I want to print onto T-Shirts, what ink do I need?
What is the difference between Platisol ink and Waterbased ink?
What is the difference between the mesh counts (different meshs) on the screens?
What is the difference between Yellow and White mesh?
What is the shelf life of the emulsion?
How long will it take to expose my screen?
Can I expose my screen in daylight or do I need subdued light?
What is the difference between a Square cut squeegee and a 'D' (aka 'V') cut squeegee?
When I buy a kit, will I receive instructions?
I would like to print onto bags, caps, posters and boards, can you supply me with the products / equipment to produce these prints?
What is your returns policy?
I want to print onto T-shirts, what ink do I need?
We sell two types of ink for printing onto T-Shirts, Plastisol ink or Waterbased ink.
What is the difference between Plastisol and Waterbased ink?
Plastisol inks are most commonly used in screen printing because they are not 'air-dry' inks and when producing longer print runs they will not dry up on the screen. There is more choice when choosing your plastisol inks, more colours and also additives that can be added to your plastisol ink to produce special effects such as puffer/expanding (raised) effect, suee effect, lycra additive, glitters and also metallics. Plastisol inks MUST be fully heat cured before washing to avoid the print coming off in the wash. Plastisol inks wrap around the fibres in the fabric, sitting on top of the fabric producing a more 'dense' appearance and have a rubbery feel to them. You can change the appearance and feel of the plastisol ink by using an extender base or a super smooth base so as it feels and looks like the water based ink or sublimation ink.
Plastisol inks cannot be ironed directly over, due to the plastisizer in the ink. Plastisol inks must be cured at a temperature of 150degreesC (For more information about curing Plastisol inks, please see 'Curing your print'.
The waterbased ink is like a dye that changes the colour of the fabric and has a sublimation appearance. Waterbased inks have a softer feel as the ink dyes the fabric as opposed to 'sitting on top' of the fibres, has an almost non-existant feel to it. Waterbased inks are widely used in schools and colleges and also on babies clothing as are economical. One important factor you must remember, if you are printing an all-over print on to a garment that needs to be ironed such as a cotton shirt then a water based ink would be more suitable as you can iron over the print. If you are printing breast size logos (9cm x 9xm approx), waterbased or plastisols can be used but you cannot iron directly over a plastisol print as it will re-melt the plastisol and smudge. Water based ink can be printed onto dark colours with high opaque white ink, however the other standard colours will need a white underbase printed down first.
Only you will know what sort of design work, images (large/small) you will be printing and designing, this can determine which one of the two to use.
What is the difference between the mesh counts (different meshes) on the screens?
A lower number means a coarser mesh count, a higher number means a finer mesh count. You will need to select the correct mesh count for the artwork you have produced.
43T is used most commonly for general textile printing.
Here is a guideline for you to help you choose the correct mesh count:
10T/15T/21T: A Course mesh count for use with Glitter Inks.
32T: Recommended for printing opaque white/light colours onto dark fabric to allow maximum opacity.
43T: Recommended for general textile work, printing light on dark, dark on light.
55T/61T: Recommended for general textile work but with some finer detail/line work.
77T/80T: Textiles; smooth and light fabric, Half-Tone, General.
90T/110T: Textiles; extremely light material, Graphics, General.
120T/140T: Process work.
160T: Photographic work.
What is the difference between Yellow and White mesh?
Yellow mesh absorbs more light and stops light scattering, this mesh is commonly selected on the higher mesh counts. We sell Sefar mesh yellow and white, PET1500, the white and yellow mesh count we sell is great for fine halftones with highest resolution and has the greatest possible exposure latitude with unsurpassed protection against light-undercutting.
What is the shelf life of the emulsion?
Our emulsion is a 2-Part emulsion. PRE-Sensitized, the emulsion can last between 12-24 months. Once sensitzed, the emulsion can last between 6-8 weeks. You can mix only half the emulsion wth half of the sensitizer, only mix what you require to prolong the shelf life of the emulsion.
How long will it take to expose my screen?
Using our 1000watt halogen exposure unit setup, it will take 20 minutes to expose your screen, with the unit set at the minimum distance (light to screen).
Can I expose my screen in daylight or do I need subdued light?
Subdued light will be great if you can have this setup, however, our emulsion is the best on the market and WILL allow you to expose your screen successfully in natural daylight conditions.
What is the difference between a Square cut squeegee and a 'D' (aka 'V') cut squeegee?
'D' Cut Squeegees are used for T-Shirt printing, the tapered edge allows maximum ink deposit onto your garment. Square edge blade allows for lesser deposit of ink and is used widely on higher mesh counts and finer prints.
When I buy a kit, will I receive instructions?
When a kit is purchased, upon delivery, you will also receive an email with a Step by Step guide, alignment instructions for your press and also assembly instructions (For our 2,4 or 6 Colour Carousels).
I'd like to print onto bags, caps, posters and boards, can you supply me with the products/equipment to produce these prints?
YES, we can, please contact us for more information, either by email or by telephone
What is your returns policy?
If an item you receive is damaged, please send a photograph as evidence of the damage and we will happily replace the damaged item for you. If you would like to return an item for a refund, we accept returns within 7 days of delivery and shall refund the full price of the item, minus any postage amounts paid. If you do experience a problem, please give one of our members of staff a call (please see 'Contact Us' page) and they will be happy to resolve the problem with you.
If you have any other queries, please do not hesitate to give us a call and we will be happy to help you.
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