News
Why Should I Start Screen Printing?
Screen printing is a challenging, creative process. Many screen printers start out as a hobby, or get into the trade through other means of garment decorating, like vinyl or embroidery. Stepping into screen printing doesn’t have to be a big investment, but it can have big effects on your business. Let’s talk about what it takes to start screen printing, and how it can be combined with other aspects of garment decoration.
How to Start Screen Printing T-Shirts at Home
Screen printing is a unique industry. Printers take a blank shirt and turn it into a work of art. You can make anything out of the trade, whether that’s a hobby or a full-time gig. Stepping into screen printing can be a little intimidating. There’s so much to learn, and it’s a guarantee that you’ll make mistakes along the way. So where do you start? Let’s walk through what you’ll need to start screen printing and the best ways to learn the craft.
4 Steps to Turn Cardboard into a DIY T-shirt Folder
Ever seen a T-shirt folded to perfection and thought it increased the value of the shirt? Folding T-shirts is a great way to increase the value of your orders. By folding shirts, you can create custom packaging and wow customers by adding a small step into your process. A T-shirt folder not only quickly folds t-shirts to industry-standard specs, but it is also an affordable option to streamline your process. Want to create your own? Here’s how.
Got Coffee? Here’s How to Screen Print With It
Have you ever wanted to screen print with food? Ever looked down into your morning coffee and thought “I bet I could print with this”? Ronald Peters decided to give coffee ink a shot (get it?). He used techniques from natural dyeing processes, got a little creative with his own mix, and tried screen printing with coffee.
Why DIY Screen Printers Should Use LED bulbs for Screen Exposures
It’s no secret that LED exposure is the new standard. It’s more economical, less wasteful, provides stronger stencil development, and allows printers to do more with a screen. LED exposure is now the standard for DIY printers, too. But what’s the big deal? How do DIY printers use an LED bulb as opposed to a UV bulb? Stick around to find out.
Tips for Exposing Screen Printing Screens with the Sun
Proper screen exposure is vital to getting that perfect print. Purchasing an exposure unit can be pricey. There’s one option that many printers turn to: the power of the sun. You can use the sun as your exposure unit. But should you? Let’s go over how to expose a screen in the sun and potential issues you might encounter.
How PRNT SCRN Screen Printing Stays True to its DIY Roots
When a person decides they want to screen print, there’s a ton to learn. Some may be discouraged by that idea, others love the challenge. Josh Dykstra, owner of PRNT SCRN Screen Printing, thrives off of learning new, complex forms of art. For Josh, screen printing started as a hobby, then moved to a side-hustle as he learned the trade. His business has only grown from there.
Do DIY Printers Need a Flash Dryer? Salt & Pine Co. Shares Her Experience
Getting into screen printing is expensive. Many printers start off with a heat gun as a curing device. It’s cheap, and it does the job. Once the orders start piling up, heat guns don’t cut it anymore. They slow down the process and aren’t consistent. What should a printer upgrade to that doesn’t cost a lot? Consider a flash dryer. Amanda Dunnigan, owner of Salt & Pine Co., added a flash dryer to her shop and shares how it has impacted her production.
How to Make a DIY Screen for Screen Printing
Screen printers get creative when it comes to DIY projects. From building their own drying cabinets to using the sun for exposure, printers know how to use the tools they have at hand to get the job done. When Amanda Dunigan of Salt and Pine Co. made the switch from heat transfer vinyl (HTV) to screen printing, she didn’t completely ditch the vinyl. She kept her vinyl cutter to create stencils for screens. It works great, but it has its limitations. Amanda shared with us why this DIY screen process works for her and how she does it.
