Screen Print: Your Complete Guide to Screen Printing Supplies

Introduction

Hi! I’m here to help you learn all about screen printing. This fun way to make t-shirts and other cool stuff isn’t hard when you know what to do. Let’s start with the basics and work our way up!

Getting Started with Screen Printing

What is Screen Printing?

Screen printing puts ink on things through a mesh screen. It’s like making a stamp, but better! You can print on:

• T-shirts
• Hoodies
• Paper
• Wood
• Metal
• Glass

Basic Supplies You Need

1. Screens and Mesh
2. Wood or metal frames
3. Different mesh counts:

• 110 for thick ink
• 156 for regular shirts
• 230+ for fine details

1. Inks
2. Plastisol ink – great for shirts
3. Water-based ink – eco-friendly
4. Discharge ink – for dark fabrics

Pro Tip: Check out our premium plastisol inks for professional results.

Essential Equipment

Printing Tools

1. Squeegees
2. Different sizes needed
3. Durometer (hardness) matters
4. Keep them clean
5. Emulsion Items
6. Photo emulsion
7. Scoop coater
8. Exposure unit

Setup Equipment

1. Printing Press
2. Single color to start
3. Multi-color when ready
4. Table clamps
5. Drying Equipment
6. Heat gun
7. Flash dryer
8. Conveyor dryer

Choosing the Right Supplies

For T-Shirt Printing

1. Mesh Selection
2. 156-200 most common
3. Lower for white ink
4. Higher for details
5. Ink Choices
6. Plastisol (76% prefer)
7. Water-based options
8. Special effects inks

For Art Prints

1. Fine Detail Work
2. 230+ mesh count
3. Water-based inks
4. Good registration

Advanced Equipment

Color Separation

1. CMYK Process
2. Four-color printing
3. Halftone dots
4. Color matching
5. Special Effects
6. Glitter inks
7. Puff inks
8. Metallic finishes

Cost Saving Tips

Smart Shopping

1. Clean screens (40% savings)
2. Bulk ink purchases
3. Equipment maintenance
4. DIY where possible

Efficiency Tips

1. Plan print runs
2. Mix custom colors
3. Save unused ink
4. Reclaim screens

Troubleshooting Guide

Common Problems

1. Ink Issues
2. Bleeding
3. Not covering
4. Drying in screen
5. Emulsion Problems
6. Won’t wash out
7. Breaks down
8. Under exposure

Environmental Considerations

Eco-Friendly Options

1. Water-Based Inks
2. 22% yearly growth
3. Less pollution
4. Better feel
5. Energy Saving
6. LED exposure units
7. Solar power options
8. Efficient dryers

Future Trends

Industry Development

1. Digital Integration
2. Hybrid systems
3. Automation
4. Color matching
5. Sustainable Practices
6. Eco inks
7. Recycling
8. Water reduction

Resources and Learning

Getting Help

1. Online Communities
2. Local Classes
3. Supplier Support

Practice Projects

1. Simple Designs
2. Color Tests
3. Special Effects

Maintenance Tips

Daily Care

1. Clean Screens
2. Check Equipment
3. Organize Supplies

Monthly Tasks

1. Deep Clean
2. Equipment Check
3. Supply Inventory