[ckeefer]

Hello all,

This is my first question that I have asked. Usually find all my answerers buy searching the forum but this time I did not find the answer I need.

Do plastisol inks go bad? I have been looking for my own screen printing equipment and the set-up I found to start with has a good deal of ink with it. The problem I see is that the ink was bought in 2004 & 2006. The guy that is selling it tried twice to start a shirt business but it did not work out for him either time. Now he is selling everything.

So my question is, if I buy this equipment can I use the ink or should I throw it away?

Please help, or point me in the right direction.

Thank you,

 

[selanac]

Ckeefer, one way to find out is make a t-shirt and give it the Wash Test. If it holds up after a few washes it's probably okay.

You can also contact an Ink Supplier, but they might want you to buy more ink from them.

 

[ckeefer]

I thought about contacting an ink vendor, but I just found this deal and I’m trying to make a decision tonight so I can go buy the equipment in the morning. I can afford what the guy is asking but if the ink is no good then it is not a good deal & I will pass on it.

 

[selanac]

I know Printing ink doesn't go bad, but don't know about screen printing. The ink in inkjet printers dries up, but doesn't go bad either.

 

[selanac]

What equipment would you be getting in this deal? Where would you set it up?

 

[ckeefer]

I have a work shop at my house & I’m working on renting a building on Main St.

Equipment list;
3 color 1 position press, brand unknown, table top version looks to be lower end type equipment.

16” x 16” flash dryer

7 squeegees – different sizes

15 - 20” x 24” screens – different mesh counts all need to be cleaned, 1 ripped.

Home made exposure unit 22” x 26”

25 quarts of ink Union, QCM, Speedball most full or nearly full
And other supplies, emulsion remover, spray adhesive, screen filler

Asking $800 but will take $700. I thought that if I saved some money I could buy better equipment but then I thought that this might be good to start and learn with.

 

[robtex]

ink doesnt really go bad,but it can harden over time.this can be fixed by mixing in curable reducer to bring the ink back to life so to speak.

 

[ckeefer]

Thanks for the info.

 

[Teamwear]

For that money I might try to find a 4 color press with at least 2 stations. You will want to upgrade the minute you do any volume at all.

It might end up costing you a little bit more-but it is about the minimum you can use if you will be doing any white ink, or volumes of more than 100 pieces at the time.

 

[ckeefer]

I have been thinking the same thing.
Things did not work out this week-end for me to be able to go and pick this up.
I forgot we had family coming in for the 3 day week-end.

I have a couple of sign jobs to finish this week, so I will see what the money situation is after that. It’s just that money is tight right now trying to get started, but I’m sure that no one else would understand that because, I’m the only one that has that problem.

 

[selanac]

You're right we can't. We're all millionaires here. LOL!

Hope everything works out for you.

 

[ckeefer]

Thanks for the all the help.

 

[selanac]

You're welcome. For the price the equipment you're getting is a good deal. Next you can get a used Conveyor Dryer for $700 or more. The retail new starting at $1500.

Once you start selling you can upgrade to a bigger press.

 

[ckeefer]

The package deal that started this thread fell through, the guy notified me today that he sold it. But that’s OK because I found basically the same equipment with new ink and there are two flash dryers instead of just one. It is on hold for me until this weekend.

So now I have a couple of days to get the money together, wish me luck.

 

[selanac]

Hope everything works out. I know its hard to get started. Once you do get up and running you'll do well.

 

[Dwaynec]

i agree with robtex, good luck

 

[mountaingraphic]

Sorry to bring up an old post but when looking at equipment do not get discouraged as there are more people out to make a livin in this business than there are actually making a living so equipment is def out there to be found at a reasonable price.

As I noticed you are in the sign business as well(as well as I) get the biggiest you can afford,...You will need it eventually and better to have than not..A 2 station is a must(I just finished a 50 shirt order and was beggin for a second station and possibly a helper..lol)

Also do not get discouraged at first because you WILL have some bad burns,bad prints, and ink everywhere but it will come to ya so get a good stock of stuff to print on and learn to print before you take an order(I fail to follow my own advise which sometimes/sometimes not works out)

Another thing to consider is your market and this will dictate alot of your needs(i.e equipment,inks) and dont be afraid of plastisol as some people are a little timid over its properties.

 

[ckeefer]

Thanks for the encouragement; I did buy a 1 station 4 color press. The 1 station has not hurt me that bad so far but the fact that I do not have micro almost cost me the last job I did. I’m still not happy with the results so I discounted the shirts. When my wife delivered them the buyer was VERY happy with the results. So I guess it’s a good thing that I did not throw them away.

As far as the plastisol goes I like the ink that came with the press. The guy I bought all this from used cleaners that are environmentally friendly so that has help with clean up in my enclosed area.