[rodsps]

I have been in business for 17 years and just turned 52. We have been doing everything with transfers (screen printed, dye sub and laser) and also some dtg (not going so great there) now I am considering if I want to get into screen printing. My biggest fear is some much involved in it (right?). I looks kinda fun but I know it is work too.
So any words of encouragement and what to look for or do I just need a slap in the head to get my common sense back in order.
thanks all

 

[PatWibble]

Its a great way to get those mid sized orders, at a competitive price.
You need to evaluate the local competition, will you have the market to yourself or is it already flooded? If there is little competition then you could be unbeatable on price.
Screen printing is a wet process - can you make it sit alongside your existing dry operation? Dtg printers and pressure washers don't always mix.

When printing constantly its all fairly straightforward. If you have to dig the equipment out twice a month then it can be tiresome and time consuming.
Once each job is set up its an incredibly fast method of production and you will be able to tackle the larger jobs easily. Just think of every stroke as another dollar.

When all is said and done screen print is still the best combination of quality, durability, speed and price out there. Dtg is still developing and is many years away from bettering screen print on any of those terms. It probably will eventually, but as it stands a good Dtg printer capable of 15 12" x 16" images an hour costs about the same as an auto that can print 60 dozen shirts an hour.
Other decoration methods all have their plus points, but they are mainly lower volume,higher price promotional solutions. If you can make screening fit in you could be expanding your potential customer base.

 

[2020 PrintWorks]

There's definitely a learning curve but it's not that bad. It's just a matter of trial and error and how fast you learn from your mistakes. I learned by working at a local. I don't know how it would be to try to learn on your own. Maybe you could get someone to let you intern for a little or take a class. I think that would be your best bet.

 

[hbapparel]

I taught myself to print by watching videos and just doing. As long as you are fairly intelligent, you can learn it very easy to get going. Just as things evolve and get more advanced, it gets more complicated.

That being said, I am perplexed when people suggest interning for a local company. I would never teach someone my craft so they can open there own business to compete with me. Just doesn't make sense.

 

[EmbroidMeCat]

Hello Rodsps,
I guess I want to know - why are you considering screen printing? Do you think you can grow more with screen printing? Do you have the money saved to buy the supplies? How about the area for it? Do you have a vented area for the dryer? Enough electric for the flash dryers? Enough room for the press?
Maybe you want to consider starting with digital printing. That is less messy, and you can buy a used digital printer - you already have a heat press. Plus you don't have to make film for dtg.
I would ask you to consider digital printing first.
I hope I am helpful.
Maude

 

[rodsps]

Well we have a local screen printed who has been in business for over 30 years. He is my biggest competion people come to me when he screws up (which has been happening more and more).
I have had alot of problems with screen printed transfer lately most on multicolor jobs. So thus why we are looking at the in house screen print. I am in a tourist community which has a number of festivals and honestly if I could land the biggest one the equipment would be payed for.
We have the space for a 6 color 4 station press and dryer. Need alittle wiring but not big deal.
Exhaust will be a issue! We have learned how to deal with enviromental issues pretty well as each process has its own quirks.
I am planning to take a class to get my head around it all and even if we don't pull trigger on this I will know more about it.

 

[PatWibble]

If your in a tourist community then go for it. There should be plenty of attractions and stores that would be happy for a local supply of merchandise. A lot of people from a dtg/heat press background don't realise how rapid the screening process is, and how quickly the revenue adds up.

Why not invest a couple of hundred dollars in something like Ryonets starter kit or something used on ebay. You can practice in your spare time. There is a knack to screen making, printing and other aspects of the craft. They are pretty simple to master but you need to have some familiarity with them. Mistakes are good- I've yet to make one that I haven't learned from. A kit will provide a small amount of all the necessary ink and chemicals.

In terms of extraction a domestic kitchen extractor hood with ducting to the outside should suffice until you are printing non stop. Bolt it to the wall above the dryer as this is where most of the fumes come from.

 

[EmbroidMeCat]

It is great to take a class-

You know who is a great teacher, that guy Dane from Great Dane Graphics. I took 2 classes from him at the ISS show in Atlantic City and I loved it!

He is funny and smart.

Let me know. We order from Ryonet too and they have great classes on CD - that is how we started. They are a bunch of great guys too.

Let me know how you make out!
Maude