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keir · April 21st, 2009

hi,im new to this site and new to screenprinting.I just wanted to ask if i can use the same mesh again and again with a different design each time??Im completely new to screenprinting but very interested.
I would be greatful if someone offers me help,

cheers keir

Solmu · April 21st, 2009

Yes, you can. It's hard to put a number on it, but long enough that by the time you need new mesh you'll have easily got your value out of the last one (unless you accidentally put your foot through it, or the corner of a screen, or left the dehazer on it too long POP, or got a little too close with a hair dryer, etc.).

mrvixx · April 21st, 2009

I have some screens that are about 10 years old that i use occasionally. if for some reason i have a friend that needs some shirts i break out the old wood110. I will normally use my screens till they rip for most jobs unless its a tight reg or high quality print. No number though. they are usually paid off by the 3rd or 4th job. thats why you should charge a setup fee.

ino · April 22nd, 2009

So in a nutshell most of the setup fee is extra profit for the printer.

denck · April 22nd, 2009

No

A "set up fee" pays for your time to set the screen up and dial it in where all the colors are aligned.

A "screen fee" is charged for the screen-the emultion and the reclaiming process

Solmu · April 22nd, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by ino


	So in a nutshell most of the setup fee is extra profit for the printer.

Sort of, but not really. Setup fees are common in any business that requires a lot of setup (labour) just to get a job even started. You need a certain amount of money just to make the job even worth starting. You could build it into the cost per print, but then the cost per print would vary wildly - ideally even to the point where 25 shirts would cost more per shirt than 26 shirts.

A setup fee makes it easier to get the profit minimum out of the way, then have a clearer discussion between customer and printer about the actual print fees.

It's not really extra profit, so much as it covers the basic overheads which allows the print cost to actually be a profit. Otherwise the printer will either lose money, or have a ridiculous pricing structure that benefits no-one.

Pwear · April 22nd, 2009

It's not EXTRA profit, it is income based on time spent on a job. Time costs money, and you should be compensated for time spent setting up a job - unless you are offering free setup for publicity reasons.

jamerican352005 · April 22nd, 2009

Things you spend money on while making 1 screen
1.film or paper your image in on
2. electricity for the bright light that is required to burn the image onto the screen
3. emulsion that is on your screen
4. tape that is used to go on the screen anywhere the emulsion may not have covered
5. water must be used to wash the screen before and after printing (water bill)
6. materials that go into reclaiming the screen after the job is done and the materials you may use to get rid of excess ink that is still in the screen after the job is done.
7. pay an employee to do this for you or time is money and you will have to do all of this yourself

You can use a screen over and over and over again but there is alot that goes into making one screen; time+materials=money whether you are making it or spending it

Hope this helps you to understand what goes into making a screen

I may have left out some steps too so others are free to jump in

ino · April 22nd, 2009

Oh I realize I've ruffled some feathers. And of course you are right about the expenses on when starting a job, all of which have to be taken into account.

jamerican352005 · April 23rd, 2009

No feathers ruffled here. If you are not making the transfers you don't realize what all can go into the production. That is what this forum is for to help each other and educate. No worries

ino · April 24th, 2009

Truly said. I'm an inquisitive person, if with my queries I could be helping someone then it worth the effort.

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how many times can i use the same mesh?