Starting from Scratch

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...

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astrobutch
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Sep 14, 2016 7:59 am

Starting from Scratch

Post by astrobutch »

Hello all, Hello Jonathan,

Firstly many thanks for your videos, they are a joy and an inspiration! I am starting my printing career at a ripe old age(not going to say here!!) and found your knowledge and enthusiasm for screen printing very infectious.

I have been doing some promotional printing for some time, caps, tee, mugs with a printer, plotter, vinyl and heat press but felt that to be taken seriously you need screen printing in your armoury. I have been doing my preliminary research and I have been looking at introductory deals and found this in the UK and wanted the experts here on the forum to evaluate.

http://silkscreening1.36.ekmpowershop.n ... 1477-p.asp

BTW, I do not work for these people or have any vested interest in their company, I just found them to be reasonably helpful.

It seems there is no screen drying unit and wondered if there was a necessity for a screen drying unit or can they just air dry in a rack? I do not think at this stage that I will be doing huge amounts to require a belt garment dryer and I'll probably go with a Plastisol Ink solution.

As an addition I will be making my own films for which I have earmarked the Epson 1500w for the exercise.

I would welcome any help and comments from the "knowledge" on here!

Many Thanks
Butch
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Catspit Productions
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Posts: 1995
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2012 10:47 am
Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Re: Starting from Scratch

Post by Catspit Productions »

Thank you for watching my videos! I am glad you have found them to be useful, informational and inspiring. I'm glad I could help out from afar through my video work. Thanks for your support.

You don't necessarily need a screen drying cabinet unless you want the luxury of one. Otherwise you can use a screen rack or build your own screen rack and make it light safe such as in these videos:





This video also may be helpful:



However the curing of the plastisol ink is very critical. Doing the final cure one by one with the flash cure will not only be slow but it could be inconsistent if you're not meticulous. For many people this is fine and is usually not a problem. However some do experience wash out problems when using only a flash cure to do the final cure.



So if you're just starting out you may not need a belt dryer but you will need to pay special close attention when you're curing your shirts with the flash cure.

Let me know if you have any further specific questions I might be able to answer for you. Good luck and thank you for using the Catspit Productions screen printing forum :D
Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
Learn how to screen print tee shirts!

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/CatspitProductions
astrobutch
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Sep 14, 2016 7:59 am

Re: Starting from Scratch

Post by astrobutch »

Thank you Jonathan,

What a concise and excellent response.

I do have limited space so perhaps building my own rack is a good option. and the kit does come with a flash cure and they are offering a larger one than in their advert as a special offer so I will be paying special attention to the curing process.

Thanks again, I have learned more than I ever thought I would know about screen printing through your help

If I ever get myself across to Phoenix, i will be hunting you down and buying you a beer..or three!

Thanks
Butch
User avatar
Catspit Productions
Site Admin
Posts: 1995
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2012 10:47 am
Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Re: Starting from Scratch

Post by Catspit Productions »

You're very welcome Butch,

It's my pleasure to help out where I can. And I'm very happy to know you found my response to be helpful.

Thanks for watching my videos and you're welcome. I appreciate your support.

If you ever find yourself anywhere in Arizona, you should definitely stop by for a visit ;)

Good luck and let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
Learn how to screen print tee shirts!

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/CatspitProductions
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