Screen Print: Your Source for Screen Printing Supplies

Introduction

Do you want to make cool shirts? Or signs? Then you need screen printing! Screen printing is a fun way to put ink on t-shirts and other things. But, to screen print, you need the right screen printing supplies. If you get good supplies, your screen print will look great!

This is why screen printing supplies are important for your projects. If you want to make apparel, signs, or fun things to give away, screen printing is a good way to do it. We will talk about what supplies you need if you are just starting. We will also talk about supplies for people who screen print a lot. We will help you find screen printing supplies that don’t cost too much.

Essential Screen Printing Supplies for Beginners

If you are new to screen printing, you need some things to start. These things will help you learn how to screen print.

• The Core Starter Kit
  • Screens: You need screens to screen print. Screens are like windows with a net on them. The net is called mesh. The mesh holds the ink.
  • Inks: You need ink to screen print. There are two kinds of ink: plastisol and water-based. Plastisol ink is thick and stays on top of the shirt. Water-based ink is thin and soaks into the shirt.
  • Squeegees: A squeegee helps you push the ink through the screen. Scoop coaters put emulsion on the screen. Emulsion is a special liquid that helps make a stencil. A stencil is like a coloring page. The ink only goes through the open parts of the stencil.
• Must-Have Tools to Avoid Frustration
  • Degreasers: It is important to clean your screen. Degreasers get the screen really clean. If your screen is clean your screen print will be better.
  • Screen Reclaiming Chemicals: Sometimes you make mistakes. Screen Reclaiming Chemicals help you clean up mistakes.
  • Pallet Adhesive: Keeps your T-shirt in place so it does not move.

Think of screen tension like tuning a guitar. If the guitar string is too loose, it won’t sound right. If the screen is too loose, the screen print won’t look right.

Advanced Equipment for Professional Printers

If you screen print a lot, you might want to get better equipment. Better equipment can help you screen print faster and better.

• Upgrading Your Setup
  • Automatic Presses: These printing machine are fast. They can screen print many t-shirts quickly.
  • Exposure Units: A screen has a photo emulsion on it. Photo emulsion helps to make an image. The exposure units makes sure the photo emulsion is in place.
  • Conveyor Dryers: These are used to dry the ink in the screen printing process so it will not come off the t-shirt.
• Specialty Inks for Unique Effects
  • High-Density, Metallic, UV-Curable Inks: There are many different inks out there that printing companies use to get the best results. If you want your screen print to be shiny, use metallic inks. Wilflex and Green Galaxy are two different brands.
  • Be careful when you choose mesh. If you don’t pick the right mesh, the ink might go where you don’t want it to go.

Eco-Friendly Solutions for Sustainable Printing

Do you want to screen print and help the Earth? You can! There are supplies that are better for the Earth.

• Low-Impact Materials
  • Recyclable Screens: Instead of throwing away your screens, you can recycle them!
  • Biodegradable Emulsions: Some emulsions break down in nature. Franmar and Ecotex make emulsions like this.
  • Water-Based vs. Plastisol: Water-based inks are generally better for the environment, but there are printing trade offs.
• Reducing Waste in Your Shop
  • Reclaiming Chemicals: Use chemicals to clean screens, so you can use them again.
  • Solvent Alternatives: Some cleaning liquids are not good for the Earth. Use better ones!
  • Energy-Efficient Dryers: Dryers use a lot of power. Get one that doesn’t use as much power.

How to Choose Reliable Suppliers

Where do you get your screen printing supplies? It is important to find a good place to buy them.

• Red Flags in Screen Printing Supply Companies
  • No Discounts: If you buy a lot, you should get a discount.
  • Bad Reviews: Read what other people say about the company.
  • Limited Warranty: If something breaks, the company should help you fix it.
• Top 5 Trusted Suppliers (2024)
  • Ryonet
  • ScreenPrinting.com
  • GoldUp USA
  • Spot Color Supply
  • Texsource
  • Ryonet is good for beginners! Texsource is good if you want to buy a lot.

Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting

Sometimes, screen printing can be hard. Here are some things that can go wrong, and how to fix them.

• Avoiding Costly Errors
  • Under-Cured Ink: If you do not cure the ink enough your ink will not stay and you will waste ink.
  • Improper Screen Tension: If the screen is not pulled tight, your screen print will look blurry. The proper screen tension can affect the layer of ink that is applied.
  • Mesh Mismatch: If you use the wrong mesh, the ink might not go through the screen right.
  • Think of off-contact like baking – too close burns, too far underbakes.
• Quick Fixes for Everyday Issues
  • Is your ink getting stuck? Add something to make it flow better.
  • Are your prints fuzzy? Check the emulsion.

FAQs

Here are some questions people ask about screen printing.

Conclusion

If you want to make good screen prints, you need good supplies. Check your supplies to make sure you have everything you need. Also make sure to use proper printing processes.

If you have the right printing equipment and processes such as CMYK, your prints will come out with vibrant colors. Also you will have some cool, screen-printed t-shirts.

Screen Printing: Key Data & Insights

Now you know all about screen printing supplies! Go make some awesome screen prints!