Adding screen printing to my business

This is the place to talk about what it takes to get started. This would include what equipment to buy, space requirements, electrical needs and anything related to getting ready to begin screen printing. Have a question regarding what it takes to screen print tee shirts? Please post them here...

Moderators: Shamax, Leadfoot, ApeShirt, Catspit Productions

Prince of Thangz
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Joined: Thu Jul 24, 2014 10:29 am

Adding screen printing to my business

Post by Prince of Thangz »

Hello to everyone on the forum! My name is Shawn and i own a tint and sign shop in Florida called Wildthangz and we just decided to add to our business by getting into t-shirts! I just about purchased a Brothers dtg printer until i decided to spend half the money and get a nice screen printing machine! I've been watching all the videos from Catspit on youtube and they've been so helpful! My screen printing system should be delivered any day and i'm sure gonna need some help. I have an excellent designer who also designs our vehicle wraps and signs and we got an Epson 4900 blackmax printer for our positives. I might ask a bunch of noobie questions but i just dived in head first into this and believe it or not i'm excited!!!I've been tinting and doing signs for 30 years and this has me excited to learn all about the t-shirt business!If i ask a dumb question just remember i never done this before but look forward to getting really good at it!!!
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Catspit Productions
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Re: Adding screen printing to my business

Post by Catspit Productions »

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for signing up. No question is stupid or noobish here ;)

You’re in a good position to learn screen printing having done sign work. Just ask away and we’ll do our best to help if we can. Good luck with your new screenprinting endeavors!
Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
Learn how to screen print tee shirts!

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/CatspitProductions
Prince of Thangz
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Re: Adding screen printing to my business

Post by Prince of Thangz »

I just bought the 770 series screen printing system from Printa. It looked like a nice system and i didn't know you sold system s at the time, is this a decent system to start with or should i have done more research? I've also been looking at heat presses and there are so many different kinds! I saw one called an Air Fusion heat press and it looked bad to the bone but it was pricey! Would i be over spending to get one or is this a one time buy thing i can use for years that would make work easier making it worth it or should i consider something else?
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Catspit Productions
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Re: Adding screen printing to my business

Post by Catspit Productions »

Yes I sell commercial grade screenprinting equipment and supplies. The Printa system is much different. They are very expensive systems because they sell you a lifetime package. So it seems to me in that situation you're paying more for services than actual equipment. If that is what you need and the system fits your printing application then that is fine.

I have never used this system before but I have come across many in the field. I do not normally recommend “all in one” style machinery of any kind as a general rule. In my experience people have been disappointed with the system for various reasons. You can also find many people who are very happy with the system so again I think it very much depends on the individual.

If I were advising someone looking to go into screenprinting commercially as a business endeavor I would not recommend the Printa system. I do not believe it is well suited for higher volume printing. But again depending on your particular needs it may be fine.

As for heat presses again that will be a personal preference as to what type you want. You can buy many grades with many different functions. Some are expensive some are not but it depends on the make, model and brand. You can find well-made heat presses that are inexpensive and reliable.
Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
Learn how to screen print tee shirts!

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/CatspitProductions
Prince of Thangz
Screen Trooper
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Joined: Thu Jul 24, 2014 10:29 am

Re: Adding screen printing to my business

Post by Prince of Thangz »

well it gets delivered either today or tomorrow so i'll keep you updated on my progress! Live and learn! But as i move forward into this part of my business, i'll just come to you. You seem straight forward and i like that! :P
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Catspit Productions
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Re: Adding screen printing to my business

Post by Catspit Productions »

Yes, please let us know how you like the system.

I am blunt and honest. I find it the best policy ;) I'm here to help first. Then if I can assist in equipment purchases we all win. That helps keep me doing what I love to do.

We would love to hear what you learn, what you like, and what you dislike about the system. Please keep us in mind and give us an update on your progress.
Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
Learn how to screen print tee shirts!

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/CatspitProductions
Prince of Thangz
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Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Jul 24, 2014 10:29 am

Re: Adding screen printing to my business

Post by Prince of Thangz »

Yeah...I'll let you know how it goes! What's a good heat press in your opinion? Brand?
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Catspit Productions
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Re: Adding screen printing to my business

Post by Catspit Productions »

It really all depends on what you want to spend. Heat press equipment is very simple stuff yet it comes in many different grades and presses can have many different functions or options. I can't really recommend any one brand over another since that would be like an endorsement. But there are many commercial grades and models available such as Hix, Geo Knight, and others.

There are also some pretty decent imported inexpensive heat presses like the ones I sell here: http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/heat-presses/

So it really comes down to a matter of preference was to what you want to buy and for most decent units as long as you don't drop it or get it wet it should be fine for many years to come.
Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
Learn how to screen print tee shirts!

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/CatspitProductions
ApeShirt
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Location: Lansing, MI
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Re: Adding screen printing to my business

Post by ApeShirt »

Hey Shawn, welcome to the exciting and sometimes frustrating world of screen printing. We all had many questions first starting out so feel free to ask away. To be honest, none of us knows everything there is to know in this industry. There are so many facets that there will always be challenges and questions.
Don't be afraid to start with an entry level heat press. The Hotronix Air Fusion is a beast but one can start with a lot less then that. Always go with what you can afford. I have a "cheap" heat press with mug and plate attachments that has done me solid for almost 2 years so far. I just bought an used Geo Knight (they get rave reviews) but it has an issue in the temp control knob. I'll fix it and use it as my primary shirt press while I use my "cheap" one for mugs and specialty items.
One day I may jump to a mega-press like the Air Fusion but we'll see if business warrants it. I do recommend at least a 16x20 platen though. Anything smaller and you will kick yourself.
Greg
If you're not going to go all the way then why bother going at all.
ApeShirt Apparel Printing, LLC
Prince of Thangz
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Joined: Thu Jul 24, 2014 10:29 am

Re: Adding screen printing to my business

Post by Prince of Thangz »

Thanks for the advise Apeshirt!! I was gonna get a heat press from Jonathan! just trying to figure out which one to get! I'm also gonna be doing sublimation on mugs and hats and of course tees! i saw a press that does all three. Is this ok to get because it is an all in one thing or should i get individual presses that do each separately?
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