Posts

What Emulsion Do I Need Part 2

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In part 1 of "What Emulsion Do I Need" we left you with fundamental information on the two types of screen printing emulsions. From the last blog you should now know that: Pre-sensitized emulsion   means that the emulsion does not require diazo, and is ready to use. This emulsion is less water resistant but has a longer shelf life and a tight exposure window. Diazo based emulsion   is going to be more water resistant but once you mix in the diazo, your shelf life becomes very short. You are also going to have a much wider exposure window. Today we are going to discuss the following: When to use pre-sensitized emulsion and when to use diazo sensitized emulsion How long should emulsion dry before exposing  How long to expose emulsion    1. Let's dive into when to use each emulsion: Pre-sensitized Emulsion  is going to be your best all around choice for textile printing and is the best emulsion to be used with  plastisol inks . Most of the time the g...

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 retail t...

2025 Screen Printing Business Checklist: Improve Workflow, Pricing, and Growth

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We’re rolling through 2025, and if you’ve been in the screen printing game for a while, you know how fast things can change. Between new print tech, supply costs, and the rise of DTF printing, it’s easy to get caught up in the grind. That’s why it’s smart to stop, take a breath, and really look at your business—what’s working, what’s not, and where you can tighten things up. Think of it like a tune-up for your shop. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to look at when you evaluate your screen printing business this year. 1. Check Your Numbers Start with the basics—how’s your cash flow? Are sales trending up or slowing down? Which products or clients bring in the most profit? Have you adjusted your prices to account for rising ink and garment costs? If you’ve added new services (like DTF or embroidery), compare how they’re performing next to your core printing jobs. You might spot an opportunity to shift focus—or scale up what’s really paying off. 2. Review Your Equipment and Workflow A me...

Best Screen Printing Software - Which Program is Best?

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  Organization on the brain? Considering the leap to a business management software to save a few hours of sleep? Give this post a read. If you are new to business management software just know there are a lot of options out there. With that said it can be very overwhelming when trying to pick one or to decide if you even need one. Screen Printing is a unique business to run and due to that several software’s have been created that are catered toward print shops. Picking a screen printing software is like buying a car, there are a lot of manufacturers out there with different options at various price ranges. You must do your research to find out which one works for you and your business’s needs. Some business owners may just need help sending quick quotes and accessing their distributors catalogs while others want full e-Commerce capabilities as well. These software’s offer a slew of features to help you run your shop effectively. Here are a few of the popular capabilities the...

Best Screen Printing Software - Which Program is Best?

Organization on the brain? Considering the leap to a business management software to save a few hours of sleep? Give this post a read.   If you are new to business management software just know there are a lot of options out there. With that said it can be very overwhelming when trying to pick one or to decide if you even need one. Screen Printing is a unique business to run and due to that several software’s have been created that are catered toward print shops. Picking a screen printing software is like buying a car, there are a lot of manufacturers out there with different options at various price ranges. You must do your research to find out which one works for you and your business’s needs. Some business owners may just need help sending quick quotes and accessing their distributors catalogs while others want full e-Commerce capabilities as well.   These software’s offer a slew of features to help you run your shop effectively. Here are a few of the popular capabilit...