Promotions: How to SILKSCREEN T-Shirts (Step by step guide)

**bronco67** · 11-04-2007, 02:42 PM

I've silkscreened before as a business(I also used to airbrush t-shirts) and it the messiest, pain in the ass process I've ever had the displeasure of using. It was a nightmare.

What is this, 1985 or something? Use Cafepress.com.

**quantum-x** · 11-04-2007, 03:45 PM

You'd seriously trust a DIY by this guy?

**SilentKnight** · 11-04-2007, 05:30 PM

I've also worked in the past at silkscreen print shops - and this method of coating the entire screen with photo emulsion 'goop' and then exposing it under a lightbulb is primitive even by amateur standards.

Its much better to buy a special film that you cut out the graphic with a scalpel blade, apply it to the screen with lacquer thinner that bonds it to the silk...and peel off the backing.

**GooSearch** · 11-04-2007, 05:56 PM

We use several processes.. we use emulsion screens for up to 6 colors for large run shirts.. i haven't found the emulsion hard or messy to work with.. different emulsion then what he is using for sure

then we have 2 heat press machines a 15x15 and a 16x20,.... those with the printer i just got put out some nice graphics...

**Young** · 11-04-2007, 06:03 PM

Originally posted by bronco67

I've silkscreened before as a business(I also used to airbrush t-shirts) and it the messiest, pain in the ass process I've ever had the displeasure of using. It was a nightmare.

What is this, 1985 or something? Use Cafepress.com.

so let me get this straight.....

you're suggesting crappy heat transfers over silk screening?

**dissipate** · 11-04-2007, 09:19 PM

cafepress.com for the win

**BuckNaked** · 11-04-2007, 11:05 PM

Better, easier process...
Pick up yellow pages
look under screen printers
call the one closest to you
take your artwork to them
pay the price that they charge you
walk away not to think about it again till the day you pick them up
pick up your beautiful shirts
drive home happy, with no horrible ink under your fingernails, inkstained shirts, emulsion spilled on the floor, callouses from holding the squeegee for six hours printing them yourself, grey hair from your registration being off and it looking like dog ass, and an empty wallet from spending 10-15k on the right equipment so you do it right the first time...

And yeah I ran my own screenprinting biz for 6 years so I can appreciate the people who wanna punish themselves doing it as a lifelong career.

**GooSearch** · 11-05-2007, 05:47 AM

Originally posted by BuckNaked

Better, easier process...
Pick up yellow pages
look under screen printers
call the one closest to you
take your artwork to them
pay the price that they charge you
walk away not to think about it again till the day you pick them up
pick up your beautiful shirts
drive home happy, with no horrible ink under your fingernails, inkstained shirts, emulsion spilled on the floor, callouses from holding the squeegee for six hours printing them yourself, grey hair from your registration being off and it looking like dog ass, and an empty wallet from spending 10-15k on the right equipment so you do it right the first time...

And yeah I ran my own screenprinting biz for 6 years so I can appreciate the people who wanna punish themselves doing it as a lifelong career.

its not easy.. i will say that.. it is nice to get up run some shirts or press some mousepads or something.. nice split between online all day and warehouse all day

Promotions: How to SILKSCREEN T-Shirts (Step by step guide)

Promotions: How to SILKSCREEN T-Shirts (Step by step guide)

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