Hey, so I'm thinking of starting to do a little bit of screen printing. My target "market" if you can even call it that is a niche one, paintball. essentially a lot of players like to wear tall t's with print on them, but i suppose thats beside the point.
Please keep in mind I am trying to keep this as cheap as possible to begin, even at the expense of some quality.
Essentially I've been looking into the process and everything, but I thought id ask exactly what people would suggest. To start I just want to get the most basic supplies. After i make some shirts, and test the waters so to speak i would be more inclined to purchase a starter kit similar to this one.
Screen Printing Starter Kit
One of my main concerns at the moment are a cost effective exposure unit. I was reading about using 500w halogen light, not sure if this would be the best option though. Would i simply set up the light shining down on the screen with the image on top, and some sort of black cloth or something underneath? and is the glass necessary to have.
The other thing was about a pallet to transfer the ink on. I've been hearing/reading that the screen shouldn't be touching the shirt, so would it work well enough to use some sort of spacer between the frame and the table or whatever it may be underneath, with clamps to keep it in place?
One other concern was about the printer. I have a generic HP photosmart all in one. I can't really afford anything new right now, so would it be ok to use for now? Im not sure if it would be better just to double up on over-head sheets, or if it would work on film positives.
If you had any recommendations on what type of ink/emulsion/screen cleaner and that type of stuff, that are sort of "bang for your buck" that would be great.
One other concern was about the printer
What i've got listed as a elementary start-up at the moment is
-squeegee
-ink
-emulsion
-screen/frame
-exposure unit
-heat gun?
-for the washing i thought using my shower may be ok. i also have a hose in the back lol, but i dont really want those chemicals on my lawn.
-cleaning products
-clamps/some sort of surface to work on.
Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Joel
*Wanted to add as well, with the ink and also emulsion, can it be re-used later? like if i put on too much ink can i scoop it back up later, and same with the emulsion.
Please keep in mind I am trying to keep this as cheap as possible to begin, even at the expense of some quality.
Essentially I've been looking into the process and everything, but I thought id ask exactly what people would suggest. To start I just want to get the most basic supplies. After i make some shirts, and test the waters so to speak i would be more inclined to purchase a starter kit similar to this one.
Screen Printing Starter Kit
One of my main concerns at the moment are a cost effective exposure unit. I was reading about using 500w halogen light, not sure if this would be the best option though. Would i simply set up the light shining down on the screen with the image on top, and some sort of black cloth or something underneath? and is the glass necessary to have.
The other thing was about a pallet to transfer the ink on. I've been hearing/reading that the screen shouldn't be touching the shirt, so would it work well enough to use some sort of spacer between the frame and the table or whatever it may be underneath, with clamps to keep it in place?
One other concern was about the printer. I have a generic HP photosmart all in one. I can't really afford anything new right now, so would it be ok to use for now? Im not sure if it would be better just to double up on over-head sheets, or if it would work on film positives.
If you had any recommendations on what type of ink/emulsion/screen cleaner and that type of stuff, that are sort of "bang for your buck" that would be great.
One other concern was about the printer
What i've got listed as a elementary start-up at the moment is
-squeegee
-ink
-emulsion
-screen/frame
-exposure unit
-heat gun?
-for the washing i thought using my shower may be ok. i also have a hose in the back lol, but i dont really want those chemicals on my lawn.
-cleaning products
-clamps/some sort of surface to work on.
Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Joel
*Wanted to add as well, with the ink and also emulsion, can it be re-used later? like if i put on too much ink can i scoop it back up later, and same with the emulsion.