[kurt28]

As a newbie, I learned from this forum that I made a mistake. I bought my ink from Speedball. All of the forum post I've read about Speedball says their ink sucks.

So, I learned that the Matsui brand of ink is one of the top favorites on here. So I went to their website were they talk about water based ink: http://www.matsui-color.com/water_based.php

But, now I'm so confused. How does anyone understand this stuff. That page mentions more than just the ink, apparently there is other things that I might need as well. Bases, binders, extenders, fixers. What is all of this junk. Does anybody understand this stuff?

All I know, is that I'm going to be printing mostly on (not white) but light colored shirts that are 100% cotton or 50% cotton/50%polyester. So I'm guessing for that, I would go with the 301 RC colors, is that correct? And would that require anything else other than the ink, such as a base, binder, extender, fixer, etc?

And what if I did decide to print on a darker color shirt, would I have to switch to the 301 OW colors, or can I just add something to the 301 RC color ink to get it to work?

Thanks guys

 

[Hegemone]

Try watching some videos from ryonet or catspit productions on you tube.

 

[tlpe548b]

Try watching some videos from ryonet or catspit productions on you tube.

yes ryonet has some great videos that will teach you alot. I would also recommend buying the ink from them since they send out DVD's with all their kits, as well as great customer service, you can call them with any questions and they will explain.

But yes you are correct Kurt, the rc is what is used for light colored garments, and the opaque (301w) are for dark garments, but I bet you will not be happy with the results. People usually tend to get into water based for the nice soft feel, the opaque are not the same feel as the rc's, they are ticker and chalkier, and the end result is more towards plastisol feel.

Discharge is what most people use for darks, it's a type of water based ink that removes the dye from the shirt and replaces it with the color of your choice, it's not recommended for beginners, but it is worth getting into once you know what's going on.

No you will not need any binders or additives with the 301rc or the 301w, they come ready to use. Speedball inks are a hobbyist product, not meant to yield professional results. So I don't know what kind of set up you have, but it in order to print professional quality products you are going to need to spend some cash, you need a decent press, and a whole slew of chemicals ranging from clean up to emulsion and everything in-between. You will also need a very good printer to print transparencies, some sort of exposure unit, and a heat gun to cure at a minimum.

The bottom line is that you are probably looking at 3k for a minimalist set up. If you are just trying to make a shirt here and there for yourself, then ya you may get by with a yudu machine and some speedball.


Not trying to discourage you, it is not rocket science, anyone can screen print with the right tools and knowledge, it's an art that can easily be learned, but you need to know what you are getting into, since obviously you didn't do your research right the first time .

 

[LancerFlorida]

Does anyone understand all this stuff? Yes.
Would most of us begin in the same fashion we did the 1st time? No.
Were the mistakes made valuable. You bet. That is where the learning occurs.
I started with a 'Hillbilly' press constructed from old fence wood, Speedball, better hinge clamps, Hobby Lobby picture frames and curtain sheer.
Of course that stuff produced crap, but I knew it would. My learning took place burning through expendable crap. Now, with some good stuff to work with I can know exactly what is working right to get that 'Ahhh,' from those who order.
Start putting down ink and what you need to know will quickly become apparent. For a beginner, knowing you are doing light colors on cotton and poly should lead to you limit what you look at so you can stay on task. Plastisol and cotton are the most forgiving for beginners who what to lay down ink. I recommend you begin there and when you get results you are proud of, consider WB but be aware you must have your choreography down pat or you will be wasting a lot of screens.