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  Hey there, If you've ever found yourself pondering the differences between water-based and oil-based inks, you're in the right place. Let's dive into the wonderful world of inks and explore what sets these two types apart. 1. Ingredients: Water-based ink, as the name suggests, primarily consists of water. It also contains pigments or dyes to give it color, along with additives for various properties like drying time and viscosity. On the other hand, oil-based ink is made using oils, such as linseed oil or soybean oil. These oils act as the main solvent for the pigment or dye, with additional additives to control thickness and drying speed. 2. Environment and Health: One significant difference between the two types of ink is their impact on the environment and health. Water-based inks are generally considered more environmentally friendly and safer for human health compared to oil-based inks. This is because they have lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), w...

  A beginners guide to screen printing t-shirts. Whether you are printing for a hobby, a side hustle or a full time business, screen printing is a trade that requires a lot of learning. Below we break down the process into simple steps that will have you confident printing your first t-shirt. Each step of the process is important, screen printing requires attention to detail through the whole printing journey in order to succeed! Note:  This blog is a high level overview of the screen printing process. Before printing we recommend that you ready more in depth about each step of the process and visit the blog links included in this guide. For in depth step by step directions please download our  Screen Printing Guide Book , we suggest using this booklet alongside you as you print. Preparing & Printing Artwork This is the fun part! What do you want to print on your t-shirt? How many colors will be in your design? How detailed will this print be? And how will you cr...

When it comes to screen printing, the quality of your prints heavily depends on the emulsion you choose. Screen printing emulsion is a light-sensitive coating applied to screens to create stencils for printing designs. It is a vital part of the process, and selecting the right emulsion can make all the difference in the final product’s sharpness, durability, and accuracy. Understanding Screen Printing Emulsion Screen printing emulsion works by creating a barrier on the screen that allows ink to pass through only where the design is. This allows for precise, repeatable prints. Emulsions are made of light-sensitive compounds, and when exposed to light, they harden, leaving the design area open for ink to pass through. Proper application and exposure to UV light are key to achieving clean, crisp prints. Choosing the Right Emulsion for Your Brand One of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the correct type of emulsion for your printing needs. There are different types, in...

Are you thinking of getting some cool designs printed on your t-shirts for an event or a family gathering? Well, you're in for a treat because there are some awesome printing methods out there to make your apparel stand out. Today, we're going to talk about two of the most popular ones: screen printing and DTG printing. Let's break it down so you can pick the perfect method for your needs. What is Screen Printing? Screen printing is like the OG of garment printing. It's been around for ages, and it's great for big orders. If you're printing a bunch of t-shirts for a big event, screen printing is your go-to. Plus, it's perfect for bold designs with simple shapes and text. Pros: Cost-effective for bulk orders: If you need a ton of shirts printed, screen printing won't burn a hole in your pocket. Great for bold designs: Simple graphics look awesome with screen printing. High quality and durable: Your prints will last through countless washes and wears. Con...

What may sound like an age-old technique, screen printing has now evolved into one of the most excellent methods for creating custom designs on varied materials. In the whole process, one thing that binds it all together is the use of emulsion. This light-sensitive liquid coats the screen and helps in creating a stencil. In this guide, we will discuss the emulsion coating on the screen and how to prepare screens with the coating. What is Emulsion Coating & its Importance in Screen Printing? It is the process of coating a screen with a light-sensitive emulsion that forms a stencil for the ink to flow through while printing. The screen is then exposed to UV light to expose the design or pattern. For the purpose of printing the intended picture onto different materials, including fabrics, paper, and plastics, this stencil is essential. Emulsion coatings guarantees printing accuracy and precision, making it possible to reproduce complex patterns and brilliant colors consistently and c...

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 s...

  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 ou...