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Showing posts from December, 2023

Plastisol vs Water-Based inks

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In screen printing there are two major players when it comes to inks, you have your water-based inks and your plastisol inks. PLASTISOL INKS : Plastisol inks are extremely easy to use and convenient when you are on press. If you are new you can take your time printing and don't have to worry about the ink drying or clogging your print area. Plastisol, which sits on top of the shirt, allows for a nice vibrant punch in color but over time if not cured properly will begin to crack and eventually flake off. PRO: You get a nice and vibrant print Will not dry out even when left open You can use any type of emulsion Easy learning curve for new printers CON: You can feel it on the shirt You may need different inks for polyester/ blends You need Plastisol ink cleaners   WATER-BASED INKS : Water-based inks are a totally different breed of ink. These inks become a part of the garment and do not sit on top of the garment like a plastisol ink would . Water-based inks produce an extremely soft h

Interview with the Creator of the Shirt Show Podcast

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  Today we share an interview with a master interviewer himself, Dylan Gilligan, owner of Upstate Merch and founder of the Shirt Show Podcast. Dylan’s origins in the screen-printing industry are a bit different than the typical garage printer. Dylan was in a band and had a button company, he sold his buttons to friends and other bands. He then added T-Shirt merch and stickers to his business, a path that would eventually lead to a permanent place in the printing industry. Dylan has been in the industry since 2006. He truly lives and breathes screen printing. From running a screen-printing shop to hosting a screen-printing podcast Dylan is incredibly passionate about our industry. Read our interview with Dylan to gain a wealth of knowledge in all things screen printing and entrepreneurship. … Interview Starts: 1. When you first started printing, what was your biggest struggle while learning the trade? Dylan: I have never actually been a full-time printer. I started out doing sales. In 2