Discuss the different types of equipment needed for screen printing. Topics include manual screen printing presses, automatic presses, dryers, folding machines, starter kits and high end machines.
I'm in charge of a group youths volunteering to have fun and print shirts for a fundraiser. It's a youth effort of young adults where we all learn and give back to the community. Our first volunteer project is just some black letters on an orange 50/50 shirt using water based ink. What we have is a t shirt press that I fabricated and welded and we want to just send out the image and have a screen made all ready for us to print.
Any advice on the best way to approach this, or any advice on an online company that supplies this service to us? We think it's just best to spend the money and buy the screen all ready to go. Based on what I have read on the forum a wood screen would be fine but were also a little confused on what mesh count to use with what type of water based black ink for the mesh count. Does the mesh count change with brand name?
Were all a little confused here and any advice would sure be welcomed!!! We realize were going to make a bunch of mistakes and that's OK, it's all about fun anyway.
I would call some local screen printers to have your screen made. A 110 mesh screen should work just fine for you. If you are around the chicagoland area give me a call I can set you up.
This company offers screen setup services. they charge $49.00 per screen ..also I would go with a 230 mesh screen for waterbased black which is a bit thinner than most ink.
You also want to mention to whomever will do the screen that it is waterbased ink. A waterbased emulsion is needed, otherwise it will break down quickly during printing.
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BelQuette Inc, 877.202.0886 & Screener's Choice, 330-345-5877
Mod1 Direct to Garment Printer, Made in the USA www.belquette.com
Inked. Just curious what waterbase ink you use? This could be debated all day but wondered why you recommend 230? For someone who has never printed before clearing 230 to complete a opaque print I think may be difficult.
I would say using a 230 mesh screen would be easier for a new printer rather than a 110....and here's why.
110 mesh is a very open mesh meaning the thinner the ink the more ink will be pushed through onto the garment.now with the wrong tecnique a ton of ink will be pushed through the screen plugging the design with 1 stroke....with a 230 you will get a cleaner print , even if you need to hit it twice , which I doubt using waterbased black ink.
I use Ryonet waterbased ink...I believe the ink is made by CCI
Ok. We just look at it from different ends. I figured one pull, and done for a beginner. I think about alot of outside factors like shirt moving (not enough tack), ghosting from hitting wet on wet. I also use rutland inks, and I have never had a real problem like ink just flowing through the screen that I have heard from others.
Best way to order screen 
