DIY Screen Printing Tribe's topics - tribe.net

Your opinion on this lightbox?

2009-12-18T20:51:53Z

Hey guys,

I am currently looking at alternatives to my current 500W floodlight set-up; anything that takes less space and is easier to set up is appreciated.

My current favorite is a presentation lightbox with CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamp) lights and sporting brightness of >2,500 cd/m2. According to the shop, it is suitable for silkscreening, just had no idea about expected exposure time.

So, what do the experts think? Can it get the work done, and if yes, how fast?

Thanks in advance,
Gila

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 0 replies

Just a stupid question, but it needs asking.

2009-08-08T20:53:54Z

I have just made a screen stencil using the emulsion process. There are a few spots that need to be filled because of some markings on my positive. How do I fill them. I have screen filler but after looking at instructions on the web, I some how got myself confused. Is screen filler adequate to fill those spots, or will I need something else?

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 5 replies

slightly different

2009-08-08T20:37:10Z

I have seen people use hand made stencils and spray paint. It made quick words on tshirts. Came out good. It was a special kind of spray paint and I never got the name.

Anyone have any ideas?

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 4 replies

DIY Press Building

2009-08-01T20:54:20Z

I found this link but you need to scroll way down to get any info. I hope this works for thos interested.
http://www.printingplans.com/index.html

http://www.printingplans.com/screenpressplans.pdf
Good luck, Rick.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

Hallo from Scotland

2009-08-01T20:51:26Z

Hi, my name is Wiktor I live in Glasgow, Scotland but originally I am from Poland.
I am glad I found this tribe.
I hope to find DIY solutions and share my experiences.

All the best !

W

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 0 replies

DIY squeegee & coater?

2009-08-01T20:38:20Z

Hi,

Is it possible to make your own squeegee and emulsioncoater with basic materials?

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 3 replies

New to This Site, Need Help

2009-07-12T03:25:49Z

Hey Guys,
Just stumbled upon this site while doing research for building a screen press. I'm Looking to build a DIY screen press. Nothing too fancy just a clam shell so i can print 18 x 24. I'm sure there have been threads with hints and possibly blue prints or a how to, if someone can direct me to them i would be extremely grateful.
I will also document this process so other people can learn through my shortcomings and progresses

thanks

Giuseppe

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

Diazo Photo emulsion mix

2009-07-12T03:21:54Z

hi

i dont want to mix the entire bottle of emulsion and sensitizer, is it possible not to mix the entire bottle cos the sensitizer instructions says fill it up with warm water and mix with emulsion. wat do i do?

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

Printable Glue

2009-07-12T03:17:54Z

I want to print a slow drying waterbase glue, does anyone have any info or recipes? I was thinking a PVA interior glue with some kind of thickening agent (to help with printing) and something to slow the drying, giving me time to wash out my screen. I want to use the printed glue to apply metal leaf so the longer it stays tacky the better. I guess an oilbase adhesive would be slower but I prefer working with water base products.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 0 replies

looking for help with exposure times

2009-03-29T10:13:14Z

hello,
i'm hoping some of you more experienced screen printers can give me a hand with some issues i have...

i made my own lighting box (after a model i found online) from combined knowledge i found around the internet (bulb spacing etc).
here's a picture of it: http://users.skynet.be/bk228346/screen/lightbox.jpg
It has 8 unfiltered UV 15 watt blacklights fitted : http://users.skynet.be/bk228346/screen/bulb.jpg.
info on the bulbs:
Sylvania
Blacklight
F15W/350BL-T8
UVA LAmp
www.sylvania-lighting.com

the height of the center of the bulbs to the glas on top, is the same distance then the spacing from each other. I read that on this forum that it's important for the spread of the UV.

we reckon we're around 2-3min for the exposure times. But we don't manage to get a screen washed out properly.
we tried both one coats and two coats but nothing helps. The biggest problem is that the exposure times create no consequent result. sometimes parts wash out really well, other times other parts do. It differs and there seems to be no pattern in...
we haven't succesfully been able to completely wash out an entire screen.

we leave our screens to dry for more then 12 hours.
the emulsion we buy from a local screen printer in belgium called "satichem textile HT fast." screens have both 77 and 95 meshes for textile printing(no difference noticeable).

we have played around with a couple of screens before with a similar emulsion and a 500w worklight. We burned the screens for 30ish min and we had a good result then. and used a way more detailed image for it even. Only problem we had was the image was burned into the mesh, and reclaiming the screens was hell.

This time we bough better emulsion, and have way better lighting then a 500w worklight and the result is worse...
here's a picture of the result: http://users.skynet.be/bk228346/screen/screen.jpg

does anyone have a clue what we're doing wrong perhaps?
thanx very much for any pointers...

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

Capillary Film

2009-03-23T14:47:26Z

First off, this is a great group it's helped me out a lot so far in my current project, which also happens to be my first screen printing project. I can't find any emulsion or the chemicals to mix emulsion where I live and I don't have enough time to wait for an online order to show up, but I have found a shirt company that will sell me some sheets of capillary film and I just had a few questions if anyone knows the answers. The film is Ulano CDF-4. The first question I had was what's a good way to make sure I get all the bubbles out of the mess so I don't ruin the screen, and the second question was if I do ruin the screen is it possible to reclaim a screen that has capillary film on it? I tested it on a little piece of mesh first to get the exposure time right and out of curiosity tried to reclaim it and the solvent I had didn't work, I used CitruSolv and hot water. To make a long post short, do you know of anything that can reclaim a screen that has capillary film on it.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

Screen Printing Novelty Items, I need some help!

2009-02-04T17:02:14Z

Hey there, first time posting with this new name.

I am interested in printing on the side of some cheesy / cheap sunglasses and was wondering if anyone had any tips?

Thanks!

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 4 replies

T-shirts...?

2009-01-23T00:41:29Z

Where the best place to buy T-shirts fro printing? I've found a few place online, but I'm wondering if there is somewhere else Is should be looking?

Cheers'
Jamaican Steve

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 3 replies

Ironing to heat set?

2009-01-20T16:07:06Z

Has someone done this before? How long should I iron it? Any tips?

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

Complete stupidity?

2009-01-20T16:02:29Z

I'm a complete novice at this and every time I go to use a screen I've burned (two time to be exact) the ink either doesn't pass through at all or I get a partial print. Is this because I've over exposed it or I didn't wash it out enough( I use a garden hose)? I've tried varying the exposure times and all. What causes this? I'm like frantic thinking I need to take an IQ test to prove that I'm not as dumb as this! Thanks, Ryan.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 9 replies

Troubles with emulsion washing out

2009-01-20T15:54:41Z

Hi! i'm new to this medium. and i am not having first timers luck. I am doing a project with student art and I am trying to print their images onto fabric to in turn create a quilt. I traced their work with black sharpie on to tracing paper.

My problem is that whether i have a long exposure(30 min or short %min The result is always the same... When i am washing out the emulsion I only get a clear wash in a few areas the other areas turn white but don't wash away. Soon after the eulsion seems to erode away.
I am using Ulano tz emulsion. I am using a home made exposure unit with black light tubes.

I did get 1 clean print but it was so many trys ago I am not sure what i did. I have sence learned to write steps down!!
any help; suggestions would be greatly apprieciated

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 2 replies

Replacing Screen on aluminun frames

2009-01-20T15:51:02Z

I have several used frames that need new screen. I believe they use a CA glue to adhear screen to the frame has anyone ever tried to do this?

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 3 replies

Inkjet v. Toner

2009-01-20T15:47:13Z

Sounds like people do use inkjet transparencies for their “positives.” I work with wide format printers and I want to use them to make oversized screens. I have access to vellum, film, and mylar and we have an inkjet printer that we use for color jobs but mostly we use toner printers. I like to use toner because it’s so fast. The inkjet can take hours to lay down what the toner based lay down in seconds. Will toner stop the light? I was going to try vellum first. Or maybe double up two film prints(film is the only one that’s actually clear but doesn’t always get solid print) What’d ya say?

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

Screen Set up

2009-01-20T15:43:56Z

So glad I came across this website. Me and my boyfriend want to start printing t-shirts, posters, and who knows what else when we get going - all from his artwork. We have been shopping around for quotes from screen printing companies but as you are all too aware the costs are astronomical, especially when you are just getting started. He has done screen printing at UNI, so the actual process we are okay with. The only thing we are struggling with is exposing the screens. I have been reading all the threads on home UV exposure units, and am really excited at the prospect of being able to do this at home.

But in the first instance, does anyone know of anywhere that offers this as a service? i.e. can you send off your design and get it exposed?

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 4 replies

HOW DO YOU ATTACH ACETATES TOGETHER?

2009-01-20T15:37:21Z

I have been working on a print where the design is really big. I print it out on ink jet transparencys. Because its so big it prints out in 4 different peices, so i have to attach them together some way. Iv been using clear tape, which in the beginning worked just fine. But now the edges of the tape come through and it basically completely fucks up the entire screen. Im wondering how the pros deal with this problem? do you use some kind of glue? please clue me in because i am getting really frustrated! thanks in advance

christoplur

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 2 replies

Equipment for sale in Dallas

2009-01-02T16:06:01Z

I have two t-shirt machines and a flash dryer for sale.

One of them is a 2-station, 6-color, the other is a 1-station, 6-color.

I've been storing them for several years and have decided, as much as I want to, I'm not going to have the time to use them. Make me an offer.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 2 replies

looking for info on spectrachem inks

2008-12-04T06:45:01Z

hello everyone, i just got some spectrachem ink and i was wondering if anyone has any info on them? how do you cure the ink? and on the containers of the ink it dosnt specifically say its for fabric, so does that mean its only for paper? also, i got a glitter gold ink from them and i was wondering if working with that stuff is different than the other non-glitter inks? does it clog up the screen? and is this one ment for fabric?

thanks in advance and my name is christopher. hi!

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 0 replies

Hallo, I am new.

2008-12-03T02:42:29Z

I just got ahold of many frames and supplies from a friend. Unfortunately my friend went hitch hiking before I could bombard him with questions.
I plan to make a lot of shirts of the same print. How do you have the image be in the same spot for each shirt? Right now all I have is a desk and the screens. Should I get some sort of clamps? Do you put the shirts around a wooden board? Like how I have seen on the fancy printing presses... I tried to "you tube" this. The images i got were people with the fancy presses, or people only making one shirt.
Any suggestions for a DIY web site?
Thanks ^_^

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

sensitizer & PVA glue

2008-11-27T20:02:04Z

if i buy just the sensitizer can i mix it with glue the same way i would with emulsion?
will i have the same results? i want to burn images into the screen.....not paint on the glue (way too hard)
what kind of glue would you reccomend? PVA elmers glue?
i'm just starting out so any advice you can give me would be GREAT!!!!

thanks!

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 4 replies

Darkroom lighting

2008-09-25T08:19:56Z

Could anybody please help me find where you can get safe lights for a screen printing darkroom in sydney?????

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 3 replies

emulsion removal difficulties

2008-09-25T08:17:05Z

Lately it seems like no matter what I do I can't remove all the emulsion from my screens when trying to clean them off for re-use. I've tried buying new emulsion thinking perhaps my previous batch had gone bad, gone from emulsion remover to bleach and back to emulsion remover and even tried mixing the two in desperation. I've tried soaking the screen in bleach for up to 4 hours, scrubbing the surface once every 15 to 30 minutes during that time, and still I get blotchy areas where the emulsion just won't full was out. I thought that it was because I was washing them out using the shower at my house so I tried bleaching them and using a garden hose this time but it's still not budging. The emulsion was applied with a scoop so it's even and not overly caked on the surface or anything that might cause this sort of thing. I can't figure this out and I'm going broke replacing screens. Any suggestions? Thanks.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

screen printing emulsion chemical (ingredient)

2008-08-03T17:27:31Z

i'm a student from Nigeria, pls helpme with information on screen printing emulsion.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 0 replies

Degreasing Screens

2008-08-02T15:11:14Z

Does anyone have any "Grocery Store" suggestions I can use to degrease my screens with?

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 0 replies

Emulsions

2008-07-11T06:09:56Z

I have used stencil remover to help clean off emulsion off my screen, but there are spots that don't seem to come off. Any advice?

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 3 replies

DIY drying racks

2008-07-10T08:16:46Z

Hello- i am looking for plans or instructions for building drying racks, both for prints and screen drying racks. Any suggestions/ links? the cheaper the better. thanks!

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

Ensuring screened image durability on metal?

2008-06-07T00:45:47Z

Howdy all- this is my first post and I am brand new to screen printing. I recently deleved into the subject because I need to transfer images onto metal powder coated enclosures that I use for building fuzz boxes for guitar. My question is this: After screening an image onto a metal surface, is there any material or "fixer" that I can apply to the image to make it durable and resistant to scratching or chipping? These fuzz boxesa are meant to be stepped on, so I'd like to ensure the longevity of the artwork : ) I considered the possibility of powder coating with a final coat of clear powder, but the test panels I did came out less than ideally. (Powder coating requires baking the coated item in an oven at temperatures between 350-400 degrees, and the underlying ink that I placed on the item bugged out...small bubbles formed in the screen ink.) Any methods or materials for making screen images more durable is much appreciated !
Mike

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 2 replies

DIY Press building...

2008-04-07T04:25:02Z

Check out this link for an easy step-by-step tutorial on building your own screen printing press...

http://stencilinternational.com/tutorial_build_press.php

cheers~
Jamaican Steve

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 12 replies

Printing on Photos

2008-02-20T17:17:29Z

Any one done this?

I am wondering what kind of ink to use. I use sharpies now:) (not screenprinting:///)

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 0 replies

Complete Textile Shop Setup

2008-02-10T00:28:22Z

This is new equipment - never used! Start your own screenprinting busienss Monday morning!

Just add ink and start printing. Well, almost! We are offering a complete shop equipment setup. This equipment is new and has not been used. It is located in Austin, Texas and can be viewed in place. This is a professional textile printer's dream setup. The buyer is responsible for crating and shipping (if necessary).

We will assure that all equipment is in perfect working order. We will supply training on equipment and present a three day Hands-On Training Seminar to your staff as well. The training can take place at your location, however the buyer is responsible for travel and lodging.

You can set this equipment up in your garage and start printing on Monday morning. Expect sales in the $25,000 a month range to begin with profit running as high as $12,500 a month (yes, 50-percent or more is possible) in this easy to learn and market business. Everyone wears T-shirts and every business is a potential client. Get started now!

Photos, descriptions and prices are at http://schoolofscreenprinting.com on the Internet.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 0 replies

Scoop Coater

2007-12-30T20:19:40Z

Hi,
I am having trouble finding somewhere that I can buy a scoop coater in the UK.
Can anyone offer any advice, either for a good supplier, or an alternative method of applying the emulsion.
Thanks a lot.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 2 replies

Does any body know how to make homemade emulsion?

2007-11-14T21:36:47Z

i read it on a website earlier and kinda forgot about it and closed the screen.. so now im in the blue..
its some chemical plus elmers glue..
help me out!!!
-Johnny

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 11 replies

emulsion/sensitiser ratio - HOW DO U DO YOURS?

2007-09-28T15:26:21Z

HELP
Im new to screen printing - started off with speedball kit. It seemed easy enough, mix sensitiser (half full bottle) with the emulsion provided. It worked a treat and my screens were exposed outside, i think it was the only week in the UK where we had great sun. Ive now used up my first lot of emulsion and have ordered a second. However, I didnt keep original bottle so cant remember how much was in it. Have looked on internet but getting variety of views, ratio of 4:1 or 7:1.
Would appreciate anyone giving me advice on this and also if there is anywhere in UK that I can buy the seperate components in bulk.
many thanks
trish

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 0 replies

call for printmakers

2007-09-16T17:40:38Z

Hi,

I'm looking for printmakers of all variety for various (paid) projects. Preferably, but not exclusively from the UK. If interested, please e-mail gallery@lydiabates.com with information (cv etc) and images of your work.

Thank you

Lydia

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 0 replies

Crusty Screens

2007-09-15T00:33:38Z

Sorry for the cross-posting; seems I'm part of more than one screen print tribe

Here goes:

I got some old but still very useable (i think) screens from a local screenprint shop. They have the images and the photo-emulsion stuff still on them.

My question is: is it possible to get old photo-emulsion off the screens - or are the old screens pooched?

Onto question #2, which I'm hoping is part of the answer to Q #1:

Does anyone know of a good cheap source for photo-emulsion remover? I live in the NW (Victoria, BC) .

Ps: I can't seem to upload any images to the this tribe so please take a look at my profile pics for the latest screen I did. It was a one a day rush affair and the results were pretty good.

Cheers. Happy labour day.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 10 replies

DIY Printmaking Book - Submissions

2007-08-16T13:17:55Z

We are an Arts and Design Publishing company, currently staring production on a book on Printmaking, within a fashion, design, crafts and applied arts context. The book will feature artists' profiles, biographies and examples of work plus a how-to / DIY section providing practical advice from the artists themselves.

If you are interested in contributing, please send information and images of your work to nikos@bdp.demon.co.uk

Nikos
--
Editorial
Black Dog Publishing
Unit 4.04 Tea Building
56 Shoreditch High Street
London E1 6JJ

T: +44 (0)20 7613 1922
F: +44 (0)20 7613 1944

www.bdpworld.com

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 0 replies

Emulsion - Darkroom Red Light?

2007-07-31T21:28:22Z

Can anyone advise as to whether I need to spend money on a darkroom light bulb for when I am painting the emulsion onto the screen.

What does everyone else do. I have a red bulb from a DIY store, but this is just a 60 watt coloured bulb, so not sure it will be dark enough.

Advice very very much appreciated.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

light box box materials?

2007-07-27T03:53:40Z

So, bulbs, balasts, and exposure times aside, what kind of materials are suitable for building a light exposure box?
I need to make a box, because hanging lamps over my screen is no longer (and never really was) a viable sollution.

It's really hard to figure out what won't set my apartment on fire....

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 2 replies

great screen supply or inks and mesh and whatever you need,

2007-07-25T17:39:56Z

if your new to screen printing and have questions, i started out with this place and highly recomend them ,
standard screen supply in NYC, usa, 122 varrick st 2cnd floor , they make screens sell larger amounts for less of inks , than you will find in your local art store, three times the same amount of ink for less the cost , you can even e-mail them your stuff to have a screen made, but i would recomend you go in and show them your desired image, ask for elizabeth when you call , she is very nice, good luck with all your projects and world dominations,,,JEREMY,,,and feel free to ask me questions about screenprinting as well,

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 0 replies

What's the best ink for paper?

2007-07-25T17:31:17Z

Hi Everyone,
First let me say, "Howdy". I'm new to this forum but have been reading for awhile and appreciate all the insight I've found here.

Now, what I was needing to find out is what everyone is using as far as ink when printing posters. I'm hesitant to go with the "way too available" Speedball brand as it seems their products are not always reliable and seem to be meant for hobbyists or students. I think I need to find some kind of pigment and base system but I'm unsure what to go with. Any thoughts?

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

What mesh should I buy?

2007-07-18T21:24:32Z

I have bought an exposure unit, and am just in the process of buying the sundries. I cant decide on whether I should buy 43T mesh, or a mixture of 43T and 90T. We are printing T-Shirts. Has anybody every had an problems with 43T, or can they offer some advice.
Thanks.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

Problems with ink?

2007-07-08T09:29:12Z

Ok, so I think maybe my ink might be dried out or too old or something. It's white plastisol ink, and is very rigid. It still passes through the screen and everything. But the coverage on a shirt is spotty and then tends to stick in the screen making it more spotty. And the ink pulls up with the screen even with it off contact. I've tried several screens so I don't think that the screens are blocked in anyway. Any input as to what the problem would be, would be great appreciated. I'm no expert on ink, so I don't know if that would be the problem.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 3 replies

Why is my exposure time so long???

2007-07-04T21:35:01Z

Hey people. So I just converted my little studio into a darkroom/screen printing jungle. I bought a 'shoestring budget' screenprinting DVD to help me get started. I've created a few good screens but only after a lot of trial and error. So much to learn about screenprinting... I'm so stoked I found you guys online! So, everywhere I look everyone says exposing the screen should only take 15-20 minutes or so. The longest I've heard of is 45min. My exposures have been taking upwards of 2 HOURS, no joke! I'm even using a 600watt halogen work light. The light sits about 18 to 20 inches from glass. WHAT AM I DOING WRONG? Could it be my emulsion or the way I coat the screen? I use Ulano 925 (water resistant) 2 coats on both sides than let dry. Can somebody please help shed some light (haha) on my exposure issues? Thank you in advance for your response.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 10 replies

Silk Screening on Soy?

2007-06-25T15:14:42Z

Hey alll - has anyone had any experience silk screening on soy? My company has a line of sustainable fabrics and we're wondering how that would work out logistically... Anyone?

Thanks!

Mark.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 3 replies

UV Exposure Unit "Blueprints"?

2007-05-23T23:50:03Z

Howdy all!

I was looking through some old posts and saw someone say that had directions/blueprints on how to build your own UV exposure unit for developed photo emulsion. I've tried to get in touch with the person without much luck.

So, does anyone have any directions/plans/clue about where to look??

Thanks!
Bill

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 9 replies

Psychedelic Fades

2007-05-18T22:47:43Z

okay, I'm gonna crosspost this, I hope that's kosher...

what I am trying to figure out is how to do that psychedelic looking screenprint where one color fades into another in a series of colors... here's a really bad example of what I'm talking about because I couldn't find a picture of what I'm really going for:

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=28788&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=10&iSubCat=25&iProductID=28788

bad because they only fade at the top and there are only two colors (and I don't like the design :) but you get the picture... I am trying to figure out how the heck you do this because it's not an abrupt change in color that you would get from blocking different parts of the screen (or making multiple screens)... my girlfriend fell in love with a sweatshirt that is no longer available so I want to make a cooler, more personalized one for her with the same effect, as her birthday is the 20th. I am using your basic speedball kit and understand the basics, color seperation and all that and feel pretty confident and proud of the stuff I've already done but I can't for the life of me in my head figure out how you would get that multiple color fade... I have plenty of blank screens to burn and ink.

actually here are a few more examples of kinda what I'm talking about:

http://www.karmaloop.com/products.asp?ProductID=19929&VendorCode=TAN
http://www.karmaloop.com/products.asp?ProductID=19059&VendorCode=HAR
http://www.karmaloop.com/products.asp?ProductID=23536&VendorCode=IMA

(the last two are probably the closest to what I'm going for)

any ideas?

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 6 replies

film positives

2007-05-11T20:21:40Z

if you're looking for film positives to burn your screens sucessfully (and easily), i can do them for ya.

i know it's not true DIY, but it will be cheaper than any service bureau, and your films will be opaque, making your burns a lot easier than with vellum or laser prints.

small films (up to 6" x 8"): $5 each
medium films (up to 10" x 14"): $10 each
large-ish films (up to 18" x 22") $15 each

shipping included in the USA. use PayPal for quick turnaround, or snail mail me a check if you don't mind waiting. contact me at st_indigo at earthlink dot net for more info. i've been working in the screen printing industry for 6+ years, so i know what you need to help get your job done.

with Paypal, i can get your films done and in the mail within 2 days.

i also do freelance separations, but that's mostly for high end stuff.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

Screen Print onto CD's

2007-05-11T05:34:38Z

Does anyone know how to do screen print onto a CD-R? What type of paint would I need. How would I cure it? I'd really like to be able to do it myself.
I have an album coming out in the next 3 months and don't want to spend hundreds of dollars getting it mass produced by a company. I did that with my last album and it's not cost effective.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 9 replies

help with halftones!!

2007-05-08T21:27:53Z

Hey, I was wondering what number of halftone lines per inch i should use for different meshes? How fine of an image can you get. Any advice relating to halftones, linescreens, color seps, or spot colors would help out. thanks

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 4 replies

Drying your screen...

2007-05-08T21:11:21Z

I know this has come up before, but I couldn't find any previous threads so here it goes. After you apply you emulsion how do you position your screen for proper drying? I had good luck last time I did it, but to be honest, I can't remember what I did. Do you lay your screen flat, stand it on edge, or lean it at an angle against something? Does this even matter? I'm wondering if one technique works better than the others in regard to avoiding drips or sagging in the emulsion (yes, I know a lot of these issues can be avoided by applying the emulsion sparingly).

Cheers'
J.S.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 5 replies

blocked mesh

2007-05-08T20:55:23Z

my mesh looks all washed out and ready to print but when I start printing i do not get the full image to come out pleasehelp I am using plastisol ink

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 2 replies

inkjet transparencies?

2007-05-08T18:58:27Z

hello.. i'm new to the screenprinting malarky and i'm having some trouble getting my prints to work. i'm thinking it might be because i'm creating the transparencies wrongly. i'm using an inkjet printer and transparent acetate. when i expose the screen i can see the image on there but the ink just goes straight through the whole screen. any ideas? :)

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 23 replies

How many passes needed to get good coverage?

2007-05-08T18:35:35Z

I've been trying to figure out how many times I need to pass over my screen to get enough ink down. I have heard different things.

Does anyone have suggestions for this aspect of the printing?

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 7 replies

Easy DIY Light Table

2007-04-07T04:35:58Z

I had a hard time researching this topic, so when I finally built my light table I was very proud of the results. I know how frustrating it is, so I'll share the info. I just made a home made exposure unit from stuff i bought around town. My exposure time is 6 min. I used 4 40 watt black light bulbs (Not black light Blue bulbs, like you see at some stoner's house.) These bulbs look just like regular fluorescent, but do not have the 'visible light' filterers that make black lights that deep violet color. I found them at a local lighting supply distributor. They cost about $11 each. You can find a fixture that holds 4 40 watt bulbs and includes the ballasts and light diffuser screen for $40 at Lowe's. Then I just built a box and stand, and put a piece of glass over it. You can get a piece of glass cut at any glass / window place. the dimensions i needed were 23 3/4" x 37 3/4" (the same as the outer dimensions of the fixture i bought). Then I just cut a cheap extension cord and wired it up with a light switch. It works great.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 4 replies

Voltage / Temp Control For A Flash Unit?

2007-03-31T14:57:43Z

Does anyone have any wiring diagrams for building a heat controller for a infrared dryer unit?

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 0 replies

An alternative to photo emulsion

2007-03-29T16:21:31Z

HI, I'm very new to screen printing. I am curently using PVA glue rather than emulsion to make my screens which works just fine but it washes out as soon as it sees water. Is there another material i can use that has a longer lasting time than PVA but is cheaper than Emulsion? Any help would be greatly apreciated. It doesn't really matter if it doesn't wash out as I'm making my own screens for cheap cheap cheap.

P.S. If you could avoid using brand names that'd be ace as i live in england and everything here has differn't names than stuff in the states.

Cheers, Dan.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 8 replies

Stickers?

2007-03-19T20:22:49Z

I was wondering what material i need to print stickers on. PVC, vinyl, any specific kind? Where can I get it?

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

Which type of bulb will expose my screen properly?

2007-02-26T03:49:24Z

A while ago i bought a screenprinting 'kit' off ebay, and the lights that were sold to me were £10 yellow buliding site lights. they don't seem to react AT ALL with my screen emulsion, (sericol diazo) or the emulsion i was sold with the kit! . i've been fannying around about this for ages, and i cant seem to work out the type of light i need.. sericol will not advise me for some reason...

alot of my images have quite fine lines in, so i know that a flourescent would not work greatly to my advantage.

There is a metal halide lamp, a tungsten halogen lamp, etc... i know that whatever they are called the light spectrum that they emit needs to be around 370 nanometers.

Please, if anyone knows a reasonably cheap lighting set up that will do the job and work with the emulsion i am using, it will be hugeley appreciated.

:)

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 5 replies

vegetable inks

2007-02-22T08:34:08Z

is any one making there own vegetable inks? I woudl like to try it.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

my current screenprinting project...

2007-02-17T10:27:20Z

The following is a repost of my blog..I am working on my first project in over 6 months(long story)

what are you folksies working on?

Screenprinting woes but otherwise doin swell Sun, February 4, 2007 - 5:24 AM
Oh happy happy room! I am loving my new art/craft studio/private space.....there is even a light at the end of the tunnel of getting it organised
But in making my first screenprint since going to new orleans I am having some trouble.
I am supposed to make t-shirts for this chili cookoff we are participating in today but the thing is that I have messed up on the screen twice now and now there is no going back.
The first attempt was a washout because I did not let the screen dry long enough..or I put the emulsion on too thick.
THIS time...my SECOND try...I um...seem to have torn the screen..in different parts...this after almost overexposing the image...in fact I did over expose the image..but not on a crucial part of the screen...and i tore the screen in trying to scrub out the emusion fluid...so the major major problem is the tear across the word "happy" in super happy fun land
As I see it there are two solutions to the problem....

a. Mask the word off and write it in with sharpie
or
b. make a stencil of the word "happy" on a blank screen (i already have).... and screen the word seperately

so not a total failure...

itll be funny.

I am overflowing with ideas for stuff I want to screenprint i tells ya..

I think instead of starting back with the workshops, I am just gonna mostly focus on my own designs for a while.....though people HAVE been asking and asking about the silly workshops.....

oh yeah..and yeaterday at the thrifty store, Flakey found 2 really nice pairs of vintage red heel monkey socks.
nice old ones with the orange-ish heel....

We had gone bike riding to look for garage sales.

most of the stuff we found was for free sitting out on the curb..and that included several books.

Last night we had a kids show and they were mostly well behaved.

Sun, February 4, 2007 - 5:24 AM - permalink - 2 Comments
post an entry edit this post delete this post

2 Comments add a comment

Poop...
129 Sun, February 4, 2007 - 6:57 AM
update:
ow my arse hurts...I slipped in a puddle last night and managed to both fall on my butt and skin my knee...I have been up for a couple hours..so the fatigue has started to kick in...along with the aches of my slightly nasty fall yesterday...

I was able to fix my screen more or less..the stencil thingy worked except that I used blue painters tape for the stencil and it washed out when I washed out my screen so i have to make a new stencil...after the screen dries....maybe i will try a different approach...ummmmanummmanummm......

and I spilled some ink..
and...i guess now i better go and make that stencil

i also need to ....

clean up from last night..
wash and organise the veggies and supplies for the cookoff..

and
um
take a nap..
we gots to be out there by 11
and it is about 9
delete this comment

Poop...
129 Sun, February 4, 2007 - 8:26 AM
yay! nail polish does the trick!
I corrected my makeshift "happy" screen with nail polish! it worked like a charm! Now instead of quarter-assed, my newest screen has been upgraded to half-assed!!
delete this comment

add a comment

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 7 replies

Screen printing posters

2007-02-13T05:09:48Z

Pardon the cross posts, I need to figure this out ASAP:

I'm looking for advice on what type of paper to use for screen printing street posters. I need paper that can won't warp or ripple too much from the moisture content of the ink. Budget is also a concern as well, so something affordable is a must. Thanks!

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 3 replies

Ach! Ruined a screen!

2007-01-29T01:02:51Z

I screened a shirt for a band that was at my place and then I forgot about the screen and the ink dried inside the screen and now the screen is pretty much ruined, unless some of you ninja screen printers know a good method for fixing this...

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 7 replies

Can under-exposing a screen cause clogged mesh?

2007-01-29T00:59:45Z

I have 4 screens that I absolutely cannot reclaim, even with reclaimer and using a power hose. Someone at the midwest sign and screen told me it's because my screens were under-exposed. Does this make sense?

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 3 replies

Adding pearlized pigments to ink?

2007-01-17T23:52:05Z

Hi I wanted to know If I mixed Pearl pigment with softhand Base and screen printed a design if it would come out properly?
Would it clog up the holes in the mesh?

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

minor t-shirt screwups

2007-01-16T18:47:35Z

hey everyone - i'm a new one here.

i've been diy screen printing for a long time and i just finished a batch. they were completely dry, but i was still unsure as to how well they were done, so i sent them all through the washer on the low cycle to see if they could pass that test. that ended up being a huge mistake as one or two bad ones that weren't completely dry mucked up the rest. now i've got about 20 shirts that have ink spots in many random spots and some very slightly smeared images.

i've tried taking just a rag and mineral spirits to try to wipe out some of the ink spots and it works fairly well - but not good enough.

does anyone have any further/better recommendations? what do you do if you shirt is a little sloppy or you find you've accidentally gotten in on the sleave or wherever and it is already dry? how do you get it off or do you ditch the shirt? i'd really love to save these.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 3 replies

Printing problems...

2007-01-16T16:21:55Z

I am attempting to screen print a few tees with white plastisol using a screen with an 83 mesh count and it has been nothing but disastrous! First, the ink prints really heavy in a lot of areas which got me thinking that maybe I need to thin it out? Or maybe I’m applying too much to the screen. Normally, how much ink are you supposed to apply to the screen before squeegeeing?

Also, when I lift the screen to inspect the tee the screen sticks to the shirt and distorts the image. I do not know what I'm doing wrong. Can someone please help? Thanks!

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 3 replies

Good Waterbased Poster Inks

2007-01-06T19:42:30Z

I am not a fan of Speedball poster inks, there opacity and viscosity leave much to be desired. I like Union ECXO Serigraph inks, but want to use a waterbased ink that will not break the bank. Has any one found on that they like?

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 2 replies

Starting out?

2006-12-23T01:34:44Z

Hello,

New to tribes & new to Silk/screen printing.I've been looking for good srceen printing tutorials put have no came across ant but craftgrrl hoop tutorial.Though its good not much info. If you have any could you please share?

Thanks very much
-Joey

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 2 replies

Looking for a low-cost 1200dpi laser printer for film positives

2006-12-21T17:28:49Z

My old HP-5L laserjet just died, so I'm looking to replace it. I'm doing film print-positives for pad printing and currently using an Epson C88+ and getting good results, but if I can find a decent laser printer to replace my deceased HP, that'd be great. Dual-purpose text printing and film positives. Can anyone out there recommend a good-quality, low-cost 1200 dpi laser printer. I'm looking at possibly the Samsung ML-2250, ML-2570, ML-2571 series, or the HP-1022. I know that "low-cost" and "good qulaity" might be mutually exclusive, so I'd appreciate any advice if you have experiince with any of these printers.
Thanks,
Bob

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 0 replies

can you expose using a sunbed?

2006-12-19T21:25:56Z

I have been toying with the idea of buying a second hand sunbed to expose positives at home with.
In theory it should work but I am interested to hear if anyone has tried this method allready.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 0 replies

homemade 4 color garment printing machine

2006-12-14T20:11:24Z

These machines sell for about $250, but if you look at them, they can have no more than $50 of parts. Does anyone have plans for building one? Google hasn't turned anything up, but I figure someone must have tried this...

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 3 replies

DIY Plastisol curing

2006-12-14T15:44:12Z

Hi all,
I have been printing waterbased on 100% cotton but am thinking about going to plastisol but the only problem is curing the stuff.
In another thread heatguns mentioned for curing but any advice or more information would be grrrreat.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 15 replies

Making Hinges screen holders..

2006-12-14T14:58:52Z

OK,
So I want to know how to make a screen hinge thingy.. Does anyone have any ideas?
I want to try to make multiple color prints, but I have no way of doing that... Let me know what you have made (or bought) . I also thought of making some sort of screen guide, like a box that fits a screen (standard) , so that you have to print in the same spot on the garment..

OK, give me some tips!

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 4 replies

what mesh count for plastisol??

2006-12-14T14:53:11Z

Hey guys n gals, Im planning on printing a few tshirts with black plastisol, but what mesh count do i use??? Printed in waterbase before with 140T, would this be too fine for plastisol or would i be able to use this mesh count??

Cheers

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 2 replies

Plastisol vs. Water-Based

2006-12-14T14:47:37Z

I understand that Plastisol must be heated to cure. To me this means either invest in a conveyor ($$$) or use a DIY method (time).

I like the fact that water-based are more environmentally-friendly. What are the drawbacks of using water-based inks?

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 2 replies

Screen Printing with an embroidery hoop and curtain sheer

2006-11-30T05:34:17Z

hey i am super new and did my first screen printing today. i looked all over the internet for the easiest cheapest way to do it and found a tutorial using a embroidery hoop and curtain sheer/or nylons and then stenciling the screen ink through the fabric onto the shirt. i tired it and it came out great in my opinion (its the shirt as my profile pic).

so i was wondering if there are any draw backs using this method that others have come across. i haven't seen anyone else mention this way so is there some reason most people don't use it, like something that could happen to the shirt later on? thanks for any help.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

more eco friendly/less caustic screen cleaners?

2006-11-20T15:08:27Z

Hi all--

My collective and I reclaimed some screens a few weeks back, and it went pretty well, but woo! Did we ever get unintentially high off the fumes! We decided later that this is a trip that we would not like to repeat. (It wasn't that intense, but it also felt like we were killing brain cells: no good.)

We were wondering if there were less caustic/more eco-friend alternatives.

I have read through the threads and there seems to be two themes: it's all about the chemicals, and bleach or other household cleaners. Is there anything else? Could we use non-chlorine bleach do you think? What about natural cleansers? Not strong enough? Suggestions? Could we use Dr. Bronner's and then a degreaser (since DB has oils in it?)

Thanks for any input in advance!

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 3 replies

What kind of paper is good for posters with multiple color?

2006-11-20T14:59:25Z

I want to print multiple color posters and was wondering if anyone had advice on a kind or specific weight of paper that works well. And while i'm asking would anyone know of a good place in portland to get said paper?

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

clearing emulsion-clogged areas of a screen

2006-11-04T00:54:32Z

I'm having trouble with some areas not clearing on my screens... I'm new to this, and not sure if I'm exposing too long, not long enough, or if the lines are too fine for a 110 screen? I'm using a Lowel photo light with a 750 bulb about 2 feet away, 15-20 minutes, and a fan so it seems like it's not too hot. I started with 1 foot at 10 min, but then found Poopy's instructions on here!
I don't have the best water pressure on my sink hose, and it takes a while to clear so I've tried a paint brush and eventully resorted to a scrub sponge. Still, with one I have a good image except for one area and I'm wondering if a little screen remover might take it out or if I need to start over?
Any advice would be appreciated!

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 2 replies

Pink/Red versus Blue/Aqua emulsion?

2006-11-03T14:05:50Z

My experience with the Speedball pink/red emulsion is that it is solidifying in a way that is not washing out even with pressure-washer and solvent. Has anyone else had this experience of impenetrably stuck emulsion?

Also....i washed out a screen that had blue emulsion on it and it dissolved right away with little effort.
is the blue emulsion just easier to work with or am i just missing something with the red?

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

anyone have a good plain t-shirt source?

2006-10-29T09:20:13Z

for inexpensive, of course. I like American Apparel quality, but i am looking for others to buy in bulk...thanks for any leads

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 16 replies

Removing plastisol!?

2006-10-28T20:18:21Z

So what is the easies way to remove plastisol from a screen? Right now I have a screen sitting w/ plastisol in my backyard and I thought, being an idiot, that water would remove it. I read that there was this stuff (it didnt tell me what it was called!) that you just spray on and you wash it off. Imma do it environmentally too, im not just going to dump the water in the sewer. Any replies would be appreciated!

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 4 replies

Tips on applying emulsion?

2006-10-12T20:40:16Z

I am having trouble applying emulsion thinly and evenly with the scoop
does anyone have any tips or tricks or techniques for this?

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 4 replies

screen print exposure unit

2006-10-09T17:10:08Z

Hey,
I am looking to build my own light box, has anyone successfully sone this.

Info ?

Photos ?

thanks

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

So, what's the difference between water-based inks vs. acrylic inks?

2006-10-08T05:39:48Z

I'm using water based now and they seem fine except some colors are more thin than others. Also, they seem to limit me to light colored shirts. Is acrylic more opaque? Does acrylic need to be heat set with a dryer or flash unit? While I'm at it...what's the deal with water-based DYE? Mad questions, need mad answers. Thanks for your insight!

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 0 replies

Silkscreen Skillshare for Exposure Unit Access

2006-09-19T04:22:09Z

Greetings.
A circle of friends with some silkscreen equipment is setting up a cooperative operation here in southeast.
We are currently setting up our darkroom and exposure unit. We are wondering if someone with some experience with screenburning, some skills and tips, could help us get started. The foothills of the learning curve are proving to be arduous. Perhaps in exchange for access to our exposure unit and darkroom, we could get together for some technical advice and a leg up?
Synergy in motion...

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

emulsion / darkroom question

2006-09-16T19:14:23Z

Hey All,

I'm setting up my first screenprinting studio in my garage.

How dark does the rrom have to be to apply the emulsion?

Are there any lights that are safe?

The direction said use "yellow light," does that literally mean a yellow light?

thanks

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 2 replies

Plastisol ink and foils

2006-09-14T22:04:25Z

Hi All, new here and I hope someone can help. I'm creating a line of t-shirts for boys with a dinosaur theme. I plan on rough-screening on a dino skull, curing that with a heat press, then laying on some foil, again curing with a heat press, cold-peeling the excess foil away.

Does anyone know which brand and type of plastisol ink to use? Where I can get a quart pronto?

Also, to get my rough-screen look, I plan to "paint" epoxy over plain old door screen using a print out as a template and then foam roller the ink over negative. Dumb? or worth a try.

We're good at dye sub. Just getting into DIY silkscreen on a $0 budget.

Thanks for your help!

Shaun

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 2 replies

using vinyls?

2006-09-01T20:24:59Z

i have access to a vinyl cutting machine, and i hear its possible to using plain vinyls designs on t-shirts through a heat press of some kind

does anyone have any experience on this? or at least some lead to a website that could answer this?

first post, been reading for a bit always has been interested in making my own shirts
thanks in advance
-joe

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 3 replies

Place in Berkeley or SF to get Screen

2006-08-31T18:04:02Z

Hi
I was wondering if there is anywhere in the East Bay or San Fran where I can get a screen made for me that is ready to go. I have the design and the special reverse copy I made at Kinkos. I don't want to make my own screen and had a place in LA where I got screens made for $30. Any help would be great. Thanks
Ben

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 2 replies

Home exposure light sources?

2006-08-10T17:58:32Z

Hey, I'm having a horrible time exposing my screens at home. My main question is what light source/bulb to use. I tried a video/film flood that I got at a camera suply store when I got my safe light and that didn't work. What light source do you guys use or have heard used.

I must say I thought this would be the easiest part.

mary

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 3 replies

Kinkos + Vegetable Oil = ?

2006-08-10T09:59:30Z

Howdy,
I've recently been introduced to the vegetable oil method of creating transparencies. In the past i've only used standard and oversized inkjet trans. Before I start running tests I was curious if anyone out there has any experience with the process. I have two questions:

1) How would you rate the overall quality of the stencil? With proper exposure times will this method reproduce the image accurately?

2) Do vellum trans. differ in exposure time compared to a standard trans.? {Im using (2) 500W halogen work lamps}

Any help or insight is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Plutis Von Doodman

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 5 replies

Yellow showing up

2006-07-28T20:53:18Z

I'm new at this.... I did an orange print on a white shirt.....and now several hours later yellow spots are turning up on the shirt. Generally around the orange. What's the deal? Did I do something wrong?

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 2 replies

new to this tribe.

2006-07-25T07:23:36Z

this place has been way helpful, i just embarked on my first diy screen printing experience with a friend, so much trial and error cause neither of us had done it before.
we finish up, and i get back from oregon. and i find this bad boy. what horrible timing.

i love you all, im glad you guys are doing this and helping out!!

www.myspace.com/immunityclothing

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

Just getting started!

2006-07-19T02:09:33Z

Hi,
Im kinda new to this whole screen printing lark and well... ive a load of designs i want to print up on tee's but im kinda struggling on how to go about doing it! The cheaper the better!!
If anyone can help out.. that would be amazing!

Cheers,

Bri.

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 1 reply

OOAK

2006-07-18T13:46:23Z

Hi there,

I 'm new to silk screening, I do one of a kind designs with screening. Making a screen the traditional way seems like a very,very long process for something that I will only use once. I have tried the sheer curtian material with a embrodiery hoop method, but the lines blobbed together and the overall result was un-satsifactory.

Does anyone know a way that I could make a good silk screen without going through all the steps and hassle? I would prefer if it didn't cost me over $30.00 a screen.

Thanks

posted in DIY Screen Printing Tribe - 0 replies