 Here is a practical chart that any screen printer can use when choosing mesh counts. It will give you an idea of what mesh count to use for each printing job.
MESH COUNT CHART (Common Mesh Counts and Typical Applications) (Your supplier may offer mesh counts that are slightly different that those indicated below. Small deviations from these numbers is not critical. Purchase the next closest size that is available.)
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 A FEW TIPS THAT WORK FOR ME... 1. Keep your water tepid when washing out screens. 2. Use a cool down station or chiller plate when flashing. 3. Wipe up any splattered ink immediately. 4. Do a wash test on big orders. 5. Collect at least 50% down on an order. 6. Use plenty of platen adhesive for sweats. 7. Keep tension tight on your screens. 8. Meet your deadlines. 9. Advertise in good and bad times. 10. Keep a record of ink and shirt colors for customers. Jeff P. Screen printer from New Jersey  Maintaining a clean print shop might not be on the top of your list of things to do, but it should be. This is not something that needs to be done daily, but at least weekly. You should be vacuuming, wiping down your printing equipment, and cleaning your air cleaner's filter and fans.
If you do not already use an air cleaner, buy one--it's a good investment. An air cleaner collects dust and fibers that you can't see. Once you start using an air cleaner in your shop, you will be amazed at the amount of lint that it collects. And yes--you have been breathing that stuff! Position the air cleaner near your textile dryer or in your shirt folding area for maximum benefit. A print shop is a dust magnet. The fibers from apparel build up and have a tendency to attach themselves to everything. If you use spray adhesive on your platens, you will notice fiber build-up quickly on your press making a real mess.  I used to purchase newsprint from a supplier to blot the water out of my screen after reclaiming them. Now I save my old newspapers (and ask my family to do the same) and use it instead. It saves me money and I really like that! It works the same as the newsprint and I can still recycle the paper when I am finished with it. I hope you find this tip useful! Kenny C. Freeport Screen Printing Co.  When I need a shim for off-contact screen printing on my manual screen printing presses, I keep on hand the following items:
 As a screen printer, are you familiar with the coating stroke? It is sometimes possible to eliminate flash curing on certain dark shirt orders. Think of how much time you can save if this technique will work for the job you may be printing.
The mastery of an effective "coating" stroke may take some practice and will not work with all inks and every type of artwork or mesh count. But if you are able to use it on the job you are printing it could save you valuable time.  To keep both coated and clean and ready to be coated screens clean and free from light and dust, use large, plastic 45 gallon trash cans.
These large, heavy duty cans have wheels on them for easy movement and are completely opaque so no light will accidentally expose your screens, thanks to the tight fitting, locking lids. Depending on the size of your screens, each bucket can hold as many as ten screens. In addition, these cans will not only seal out light but moisture as well.  This tutorial shows a series of photos that shows how you can print a (3) color job using just (2) screens.
By taping down a simple cardboard “divider” on the “red/orange” screen to keep the ink colors separated and using 2 separate squeegees, it is an easy task. Any time you can save burning and printing a screen is a bonus for the printer. The photos tell the story…  Have you ever wondered why advertisers prefer a younger audience over older people?
The reason is very simple. As people age, they often become set in their ways and will typically buy the same products over and over. They believe that they have found the best of what they need and are no longer interested in “exploring” for new products. This same concept can be applied to the screen printing industry.  Are you tired of using boxes that have someone else’s name printed on them? Here is an easy trick that makes old boxes look new.
You can add your imprint or custom label with your company name and logo to the side of the box. If done properly this will give you a very professional look. If any of your employees have some down time this chore can be done on a weekly basis allowing you to stockpile “new” boxes ready for packing or shipping. |
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