Silk Screen Printing Done Cheap
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Top Secret - If you need to learn how to screenprint but don't have any money, I can help you. (for water based ink only)
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All you need is one silk screen
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Save money on chemicals by going to a supplier and getting samples of emulsion, emulsion remover, tack and even ink.
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Can't afford an exposure unit? - use the sun to burn your screens. It is quicker, stronger and free on a sunny day
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Can't spend thousands on a wash out bay - go to a car wash. just be sure to wet your screen before transporting. Water stops the process of the emulsion hardening
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You don't really need a press for one color shirts. Slide a board in the shirt and carefully place the screen on the shirt.
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You don't need and expensive dryer. Use laundromat dryers for water based ink or use a heat gun for plastisol
Here's a guide to screenprinting on the cheap - This is for WATER BASED INK - not plastisol
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Coat your screen using any thin, flat plastic object. CD cases are perfect.
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Dry your screen in any dark place.
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Print your image on any clear or vellum paper and place it on your screen. Use a piece of glass to hold it down to the screen.
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Take your screen with the image under glass out into the sun for about 25 seconds
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Get the screen wet on both sides to stop the image burning process, cover the screen with a rag or bag to keep it from getting too much sun.
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Go to a carwash and spray out the screen. Now you have your screen!
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Tape off the edges. I like to tape from the inside.
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Slide a board into your shirt. If you got some spray tack that will help big time.
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Place your screen on your shirt. Be careful to keep it flat
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Put some ink on the screen
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Use your flat object to push the ink through the screen onto the shirt
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Carefully remove the screen and take the board out from the shirt. Put your shirt somewhere to dry
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Take your shirt to a laundrymat that has hot dryers. Heat cures your ink so it won't wash out easily
I print t-shirts. Whether you want simple silk screened t-shirts, full color direct to garment print or custom cut heat applied vinyls featuring custom spot colors (like sparkly, chrome or reflective stuff), I can help.
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My specialty is one or two colored t-shirts printed for contractors, landscapers, truckers and builders. I prefer the 50/50 poly cotton because they last longer. I like to use grey because it keeps a clean look longer. This are great for working crew members because they are inexpensive and durable.
