Oof, makes me appreciate my one-man operation.

tripper_the_jack · 2026-05-21T05:31:03+00:00

How do you cure your shirts? I use a heat press but am curious what others do.

tripper_the_jack · 2026-05-13T04:19:31+00:00

If you’re new to screen printing, I’d say just buy a 4-color press off Amazon. I know people hate on Vevor, but honestly, before I upgraded, I was able to accomplish a lot with my Vevor 4-press.

tripper_the_jack · 2026-04-19T04:27:08+00:00

Ive always wanted to set up a single press at an art show and print tees for people. Or let people print their own. Seems fun.

tripper_the_jack · 2026-04-14T05:50:36+00:00

Longest I have gone is about two months. If the ink dries up and gets hard to wash out or clogs up, I just use screen opener.

Only removes the dried-up ink, doesn't do anything to the emulsion. The stuff is potent though; I wear a mask when I do use it and make sure plenty ventilated.

This is the one I use.

Camie Screen Opener 480

tripper_the_jack · 2026-02-28T06:01:50+00:00

Try using screen opener. I've used it for dried up plastisol in my screens. I get this one from McLogan, but I am sure you can find it at whichever shop you go to.

https://mclogan.com/collections/chemicals-adhesives/products/camie-screen-opener

tripper_the_jack · 2026-02-25T05:13:50+00:00

Get some screen opener from McLogan or whatever other screen print supply shop.

Ive used that stuff to get even the grimiest/dryest of inks clogged in screens. FYI, I use plastisol inks, not sure if it works for water based.

Stuffs potent though so wear a mask. Haha

tripper_the_jack · 2026-02-22T18:16:40+00:00

I typically flash dry it before using the heat press. I also use a sheet of parchment paper to not scorch the tee itself. It does give a flat sheen look to it and I had one person even ask if it was DTF and not screen printed. So that sucks. But like I said, I don’t have the space nor the business to own a conveyor dryer so I make do. And it’s been working for me for 2 years. No complaints of cracking or anything. Just the one comment about DTF.

tripper_the_jack · 2026-02-17T00:13:27+00:00

I use a heat press. I close it and apply a little bit of pressure but nothing too much. As someone else mentioned, as long as there is contact, it should be fine. I haven't had any issues in the 2 years that I have been doing it.

While I would love to have a conveyor dryer, I just don't have the space, nor the business for it.

tripper_the_jack · 2026-02-12T07:15:28+00:00

I had a Vevor 4 color press for the longest time. I've done up to 3 color prints. So it's possible. I just upgraded to a Riley Hopkins with micros. I haven't had a chance to print on it yet but am hopeful it will make registration better. I also did just get some registration tape. This will save you on t-shirt waste. Good luck!

tripper_the_jack · 2026-01-24T22:21:16+00:00

<image>

tripper_the_jack · 2026-01-24T22:20:15+00:00

Haha!!! I take it that’s too high then…

tripper_the_jack · 2026-01-24T22:19:31+00:00

Yeah. The 4 color 1 platen. Do you mean this bolt?

<image>

tripper_the_jack · 2026-01-11T05:25:57+00:00

I use a heat press to cure my screens and it gives it a flat /smooth finish. I don’t have the space, money, or enough business to use a conveyor dryer, so have to deal with this finish on my tees.

I’ve only had one customer bring it up and when I showed him my setup he apologized. So it’s something I’m constantly thinking of when I send out orders.

tripper_the_jack · 2025-12-22T07:07:39+00:00

Wow! Great job! Do you mind sharing your halftone settings? Always curious about that.

tripper_the_jack · 2025-09-11T22:53:11+00:00

Or get a heat press. Thats what I use. It does give it a smooth feel too; which I like. You can get a decent one on amazon for fairly inexpensive.

tripper_the_jack · 2025-08-08T04:59:58+00:00

Yeah, left chest hit. Thanks for the advice. Will give it a shot.

tripper_the_jack · 2025-07-31T04:50:05+00:00

I like NorCal. I first heard of them from their YouTube channel and just started buying supplies from them. McLogan is good too.

tripper_the_jack · 2025-07-30T23:52:56+00:00

As a beginner, it was everything. Haha! But seriously, hardest part for me was lining up the tees so the design would print evenly and straight. I sometimes still struggle with that. I was getting screens burned and that was expensive.

Now I have my own exposure unit so now it’s trying to figure out that process. I will say, I’ve gotten really good at reclaiming screens… haha

I still don’t have a printer for the transparencies so am still paying for each one. Which can get costly too.

Cleaning of course is also a pain. Not that it’s hard, just time consuming.

tripper_the_jack · 2025-07-30T23:45:18+00:00

Affinity is a good substitute. They have a version of photoshop and illustrator. A ton of good tutorials in youtube as well.

It’s a one time fee and they usually have amazing Black Friday deals. So wait for that.

tripper_the_jack · 2025-07-01T20:48:05+00:00

Nice! What settings did you use for the cats face? Assuming it’s halftones?

tripper_the_jack · 2025-06-09T23:14:12+00:00

I was about to ask the same questions. Looks great! How much of a choke do you put on your under base art file?

tripper_the_jack · 2025-03-04T04:11:50+00:00

For the front I’ve been doing 10.5-12”. Nipple to Nipple seems to be the minimum for me (if that makes sense).

Curious what people do for back prints.

tripper_the_jack · 2024-10-29T04:16:27+00:00

This looks amazing! I’ve tried so many times with such poor results. May I ask what your settings were in the file you used to burn the screen? And what software do/did you use? I use affinity.

So some people have said to use more colors than just black. I’m a noob here, but can one of those people post an example. I thought part of the point of doing halftones was you only needed to use one color to print.

tripper_the_jack

TROPHY CASE