Genelia

Screen printing is a fantastic way to create custom apparel, posters, and more. Whether you're looking to start a business or just explore a new creative hobby, knowing what do I need to start screen printing is crucial. Let’s break down everything you need to get started and make your first successful print! Essential Screen Printing Supplies Before you jump into printing, gather these must-have materials: 1. Screen and Frame This is the foundation of screen printing. A mesh screen held in a sturdy frame acts as a stencil for your design. Screens come in different mesh counts, affecting ink flow and design detail. 2. Emulsion and Sensitizer These light-sensitive chemicals coat your screen and allow you to create a stencil. When exposed to light, the emulsion hardens, leaving behind your design when washed out. 3. Squeegee A good squeegee evenly pushes ink through the screen onto your material. The size and hardness of the blade affect print quality, so choose wisely. 4. Screen Pr...

Feeling some haze regarding our two haze removers? Let us clear that up for you! What is the difference between  Hyper Haze  and  Liquid Haze ? We get this question often and decided to give the answer a bit of real estate on our website to clear up any confusion regarding these two products. In a nut shell, absolutely nothing! These products are identical, in fact they do exactly the same thing. They have 90% of the same ingredients. I can read your mind now, “ok so why is there two? “ Glad you asked! Printers’ preference. Traditional haze removers are paste-like and are scooped from the container and placed onto the screen. Screen Print Direct’s traditional haze remover is our Hyper Haze. Liquid Haze is the same as hyper haze except for the gritty particles that are in Hyper Haze. We made Liquid Haze for convenience, instead of scooping out haze remover you can now just squirt the haze remover onto your screen with Liquid Haze. The gritty substance in Hyper Haze is the ...

If you're in the screen printing industry, you've likely heard about water-based ink , but what exactly is it, and why is it gaining popularity? Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned printer, understanding the benefits of this ink type can help you create high-quality, eco-friendly prints with a soft feel and long-lasting durability. What Is Water-Based Ink? Unlike traditional plastisol ink, water-based ink is made with water as its main solvent instead of harmful chemicals. This allows the ink to soak into fabric fibers rather than sitting on top, resulting in vibrant prints with a breathable, soft finish . It’s a game-changer for those looking for sustainable and professional-quality prints . Why Choose Water-Based Ink? ✔ Soft & Lightweight Feel – Since the ink absorbs into the fabric, the print feels natural rather than thick or plasticky. ✔ Eco-Friendly & Non-Toxic – Free from harmful chemicals, making it safer for both the printer and the environment. ✔ ...

How to Screen Print a Vintage Graphic Print Vintage and retro clothing is making a comeback in a big way! This comeback isn’t just prevalent in secondhand clothing but in graphic print t-shirts and other merchandise as well. Time to add this distressed t-shirt style of printing to your arsenal and offer customers something new. The concept may seem somewhat ironic to printers, we typically don’t want the ink to look cracked or like it is fading. Generally, we like smooth opaque ink that doesn’t fade and has been cured properly. While we can’t control what the people want, we sure can create it for them. What is a Retro Print? Above is a great example of a vintage print. The ink looks a bit worn out and like it has real texture to it. The print and t-shirt itself usually appears like it has been through the washer one too many times. The vintage look adds a level of deeper value, as if this item has been kept and re-worn for many years instead of tossed.  Today we will dissect the s...