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've been curing / fusing (which is the more accurate term?) my screen printed t-shirts with backing paper and a hand iron.
My inks state 5 to 6 minutes on wool setting (from memory 160°C).
My question is, how am I meant to know when it's been cured / fused? Should the printed design change in any way? I haven't been able to notice any change.
The way you'll know is when you wash it.
If it fades, then not enough curing.
Also, when fully cured, you can pull on your printed image and it will stretch. If it cracks, you didn't cure it enough.
Curing takes place when the ink reaches the temp of 320 degrees (not sure in cel.)
Curing takes place when the ink reaches the temp of 320 degrees (not sure in cel.)
That's plastisol; the PVC fuses at that temperature. Whereas Griff is using waterbased ink, which means they're cured when all of the moisture is removed and then the ink layer can fuse. Which potentially takes longer, and isn't quite as easy to measure.
Like you said though, the real test comes when you wash it.
oopps, right you are Lewis!
I spaced on the waterbased part.
I know when I used to use an iron to heatseat my airbrushed waterbased paint on clothing, it took a long time to be satisfied that it was locked in.
Do you guys have any tips for washing these shirts for the first time?
Not exactly. If you want them to look their best then cold water, inside out, gentle cycle, hang dry. But if they're ultimately intended for customers, you can bet they'll ignore that. Even if they're just for you, it's better they're cured right for maximum longevity. If anything I'd treat the test prints harshly to really determine whether or not they're fully cured.
Curing / Fusing with Hand Iron 
