[2ndreign]

Hello,

We have made our first print on a black shirt using screen printing. Up until now everything has been done via heat transfer paper (inkjet). As such: Keep in mind that we are still new and learning. This is really more of a hobby interest currently.

Overall, being our first time, I'm really happy with the results. (We even made the screen using liquid emulsion).

However, There is one part of the design that keeps being problematic. I'm thinking that maybe it is the screen - since it really only seems to effect one side. We use halftones to help gradient the image and add some character. On the crown that surrounds the G, you can see that the ink is "running" and not depositing properly.

I'm not going to tell you what sort of equipment we use - because I don't want to get made fun of for being a YUDU user - but it'd not top quality. Would a better aftermarket screen help any? Maybe a different squeegee?

I'd say it's operator error - but it only seems to be that part of the image. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Here is the Transparency we burned - the screen turned out very similar - http://c309646.r46.cf1.rackcdn.com/sample3.jpg

Here are the two shirts we pressed:
http://c309646.r46.cf1.rackcdn.com/sample1.jpg
http://c309646.r46.cf1.rackcdn.com/sample2.jpg

 

[lben]

I won't make fun of your equipment. I have a yudu too. I got mine to learn on and I still use it for smaller shirts that won't fit on my professional press. Go to Screen Printing Supplies, Screen Printing Equipment & Screen Printing Kits. They have an after market section for the yudu. They have screens and you can get a decent squeegie while you're there getting a decent screen. I'm thinking if it's happening on all of the prints in the same location, chances are it's your squeegie or the screen not having enough tension in that one spot. When you see a real screen you will be shocked at the difference. You do know that halftones require a very high mesh count (300+)? The screens that come with the yudu are only 110 mesh.

 

[2ndreign]

So far I really do enjoy the YUDU ... it's convenient for me being in an apartment. Maybe I can't do the 4 color processing, but it's at least enjoyable...... plus it gives me something to start with.

I did purchase the liquid emulsion, scoop and some speedball ink. I'm sure there is better ink, but the speedball was available locally and was convenient. Once we get some better practice - that's when I will consider upgrading some more. I agree the screens are not very good. They don't even make a note when flicked. After checking out some screens at a local art store, they had some that were tight enough to make music on. But we decided ultimately to stick with the YUDU screen for simplicity sake.

We did get a slightly better squeegee and upgraded to the 220 YUDU screen - the previous screen was done on a 110. However, I used a pretty low lines/inch on the halftones (around 25lpi, eclipse, 70 degree I think).

Mostly my goal is to be able to create my own "rough drafts" of designs. If there is a design that we really like, or gets a lot of attention, then we will probably order some plastisol transfers. From a pro Or if we decide to hit the retail market.

.... It was an awesome feeling walking down the street and having some one yell out of their car how much they liked are shirt - just wish I had a business card of some sort at the time with the website.

 

[lben]

Ryonet has screens for the yudu that are a professional grade. I bought some a few months back and the difference between them is enormous. They weren't that expensive either. They also have good ink.

 

[ScreenFoo]

Did you double stroke the pink and single stroke the yellow?

For a first timer, you are getting great results, for the type of image you started with.

Halftones are touchy, and everything from your squeegee angle, pressure, and speed, to your ink, screen, or shirt can change how it comes out. If you find most of them get too much coverage, you can either lighten the tones before you run your positive, or even burn them for a longer period of time to 'choke' them slightly. (you may lose the tiniest dots with this method, however)

Loretta's suggestion of a higher quality screen (and I'd add a squeegee, ) will help you as well--either a loose screen, or dull or soft squeegee will tend to smear the ink.

 

[2ndreign]

Thanks everyone. I do agree that I need to invest in a better screen. Especially for the halftones. Hopefully I can get a couple ordered before to long..... I'll try to post back on the difference.

I think on the pink I pressed more. The pink was the first and did the gold after that. Pretty sure I used at least two passes on each. Actually on the gold, I went sideways. I was thinking that might help.

I will definitely try out some of the suggestions .... It's been a blast so far. Thanks for the support......

On phone so can't type much.