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How to Choose the Right Garment for Screen Printing

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  When you’re new to screen printing, it’s easy to think  a t-shirt is a t-shirt.  But any experienced printer will tell you the garment you choose can make or break your project. Fabric weight, style, and quality all impact not only how your print looks but also how your customer feels wearing it. Let’s break down some key differences to help you pick the right blank for every job. Understanding T-Shirt Weight: When browsing wholesale apparel catalogs, you’ll see shirts listed by weight (e.g., 4 oz, 5.3 oz, 6 oz). This refers to the fabric’s weight per square yard. While the numbers may seem small, the difference is noticeable in feel and performance. Lightweight (around 4 oz) Super soft and breathable Great for spring and summer wear Often used for promotional giveaways or budget-friendly projects May feel thinner and have less structure, can stretch out more easily Midweight (5–5.5 oz) A balanced choice between softness and durability Works well for everyday wear or re...

Let's Screen-Print an Ugly Christmas Sweater

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  Our “ugly” sweater is pretty cute right? Recreate this ugly Christmas sweater with ease. Follow the steps in the  video  and get further detail in the description below to  screen-print  this sweater for customers or yourself this holiday season.  We have also included a link to download the artwork we used for this print and it’s completely free! Let’s get to it.    We are going to be printing with two different types of ink today. One is  Rapid Cure Gold Glitter Plastisol Ink  and the other is  Rapid Cure Metallic Gold Plastisol Ink .   You can print with just glitter or metallic if you prefer a one-color print. Pro Tip: Always remember to mix your inks prior to use so you get a nice creamy and easy flowing feel when it’s time to hit the press.   Since the inks have different printing characteristics you are going to need a couple different screen meshes so the ink can print onto the garment without any issues like clo...

Direct to Film (DTF) Printing Process - Step by Step

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  DTF (Direct To Film) printing is a process used in garment decoration, where the design is printed directly onto a special film that is then transferred onto the fabric. This method differs greatly from screen printing because the image is not created with an emulsion stencil. When using the DTF printing process the image is created through a design software and then printed straight onto the film.  The image transferring portion of the process is very similar to transferring plastisol transfers to a garment.  DTF Prints are full color transfers, meaning you can transfer your print onto any color garment for an image that pops. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to perform DTF printing: Supplies Needed: DTF Printer  - available at Screen Print Direct DTF Oven  - available at Screen Print Direct DTF Film  - available at Screen Print Direct DTF Powder  - available at Screen Print Direct DTF Ink  - available at Screen Print Direct Compu...

Direct to Film (DTF) Printing Process - Step by Step

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DTF (Direct To Film) printing is a process used in garment decoration, where the design is printed directly onto a special film that is then transferred onto the fabric. This method differs greatly from screen printing because the image is not created with an emulsion stencil. When using the DTF printing process the image is created through a design software and then printed straight onto the film.  The image transferring portion of the process is very similar to transferring plastisol transfers to a garment.  DTF Prints are full color transfers, meaning you can transfer your print onto any color garment for an image that pops. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to perform DTF printing: Supplies Needed: DTF Printer  - available at Screen Print Direct DTF Oven  - available at Screen Print Direct DTF Film  - available at Screen Print Direct DTF Powder  - available at Screen Print Direct DTF Ink  - available at Screen Print Direct Computer Gar...

How to Choose the Right Screen Printing Equipment in the USA

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Beginning or expanding a screen-printing business is thrilling, but it also has a great responsibility—picking the right equipment. The equipment and tools you invest in today will have a direct influence on the quality of your prints, the productivity of your production, and ultimately, the success of your shop. With all the options available in the USA, ranging from affordable starter packages to advanced automatic presses, it can be daunting to determine what's ideal for your requirements. This guide takes you through the most critical things to consider when choosing screen printing machinery in the USA so that you make informed and intelligent decisions. 1. Know Your Business Objectives Step back before buying anything and ask yourself: Am I setting up a small side business or a full-time store? How many prints do I anticipate doing per week? Am I focusing on custom t-shirts, posters, or specialty products? If you're just getting started, a manual press and ...

Which Curing Method Is Right for You? Flash Dryer, Conveyor, or Heat Press

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  When it comes to curing screen prints, there are a few different ways to get the job done, but they’re definitely not all equal. Whether you’re working with plastisol or water-based ink, using the right equipment can make the difference between a cracked, under-cured print and one that holds up wash after wash. Yes, you  can  cure prints with a  flash dryer  or a  heat press.  But if you’re looking for speed, consistency, and peace of mind? A  conveyor dryer  is the way to go. Now that we  carry a complete range of curing equipment , let’s break down the differences and help you figure out what makes the most sense for your shop. Flash Dryer: The Starter Setup Flash dryers are where a lot of printers start—and for good reason. They’re affordable, compact, and can be used to both flash underbase and cure final prints. Pros: Budget-friendly Doesn’t take up much space Great for beginners and small runs Cons: Manual process—hovering it ove...