(Part 2) Top products from r/SCREENPRINTING

Yeah, it's a craft full of a thousand details to learn and master much like any other craft. That's why I suggested you grab one of the simple "starter kits" so you can start learning the very basics of the process without spending a bunch of cash. They are hobby level and not producing professional product but great to learn with. Even if you plan on hiring printers as an owner you should at least know the processes involved.

It's got a stupid ass name, but many many people got started with this book, I have a copy myself and even after going pro I have found useful info in there. And/or you can get starter kits (aka hobby kits) from DIY, Ryonet, and Speedball.

Look up your local community college and occupational training programs, extended learning, etc. I got my start in school with an excellent job training program and got me my first apprentice gig. Many of these programs and classes are free or very inexpensive.

Also, behold the value of video! Catspit and Ryonet have a bunch of great videos. I've found these two resources to be of excellent quality compared to many other videos of, cough, questionable value.

One thing I need to also mention is that learning by doing is the only way to really grok this but it is fucking annoying and frustrating sometimes not to mention that it can get expensive re-doing parts of the process over and over to get a good finish product. All printers have at least one story about that "one shirt" that just didn't want to print right.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask specific questions in the subreddit. There are a bunch of really smart printers that drop in here. I've learned a ton about stuff that I don't normally do simply from taking a few minutes every day to specifically check the threads here. There's also stuff like the t-shirt board and other forums but that's not something I have a lot of time to devote to browsing so don't know where to suggest.

Wall of text =) Good luck!

I think a kit from Ryonet is going to be your best bet. They’ve done a good job at putting together affordable and easy to use kits for beginners. This kit is a pretty good deal: https://www.screenprinting.com/diy-print-shop-t-shirt-kit

If you want to save some money and just get your hands dirty you can get the speedball kit on Amazon which is what we learned on about 15 years ago: Speedball Ultimate Screen Printing Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SKRHX0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_NReNAb4AGFXF3

This book is awesome, the first half breaks down the process really well. Granted it’s orientated more towards poster printing but the basics are pretty much the same.

https://www.amazon.com/Screenprinting-Ultimate-Studio-Sketchbook-Squeegee/dp/1616896558

I saw people in the past recommend this vacuum. I built my table with it as well and it works very well.

http://www.amazon.com/Eureka-Jacket-Central-Power-Yellow/dp/B001RHW4RC/ref=sr_1_4?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=vacuums&ie=UTF8&qid=1421393353&sr=1-4

> Has anyone had any luck not going deaf running a little electric power washer in a small space?

Sure!

Add a pair of good noise cancelling headphones, and you won't hear a thing!

I'm thinking it's under-exposed. Here's what I would do (forgive me if you know most of this):
-Clear that screen.
-Degrease the screen (Dawn or Simple Green will work if you don't have the official stuff).
-Dry thoroughly.
-Coat the shirt side of the screen with one pass of emulsion (scoop coater is a wise investment if you don't have one).
-Coat the squeegee side with one pass of emulsion.
-I don't know about halogen, but I used to use a clip light with a photoflood bulb (like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Eiko-120v-500w-Photo-Flood/dp/B000N49KS6). I used to hang mine probably 18 inches above and expose for 14 minutes straight.
-Run some water gently over both sides for a minute before blasting it with water. I would just use your thumb over the end of a hose. Pressure washer may be a little too much.

These are the ones I bought - 10x13. I'm sure you can get anything similar and they'll work fine (read the reviews, if going with a different seller). I've been able to fit up to 3 or 4, depending on the shirt size. More than 2, though, and you're generally above the max USPS first class weight limit.

yeah it was a hand drill. And they are inexpensive c-clamps similar to this that I got at big lots or someplace similar.

I did a search on amazon.com - this is pretty much what you want - so much cheaper in the US! Not fair.

Speedball Opaque Metallic Gold is pretty awesome and dries within the hour.
And I'd do at least a 200 mesh based on that detail, but I've used it on everything from 110 and up.

So wait, is Anthem doing 1 screen and you're doing the other?

You could probably spray it with fixative.
It'll keep it from yellowing and smudging.
If you don't want the glossy coat, you can just Amazon search fixative.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VKNCQQ9?ref=myi_title_dp

I use this ink for shirts
Speedball Art Products 4560 Fabric Screen Printing Ink, 8 Fl. oz, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001038NLY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_jrRBDb0SHXE2T

And for emulsion this

Speedball Art Products 4559 Diazo Photo Emulsion Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007ZHGWI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_DwRBDb6XH126Z

Cutting very carefully.

Woods 500 Watt Portable Work Light, Yellow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IJRMWM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_O.POCbK4Z7APD that’s an example of one

You are correct. After some digging I think I'm getting close to what I want. In case anyone else is interested these are some options I have discovered:

http://www.portfolios-and-art-cases.com/fg-fac1226.html

http://www.portfolios-and-art-cases.com/shipping-cases.html

http://www.cheapjoes.com/catalog/product/view/id/20525/

http://www.amazon.com/Prat-Start-Portfolio-Black-20/dp/B000HF4VCQ/ref=sr_1_5?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1408201666&sr=1-5&keywords=hard+art+case

The thing is I'm really reluctant to drop $150+ on a case, or even $100+ for that matter.

This is my go to white ink. Speedball fabric ink is thick and goes on smooth when even pressure is applied