Loading shirts straight on platens - Screen Printing Tips

[@tlopez5069]

I truly admire your amazing effort and determination you put into your work and content. You inspire so many and will change their lives. Thank your for your amazing content.

[@startupscreenprinting]

Thank you so much, T!

[@louetidhafer4146]

what i really admire in your content is that u take your time to explain the very little info and that's in my humble opinion what makes the difference . well done 💯

[@startupscreenprinting]

Thank you! My goal isn't to put on a show, it's to cover those little details so that more people understand screen printing :) thank you for the kind words

[@leviteapparel]

Amazing information 👌🏿 thanks again

[@startupscreenprinting]

Happy to help!

[@dtruth5988]

OMG this was my first problem when I started printing. It was so frustrating that it had me paranoid when I first started. I still practice to get better at it. Thanks for addressing this issue for new screen printers.

[@startupscreenprinting]

I’m glad it’s not just me! Haha I still need work at it too. It’s definitely intimidating to see so many make it look easy but it’s definitely not easy haha.

[@byronwilkinson9548]

I'm right in the middle of those emotions i wanted to sell everything except my heat press yesterday!

[@startupscreenprinting]

😂

[@jpjones8823]

Excellent video - keep up the good content

[@startupscreenprinting]

Thanks JP!

[@heatherjennings145]

Awesome--as always, great content!

[@startupscreenprinting]

Thanks Heather!

[@danacostello5908]

Thank you. Been looking for this video for years. It helped.

[@startupscreenprinting]

Oh good! Glad it helped!

[@FizzzieCat]

I have cut a card to the size of the platen, then placing it over a shirt, I use a ruler to align it, then using tailor's chalk, I make short little guide strokes on the shirt using the edge of the card as a guide. Then I simply align the shirt with the strokes on the edge of the platen.

[@startupscreenprinting]

That’s certainly one way to do it

[@distinctperformancellc]

Great tip. Very detailed. Thanks

[@startupscreenprinting]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@firstdayonline]

Thank you!

[@startupscreenprinting]

You’re welcome!

[@Iwantsitt2]

How do you set the screen gap? I have a four color 2 station press and my 2and color is very light. The screens are brand new. Tia

[@startupscreenprinting]

are you referencing the off-contact? That is typically about the thickness of nickel or a quarter, sometimes more depending on what you're printing on. If you could give more details about your whole process and what the end result is (the problem) I can try to give a more specific solution. When you say the color is light, what mesh are you using? does it need a second layer, perhaps? or you could be getting your underbase too hot and/or too thick.

[@Iwantsitt2]

@@startupscreenprinting its 160 mesh. The first color ( white ) comes out great flash dry it then rotate the screen to the second color ( red ) looks dull compared to what it looks like in the bucket. It is water base ink. Do you think I should second coat the red?

[@startupscreenprinting]

@Iwantsitt2 yeah water based is typically more dull when printed, that’s why the Pantone used to mix is solid uncoated vs solid coated used with plastisol. I would definitely try a second pass after flashing and see if that helps. Don’t get it too hot though

[@Iwantsitt2]

@@startupscreenprinting thank you I'll give this a try.

[@startupscreenprinting]

@Iwantsitt2 let me know if that doesn’t help

[@hockeyfan6657]

It’s insane how crooked some shirts are actually made. Most of our customers get Gildan but we print on all kinds of brands.

[@startupscreenprinting]

So true! It’s amazing. And it’s also crazy how many retail shirts at stores are printed crooked haha. Never notice till you’re a printer lol

[@RichardThompsonCA]

This is a huge problem for me. I have around a 30% "crooked rate" 😂

[@startupscreenprinting]

Haha I get it! It's not easy and I still struggle at times. Especially certain designs. If it's a circle design, it's way less noticeable if it's a tad off. If it's a short, horizontal design, though.... man those can be a pain!

[@6lack9anther]

Wouldn't auto printer still have the same problem because they still have to out the shirts on manually.

[@startupscreenprinting]

Yes, they just usually have larger platens which makes loading them straight a bit easier, but still a potential issue