Screen Printing T-Shirts: Can A Flash Unit Cure Plastisol Inks?

[@andrewjeffries8721]

Even 6 years later your tutorial on flash drying is still valid and it helped me, Jonathan. Thank you!

[@CatspitProductions]

Yes, after more than 10 years on KZbin I would say most all of them are still relevant. I always teach core fundamentals which have not really changed much along the way. There are some new products but the base foundation of the screen printing process remains the same. You're welcome, glad I can help out. Thanks for watching! Screen Printing Equipment & Supplies - CatspitScreenPrintSupply.com/

[@CatspitProductions]

@Jonathan J Turn the flash on high if it has settings and cure the plastisol ink for up to 1 minute without burning or scorching. Use an infrared thermometer to check surface temperatures for the flash settings. Then do a stretch test on a rag print for a cure test. I have videos on all of this that go into detail. Screen Printing Tee Shirts: Curing Tests For Plastisol Textile Inks Thanks for watching and commenting, I appreciate your support!

[@derickwright4311]

Gotta say that I really appreciate all the information you put out there. Your videos are awesome!

[@CatspitProductions]

Thank you very much. I really appreciate your support. Please make sure to subscribe and rate thumbs up ;) catspitscreenprintsupply.com/rhinoclean-green-rhinobond-rba2-adhesive-mist/

[@CatspitProductions]

Thank you! I'm very happy to know I have helped out. Thanks for watching & commenting! ☠

[@CatspitProductions]

Thank you! You’re welcome, it’s my pleasure to help out and share information. Check out the Catspit website for a lot more free info on screen printing. Link is on the channel page. Good luck! Thanks for watching & commenting! ☠

[@CatspitProductions]

Thank you my friend! Thanks for sharing. And thanks for watching and commenting! ;) ☠

[@aram00001]

hey man just wanted to say thank you for all the information you give. i am an 18-year-old hobbyist.

[@CatspitProductions]

Yes, you certainly could do that if you like. I would suggest getting a belt dryer. It will be easier, faster and more reliable. Thanks for watching & commenting! ☠

[@CatspitProductions]

Nice, thank you! Thanks for watching & commenting! ☠

[@quad2004]

Good Video.. Just for people playing with the Idea to get into screen printing... Even a clean counter top flat griddle around 1/2 inch off the cloth and ink can cure the ink, but just like you said, its really inconsistent heat and requires alot of paying attention with a lazier temp gun, but can work for a little backyard party order of shirts to get there feet wet and not break the bank to find out they might not like screen printing everyday.

[@pulquedelmejor]

That flash cure unit looks solid.

[@CatspitProductions]

A lot of my videos are geared for beginners but many of my videos can help experienced printers as well. I print many, many shirts each month. Automatic printing is better for high volumes. I like plastisol inks. I love to teach anyone who wants to learn. M&R machines are nice. My shop is 500 square feet. Thanks so much for watching and dropping me a note. ☠

[@LongviewGarage]

How about a video on how you manage your finances: what do you use for accounting, how to create invoices, etc. I am still learning and there's nothing out there regarding this.

[@ludi2shoes]

Keep on trucking dude. I have learned a lot from your videos. Thanks

[@CatspitProductions]

Generally speaking when doing a multiple hit print you only want to semi cure the preceding layers of ink. The final cure will be done when you are finished printing. That way you guarantee total cure by curing for the total volume of ink printed. So it should not affect anything when treated this way. Thanks so much for watching and dropping me a note. ☠

[@CatspitProductions]

Printing Plastisol heat transfers and direct garment screen printing are 2 totally different things. The equipment and methodology is the same but the substrate is not. The difference in time is because ideally Plastisol heat transfers are only semi cured, not cured fully. And even if it were it would still cure faster due to the transfer paper. Fabric will absorb more heat. I cannot recommend much without knowing more about your situation. Thanks so much for watching and dropping me a note. ☠

[@jesushchris69]

One thing i messed up on was letting the garment cool down before i cured the shirt, because I got scorched shirts up on the collar.. I used a very small fan to cool my shirts down before i cured the shirts, and that got rid of the scorch.

[@CatspitProductions]

Interesting. Higher quality garments will scorch less as well.

[@flyboyzcreationl.l.c5155]

Im fairly new at screen printing and was wondering can you cure a shirt after its flashed and sitting there for like an hour since I only have a 1 station 4color press?

[@CatspitProductions]

Yes, I do believe so. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment! www.catspitproductionsllc.com/ - catspitscreenprintsupply.com/

[@LongviewGarage]

No worries, keep up the great work, something in the works this weekend for ya...

[@CatspitProductions]

adniel avendano Yes, I agree, a flash cure unit is much better for curing plastisol inks than a heat press. But I use a belt dryer to cure my tee shirts.

[@jesushchris69]

But as long as it passes the stretch test, it should be okay right? My Vidar conveyor dryer is on the fritz right now, and had to cure 100 shirts on my flash cure unit ( and what a nightmare it was!!!!) I should have washed one of the shirts, just to know for sure! I did monitor the temps to 320 and above, on my temp gun, on all sides of the stencil under the flash, and it did pass the stretch test everytime!

[@CatspitProductions]

That's a bummer :( Yes, if the plastisol ink can pass a stretch or rub test it should be cured. Hopefully it was cured evenly all over. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment! www.catspitproductionsllc.com/ - catspitscreenprintsupply.com/

[@CatspitProductions]

That’s true. Better equipment works better. But I would suggest a RANAR flash from Catspit Productions over that other brand any day ;) Thanks much for watching and dropping me a note. ☠

[@CatspitProductions]

Yes, some people do that with success. I would rather use a flash cure unit myself. Thanks for watching & commenting! ☠

[@hitsquadclothing]

What's up catspits..the video u posted of you and your brother silk screening in 1988 ..which brand is that silk screen. .I have one exactly like that one but it has no name on it..I need some part for it like the shocks

[@philanaemic]

It's worth mentioning that the flash unit itself will play a big part in this. The cheaper flash units that use grill coil elements tend to put out drastically inconsistent heat patterns. You more often than not end up with shirts that are partially scorched and partially undercured.... (direct experience talking!) I always tell people that if you can't afford a good quality flash like a BBC Black or similar then you're better off with even a cheap Chinese heat press for curing.

[@OldSkoolSkateHouse]

If you cure one layer of plastisol, then print over it, does the second or third or fourth layer effect earlier layers? Susan in Omaha.

[@CatspitProductions]

Very much so. It’s a good unit which I sell. I use it and I sell it ;) Thanks much for watching and dropping me a note. ☠

[@saul4691]

Hello I tried to cure my shirts whith a flash dryer. and I encounter a couple of issues one timing the other one is that I get a very rough and heavy hand when I use a heat press to cure ink the fish product is soft. Do this happen with a conveyer Dryer. any further advice about it will be aprriciated. which conveyer do you recomend on terms of size soon will be time to get one . you have make a 🌎 of difference on my. journey of screen printing THANKS.

[@CatspitProductions]

Awesome, glad I could help you out in your screen printing endeavors. You're very welcome it's my pleasure to help out. Any time you use the heat press with any kind of pressure to cure plastisol ink it will be flattened and much smoother than just printing it and curing it with a belt dryer. The way you get a smooth print surface is by using a good tight screen with tight mesh and a good squeegee with a sharp blade with proper off contact. Also a good ink will help. The proper mesh count will also help. You will have to learn how to print a smoother print surface using the proper tools and technique. A good entry-level dryer depends on what your long-term goals are. Here are 2 to consider: catspitscreenprintsupply.com/ranar-dx-100-scamp-4-table-top-infrared-belt-dryer-120v/ catspitscreenprintsupply.com/ranar-dx-200-scamp-dx200-5-infrared-belt-dryer-120v/ Thanks for watching! Screen Printing Equipment & Supplies - catspitscreenprintsupply.com/

[@JayJay0601]

jonathan i have flash dryer how would i know my flash dryer is at 330 degrees my doesnt let me know i just turn it on and it gets hot, also how would i know my ink/shirt/sweater is fully cured and ready to go? any things to look for that will help me know that its fully cured.

[@CatspitProductions]

@Jonathan J Turn the flash on high if it has settings and cure the plastisol ink for up to 1 minute without burning or scorching. Use an infrared thermometer to check surface temperatures for the flash settings. Then do a stretch test on a rag print for a cure test. I have videos on all of this that go into detail. Screen Printing Tee Shirts: Curing Tests For Plastisol Textile Inks Thanks for watching and commenting, I appreciate your support!

[@CatspitProductions]

I’m doing the best I can. Maybe I’ll get there someday. It requires specific accounting software and not everyone’s mode of entering data will be the same. Honestly I’m an artist, not a businessman. If I were things would be different. Thanks so much for watching and dropping me a note. ☠

[@CatspitProductions]

You don’t have to buy anything to continue to enjoy my free videos. I offer a lot of free information that is quite valuable. I also sell high quality supplies. I’d rather not ask for free money when I can help you screen print by offering supplies I trust or recommend. I like helping people screen print. They naturally ask me where and how to get the stuff to do it. It makes perfect sense to offer supplies and services in order to continue to do what I love to do. Thanks for watching. ☠

[@thediv6822]

Quick question...what happens if your flash dryer lands on top of the t shirt you are curing? Can the flags dryer be cleaned or will it still work?

[@CatspitProductions]

I would clean it up as much as possible with a dry rag and then run it until it burns off. It should be fine. Maybe cause a temperature difference from the residue but it should still do the trick. Just heat it up nice and hot. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!

[@JhonattanBonillaRamirez]

Burned t-shirts with Flash Dryer Unit 1800W This is the first time I try curing t-shirts with plastisol using a Flash Dyer Unit 1800W I see smoke, the t-shirt for sure is getting burned and the ink doesn't look like it's setting, It's not sticky or wet but it looks like it. I guess I will know once it's washed :shock: but can someone help me figure out why they're smoking and what should be the right distance to the unit? Right now is seating at like 6 inches off the burning element but it seems like it's scorching the tees. Please help!

[@CatspitProductions]

This sounds like a familiar question I recently answered. It sounds like your getting the ink and shirt too hot. You'll need an infrared temperature gun to figure out what distance and heat setting, if it has any, you should be using. But the shirt will scorch before the ink will get damaged. If the ink looks glossy and wet but it's actually dry, then it was over heated. Usually the gloss goes away on the first wash but sometimes it's permanent. Some fumes from the shirt and ink are expected but it should not smoke. You can tell if fabric is scorched by trying to tear it with your bare hands. It will tear easily like a Hulk Hogan shirt if it is scorched. Thanks for watching. Screen Printing Equipment & Supplies - catspitscreenprintsupply.com/

[@adnieleinda]

i was using a heat press to cure my t shirts but i dont like the effect the heat press leave sometimes i have experience with flash dryer one friend of mine he doing that and like more then heat press

[@CatspitProductions]

I think it was an Atlas. Thanks so much for watching and dropping me a note. ☠

[@saul4691]

thanks again that info will help alot

[@CatspitProductions]

You're very welcome. It's my pleasure to help out where I can. Thanks for watching. Screen Printing Equipment & Supplies - catspitscreenprintsupply.com/

[@koisarduy]

can a tshirt with plastisol cure by itself with out any heat to cure?

[@javlinlightning694]

Hello, can I cure paper bags with a flash dryer?

[@CatspitProductions]

You should use an air dry poster ink for paper bags. Thanks for watching! Screen Printing Equipment & Supplies - CatspitScreenPrintSupply.com/

[@Tim.McElheny]

Good Info

[@CatspitProductions]

Glad I could help out. Thanks for watching! Screen Printing Equipment & Supplies - CatspitScreenPrintSupply.com/

[@LongviewGarage]

Kickstarter is not getting free money, for donations you offer things to people like for $20 donation you get a shirt, $5 can get your name in the credits of a DVD, $100 can get you a signed copy of the DVD plus name in credits, etc. Maybe a donation and you can get X% off your purchases for a year. Just making the suggestion. Would be cool to have a DVD for those that want to learn everything from start to finish.

[@CatspitProductions]

No. Plastisol ink will stay wet almost forever if not cured by heat. Thanks for watching & commenting! ☠

[@mccadd86]

Whats the best method for curing plastisol on paper?

[@CatspitProductions]

Maybe a flash cure unit. Plastisol inks were not made to print on regular paper really. Transfer papers will print and are semi cured with either a flash cure unit or a belt dryer. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!

[@Motav8films]

No example???

[@CatspitProductions]

Example of what? I could show curing a cured shirt. This is about information more than a demonstration since a demonstration wouldn't really add much to the video. You cannot see ink curing. Thanks for watching! Screen Printing Equipment & Supplies - CatspitScreenPrintSupply.com/

[@CatspitProductions]

Yes sir, I'll be there tomorrow and part of Saturday too. ☠

[@CatspitProductions]

Because the ink would still be wet and make a huge mess. Thanks so much for watching and dropping me a note. ☠

[@youtubbin16]

Can you cure the ink under a heat press?

[@CatspitProductions]

My way lets everyone enjoy the free videos and decide for themselves if they would like to support it. I am not holding anyone ransom for new videos or product I do what I do because I enjoy it and I would like to do it more. I don’t want to say pay me or get nothing. I’m saying if you like what you see and you want to see more you can support just that while buying supplies and equipment you may need. With your way all people get is videos if people reach the Kickstarter goal. ☠

[@thediv6822]

Thanks so much for the reply!!! #Catspitisawesome

[@CatspitProductions]

My pleasure ;)

[@frostychris89]

Why not just turn it inside out and put it through the clothes dryer

[@misaldatw5271]

cool

[@LongviewGarage]

Free? I have to buy something for you to make videos? Haha! You should look into a kickstarter campaign, where people donate money towards something, in your case to create videos AND you could create a DVD!

[@CatspitProductions]

And I am making a DVD this winter. I hope to release i in early 2014. Listen, no one is trying to make you buy anything. Do what you feel is right and I'll keep trying to make the free videos. You can learn everything from start to finish with my KZbin videos already if you take the time to watch them. I give my knowledge freely. ☠

[@CatspitProductions]

Awesome, thank you and you're very welcome. ☠

[@CatspitProductions]

Thanks. I'll do the best I can ;) ☠

[@mccadd86]

Whats the best method for curing plastisol on paper?

[@CatspitProductions]

Maybe a flash cure unit. Plastisol inks were not made to print on regular paper really. Transfer papers will print and are semi cured with either a flash cure unit or a belt dryer. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!