help increase your workspace while taking up minimal space. First lets discuss about how you can save space with your larger equipment pieces:      1. Find Compact Pieces.  Dip Tanks and Washout Booths are both great items in which you can find smaller and more compact versions. Industrial equipment can take up a lot of valuable floor space and can be very pricey. If you are working with minimal floor space we suggest opting for a dip tank and or washout booth that doesn't eat up your workspace. Dip Tanks can both he
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What is the Difference Between Heat Transfer and Screen Printing?

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 When it comes to customizing apparel and other products, two popular printing methods often come into play: heat transfer and screen printing . Both techniques have their unique advantages and are suited for different applications. Understanding the differences between them can help you make informed decisions for your printing needs. In this blog post, we'll delve into the specifics of each method, comparing their processes, benefits, and ideal uses. Understanding Heat Transfer Printing What is Heat Transfer Printing? Heat transfer printing involves transferring a design from a specially formulated paper onto a substrate (such as fabric) using heat and pressure. The design is first printed onto transfer paper using inkjet or laser printers and then pressed onto the material with a heat press machine. How Does It Work? Design Creation : The desired image or text is designed using graphic design software. Printing onto Transfer Paper : The design is printed in reverse onto heat tr
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How to Make a Silk Screen Stencil

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  To screen print a design onto a t-shirt you need to create a stencil for your artwork. A stencil can be made in several ways but in this blog, we are going to discuss how to make a silk screen stencil using two different methods. There is a DIY method using a vinyl cutter, often referred to as Cricut screen printing, and there is a traditional screen-printing method that uses screen printing emulsion and light. These two methods vary greatly, however, they result in the same finished good, a printed design on your desired substrate. Below we will break down the materials you need for both Cricut screen printing and traditional screen printing and the directions to complete each method. We hope that by the end of this blog you will feel confident in one of the methods and be able to create your very first stencil.  Price is something to keep in mind when looking at these two methods. How much money do you want to spend on your initial screen printing setup? If you are starting to scre
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How to Properly Clean and Maintain Your Screen Printing Machine

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  Screen printing is an amazing art form and a crucial part of many businesses. Whether you’re printing custom t-shirts, posters, or other items, keeping your screen printing machine in top condition is essential. Proper maintenance not only extends the life of your equipment but also ensures the quality of your prints. Here’s a simple guide to help you clean and maintain your screen printing machine, inspired by the practices at Screen Print Direct. Daily Maintenance Routine 1. Clean the Screens and Squeegees After Every Use : After each printing session, remove the screens and squeegees . Use a screen cleaning solution to thoroughly clean the screens. Make sure to remove all ink residues to prevent any clogs or streaks in future prints. Dry Properly : Allow the screens to dry completely before storing them. This prevents any moisture damage or mold growth. 2. Check the Ink Inspect Ink Levels : Always check the ink levels before starting a new print job. Low ink can cause inconsistent
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