STEP BY STEP EXPOSURE UNIT for SUPER CHEAP [Screen Printing Tutorial] T-shirt Business

[@ThePrintLife]

50 watt LED, Not 500

[@ShillBullshit007]

That would be as bright as the sun lol

[@waterwalkerco]

Link to your amazon store redirects to multiple spam sites. Please repost corrected link. :)

[@HeidiSiitari]

Thank you so much for breaking this down to the simplest and cheapest way to successfully screen print! I teach art at a very small school - your videos are teaching me how to teach!!!

[@sugarloafsadie1398]

Its been awhile, but back in the 80s I was making a shitload of silkscreens. Of everything from a palm leaf to my lips. Selling my stuff at Mallory Square. But in a pretty primitive way. With 150watt bulb, drying screens under my bed in my little efficiency apt, and hanging on a clothline to dry under the mango tree out back. 30 years later and now with all the time at home quarantining Im giving this another try. Thanks for the reminder. Mira PS. I often overexposed burning out in the sun.

[@billyscarbrough]

I retrofit that 50W LED light in my exposure unit from your older video a while back and it works great. I started doing this in the sun but I usually print at night.

[@ThePrintLife]

Exactly sun works great but if you work nights gotta snatch up that led. It a game changer just having it around.

[@Dcastrro]

Link?

[@flexfeuerstein]

Youre such a legend for showing us a cheap method for all that jazz big thank you for that

[@ThePrintLife]

Thanks man. I appreciate the love. If you like please throw me a sub, I need the help

[@flexfeuerstein]

@@ThePrintLife allready subed👌😁

[@noneofurbusiness9619]

New to screen printing, and new subscriber!! Thanks for video!!!

[@isaiahangulo1726]

that glass tip man... was about to go get some cut out at the local Lowes didn't even think about using an old picture glass. good thinking thanks

[@howtodothings8415]

wow. 30 seconds to 15 seconds is a HUGE difference. with that said that allows a little bit of wiggle room for user error. seems like this is a pretty good way for beginners. Thanks!!

[@ThePrintLife]

Yea with the sun 15 will hit nicley 30 seconds is way to long, the suns uv rays are so powerful.

[@lfecustom9474]

Great video! this is exactly how I burn my screens with the exception of using the sun & the suitcase. I use a Carboard box & construction 500Watt light instead. took me a minute to figure out exposure time but I managed to figure it out.

[@remarkabledesigns2689]

What exposure time works for you?

[@robertod0821]

Great. I have a landscaping company and I want to make my own shirts instead of paying a lot of money for them I am going to use your methods I been watching a lot of KZbin videos to get ideas I already order some stuff to get started

[@ThePrintLife]

Very cool just be careful you may find yourself getting so involved that you leave landscaping and start printing.

[@Shtave3]

I left landscaping for screen printing recently haha

[@jantechaibd]

Hello dear, This is awesome screen printing tutorial channel. I am really proud to you. Because you teach selflessly. Really very useful tutorial. Please continue your job more Elaborately.

[@ThePrintLife]

That's a deal. You keep watchen em I'll keep makin em.

[@allcanadianclassiccars1619]

Cant' believe it took us this long to find you man

[@6thlincrest849]

VERY helpful! Helped me realize that I’ve been overexposing my screens. Already ruined 2😤

[@pamposz123]

This is an awesome video. Straight and to the point. And super cheap for those who can't afford a kit to start. Excellent work. I was watching other videos about how to build a unit and this was much better if you're starting out.

[@albertolopez9729]

Bruhhhhhhh. Thank you for this! I’m just going down your playlist and I’m loving all this information. Thank you.

[@nervepilot]

Stretching screens at home is easy! Especially getting in the 20N-25N range. I would recommend looking more into it. Never say it's not worth it, it's completely possible and incredibly cost effective.

[@darknytestudios]

Oooo! Nice opening with Gigi. I like the MacGyver approach to the exposure.

[@ThePrintLife]

Sometimes simpler is better.

[@davidcummings2544]

Great info and saves one thousands of dollars, why are we not in the business of equipment design and production?

[@ThePrintLife]

Dude that is my dream, I have some great ideas, especially for a manual press. I love making products.

[@andymac9739]

@@ThePrintLife Definitely a market for reasonably priced, quality print gear, certainly there is here in the UK. Me and my teenage son are learning as we go as he is showing an interest and we've had to start out with one of the cheap ebay Chinese presses that you feature in another video, luckily for him he has me pulling out what hair I have left making it a workable solution for him :)

[@eworks9828]

Damn, I have GOT to talk to you about what I am trying to do as you got your stuff together. Clear instruction, no wasted time and reasonable expectations your audience may be beginners. awesome. sub'd

[@4miniworld]

i made a box of wood 23inches high, wide and put a face tanner inside, 50seconds of exposure time!

[@ThePrintLife]

A taning light? That's awsome.

[@largesaucetv2774]

Buy screens is cheaper, easier, and smarter than trying to stretch a screen. No cap. Awesome video btw.

[@HcgrEsthHchcWeydhji]

I think otherwise if you’re gonna be in it for the long run, if its just 2-3 projects then yes buying pre burned screens is okay at 30-55 a piece. Its way cheaper goin to ups havin them print your film for a few dollars, going back home and using the budget exposure unit to burn on the screens you have and you can continue to re use the screens after washing etc. You save more down the line just paying for positive print films at ups than constantly buying pre burned screens. & Eventually having enough you could buy the printer too so you no longer go to anyone and save way more.

[@cherylbrownlifeexposed3926]

Ahhh yes!! Love it. Great vid with great info. Your transitions are awesome. Now I just have to get my printer to get onboard and print blacker blacks!!

[@ThePrintLife]

Getting your film printer on point is a game changer.

[@diprestful]

I congratulate Mr. Cam for saving electric light and using the sun as a light display

[@ThePrintLife]

Thank ya. It seems like allot of people are against using the sun but from a hobbiest point of view it's such a simple effective solution.

[@BelaCurcio]

The fact you make this so simple to try, is prolly why lots of people have gotten into screen printing straight up

[@joelnickerson6739]

Thanks Cam for posting this video. Very helpful my friend.

[@frankhernandez6258]

Love your videos, so helpful...Thank You. I'm new to this and have been struggling with the burning process. Do you offer help or tips on which products and techniques to use and do?

[@KeeponCreatingTV]

Dude! Awesome intro, Loved it!

[@Ariane60795]

love your content, super helpful!

[@lorelitasirenita]

as soon as you had that vinyl print i felt like i missed a step, im just finding your channel and learning about printmaking on clothes

[@infuse_keepingyouinformed]

This is awesome, have been doing it without the sponge and it really doesn't work. am gonna try it today

[@RedCymbals]

Your videos are awesome mate! Love your work! Making tshirts for my cymbal company. It is a lot of trial and error...that is for sure!

[@Shirtspace]

So much energy! Nice video Cam!

[@marbueno1678]

Sir im from Philippines Thankyou for all the video you make

[@FKNSENDIT]

Nice video bud I was over exposing by 7min.an 45sec. Lol I wondered why it took 20 min to pressure wash my image out of the screen

[@SalciusLinas]

This video saved sooo much of my nerves!!

[@ThePrintLife]

I hope that's a good thing.

[@crazyhandz]

Hey bro i love the videos! Got a question do you have to use glass? Could i just a plastic acrylic instead??

[@hudekhoustonartist]

I just found a wealth of info for beginners ( me) What kind of emulshion did you use? What kind is best for the this method of exposing a screen?

[@mikelaragoncillo1840]

do you have to wait for the emulsion to dry before you burn the screen?

[@TheInkBuildUp]

Awesome video cam. That's how I first started burning screens with the sun. But had to move to a UV light since by the time I would come home from work, the sun would already be going down.

[@ThePrintLife]

Gotcha. It will be difficult to use the sun in a professional environment. But for a hobby it's cheap and easy.

[@remarkabledesigns2689]

What kind of LED light do you use?

[@Spekopoulos]

Very helpful video brother!

[@franklinperdomo1128]

Hey Cam. I just bought the 50W lamp and starting to build the exposure unit. Did you finally found the timer? any recomm? Thanks for your great content. Hopefully you still answering to this episode, I know is kind of complicated keep up to date with all things going on. It will be helpful if you make a 5 minutes video to follow up to the exposure process and share some comments on how it goes with your restored Exposure Unit.

[@ThePrintLife]

I found one but spent way to much in it. I saw someone in the print life facebook group do it for much cheaper. I cant remember whi it was thiugh.

[@hefdhi]

I use this timer with the 50w light, works very good www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003A3L4NG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@thomasdriehuis9252]

How long of an exposure time for a 30W UV ? Thanks in a advanced

[@rcristi957]

Thanks for all the tips

[@LanceScott]

Hey, what is you streaming setup, software, cameras? Your live streams are killer. Any input..... Maybe a BTS on your setup for one of your videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@ZackLoscar]

Just noticed your Kawz collection, dopppppeee!!!

[@ThePrintLife]

They are my joy. I Have lots of random shit haging around my shop. My vinyl art collection and my photos of my grandma are the only thing I would grab in a fire

[@user-fc2zc9li9p]

Will a tanning bed work as an exposure light?

[@nicholaspersiani1039]

In Phoenix this week. It’s hot here the sun would work great here. Any chance you have any equipment you might not use and willing to sale.

[@ThePrintLife]

Not at the moment I sold of or gave away everything I wasnt using.

[@johannescruz4889]

THAT ARIZONA SUN!!!!!!!

[@jakey7178]

I’m in Essex, England and August has finished so we won’t see the sun until next June probably!!😂

[@ThePrintLife]

England seems amazing but also, if there is no sun, time to leave.

[@jakey7178]

The Print Life, yeah I do love the sun! Great videos by the way, all fascinating and full of great information. I did a 4 year apprenticeship as a Lithographic planner late 80’s early 90’s and was in the print for over 20 years but never got involved on screen printing. I’m now working as a health care assistant on an adolescent mental health ward. I work odd hours, sometimes leaving me with time on my hands so I’m looking to have a go at screen printing T-shirts as a hobby. Keep these videos going they’re brilliant

[@yeungx]

Hey guys, make sure to do an exposure test on for your emulsion. While his exposure time is 15 secs, your emulsion might have very different exposure time. My exposure time is 10 mins, with the same 50 watt led. The print life youtube channel has a video on that. Do one, it gives you so much more confidence in your exposure.

[@ImportRace]

Nice, so 30sec or less. How about the 500watt lightbulb time?

[@ThePrintLife]

I said 500, its 50 watt led, roughly same time. It takes about 20 seconds with the light.

[@ImportRace]

The Print Life thank you for the info.

[@lemoonjams4393]

THANK YOU SO MUCH 🙏🙏🙏

[@apurvakalgutkar9153]

Can you please make a video on line table screen printing or making a cheap line table for screen printing

[@ThePrintLife]

I have never built a line table. That would be awesome to do.

[@shawnsderbyden1032]

I cut a vinyl stincle mirror thr immage indoor matt orical vinyl works the best not super cheap but not super expencive either and peals off easy

[@ThePrintLife]

That's a great idea.

[@deedeegriggs3636]

I have a Cricut and the challenge with the vinyl is that you can only get one shirt out of each stencil. my stencil didn't stick it wasn't crisp in some areas. I purchased a speedball "kit" from local craft store... my lightbulb burned out the second I turned it on and I'm not sure if my emulsion is too old. so...Im here watching another video and gonna give it another try. I was trying to shop for a 500 watt light bulb. lol. why do people not read threw the threads before asking the same questions over and over ;). Thanks for making your videos entertaining as well as educational

[@JanetDiaz6152]

Thank you , very informative....

[@jamesl.223]

Hey Cam, I am sure setting up and doing the work for these videos suck balls, but i have to tell you while others may get 1mil. views on some lame crap like opening a new amazon buy, people care about those videos about 1%, the thing is your videos, we few that watch, care 100%. My point is times your views by 100 lol. You honestly have taught me (and I am guessing a few thousand others, how to do something they were drawn to do anyway. Yes others make videos on here BUT yours are: a) not trying to sell me some shitty squeegee, and b) well produced with love and care. All I am saying bro is that while I see sometimes you feel you have covered it all, every new video gives someone a tip or advice they couldn't get any other way. Sorry about the long ass message, just wanted you to know there are those of us that love doing this underpaid art form that appreciate the f$*k out of what your doing. oh and one other thing, I followed your amazon list, bought that bloody spatula that you recommended, and it was the softest metal ever, took WAY more ink off than even the disposable cards, keep pushing that stuff, if you feel its good that is, there is nothing wrong with you getting a percentage of the sale you are adding value to it. You mentioned wypall in one of your videos but there was no link so I bought it because some other video mentioned it, just saying, you work, get paid :P keep it up.

[@burnzillustrations9017]

nice work bro! thanks much

[@ThePrintLife]

Thank ya my freind.

[@markcortez686]

Can you do a video or give info on sourcing the shirts? Info like quality, prices, distributors/vendors & the like. I'm serious thinking of starting a small business for small orders for my wife's business, family and friends.

[@barbellregiment7936]

Love your channel! I am jumping in screen printing for my brand! What should be the size of a scoop coater comparing to the screen?

[@ThePrintLife]

Measure the inside of the screen frame and subtract 2 inches from that measurment.

[@jasonpetrillo216]

If I have a cheap home made exposure unit already, with the 2 leg base and arm holding the light and a platform for the screen to sit, would I still need a foam piece? what purpose does the foam hold?

[@ThePrintLife]

The foam makes sure the film has solid contact with the mesh. If not the light will leak under the film

[@downrodeo]

Thank you for this bro.

[@ThePrintLife]

You are welcome, it works sooo good.

[@RonWaller]

Thanks Cam this was pretty cool. Is there a minimal distance between the 50W light and your screen? I would assume that would effect the burning process. Also, how long does it take you to dry screens after reclaiming them and also after burning them? you probably use the hot ball of fire in the sky to help. Just curious how long the process would take from reclaiming to a burnt usable production screen. Thanks Cam

[@ThePrintLife]

2 feet min

[@davidwilson8868]

Great content as always, Cam! I've been struggling to get some large format screens burned the last couple weeks. Ended up ditching the old halogen work light for a 50 watt LED similar to the one you use, but I'm having way different results. To account for the size of my screens (over 4ft wide), I've had to take the light about 6ft from the screen. Then my exposure times are sitting around an hour, and I still end up blowing out halftones when washing out. I know there's a zillion factors throughout the process, but do you have any ideas on something I could be missing? Quick facts: Chromalime coated 1/1, dried over 24hrs, mesh is something over 200 (bought secondhand, hard to tell), 50watt led single-ish point, 6ft distance, screen and positive sandwiched between wood and glass, 1hr exposure time, washout outside (probably 6 seconds from door to "washout station" aka stepladder and pressure washer), still losing my halftones and/or the edges of my design.

[@LanceScott]

Hey Cam, taking your advice and purchased the light from your link. Do your recommend a DIY unit with the light on the bottom pointing up or going top down? What would you recommend as far as distance away from the screen? I went to a glass shop and got a nice piece of glass so I am ready to build a unit and wanted to get your opinion. Also is it best to have all the sides covered to keep light in? I'm using 20X24 screens.

[@ThePrintLife]

Either way will work. But having a white enclosure around the light source helps distribute the uv Ray's more evenly

[@LanceScott]

Thanks, burned my first screen tonight that finally worked. Built your DIY press, Looking forward to printing my first shirt when I return from my business trip. Thanks for all your help.

[@mikey777799]

Hi. You say to get a 500watt flood light in the video but in the link in the description it is a 50watt light. Which one is it?

[@doloresgalvan6206]

Thank you! I want to start making prints at home and this is perfect, but what type of emulsion is best to use for exposing with the sun?

[@jakehunn8906]

Hi Cam, awesome video! What emulsion are you using for this method of burning? Would the blue emulsion linked on your Amazon page work just as well?

[@BryanMichaelll]

I know this video is a little older but. Man I can figure out exposure, I got a diy kit from screenprinting.com and I've tried 6 times so far. Use a pressure washer to wash out and a lot of my emulsion washes out. I let sit for 24 hours before burning to.

[@rcthijsen]

freaking cool! what emulsion did u used btw!?

[@jimBobuu]

So I guess asking if youre going to ISS Orlando is a bit ridiculous at this point! :-)

[@ThePrintLife]

No orlando for me.

[@jimBobuu]

We were planning on going. Hoped you would have a booth / display. Plans kinda changed now! :-)

[@ThePrintLife]

@@jimBobuu I will start demoing at trade shows if I can ever get this software launched.

[@jimBobuu]

@@ThePrintLife I think I've heard hints of that in your past videos. Can you give an overview of what you're shooting for? Given that your apparent vision and direction for Monument seems very similar to mine for 4B Printing, I'm rather interested in that software and think there's a good chance it'll be a useful tool.

[@teriyakiriceboy1243]

The emulsion you use in this video (pink), is different from the emulsion on your amazon store (blue). Where can I find the pink type?

[@brynjolfurgisligislason2511]

Hei M8 love your videos! I have one question about the expose in the sun. I live in Norway is not so hot there in the sun. Dose that matter or is just expose to the light ? Dose not need high temperatur or? Hope ill get a answer on this question. Wanna have somthing to do these vcorona day :D B.Regads. Binni.

[@pwnieos]

I like that new intro! Clean

[@ThePrintLife]

Thank you,

[@taraswanson321]

I went to the store and got an 5000 lumen. Should of followed your advice and bought the one you suggested. Not sure of the difference of Lumen and Watt. For now I will keep using the sun.

[@EPHONIC]

Question: Does plexiglas work in place of real glass?

[@JanineMKartist]

Picture glass filters uv. Is there a way to do it without glass? Such as light From below ?

[@dinadavila]

What happens if you got a 500 watt led light lol I got it for an amazing price and it’s HUGE costs less than the 50 watt you have linked. Would I just expose way shorter?

[@mayrahernandez8482]

The black shirt under won’t affect the screen?

[@michellecuykendall924]

Can you use any kind of glass or does it have to be a particular type?

[@HikingWithBenny]

Hi is it possible to use a sheet of plastic like from a picture frame instead of glass?

[@nelsonkwecu]

Yo bro love your videos❤, buh is it a 50 or a 500 watt light

[@ThePrintLife]

It's 50 watt. I was smoking drugs when I shot that part.

[@nelsonkwecu]

@@ThePrintLife 😅😅

[@Creativemindonthegrind]

What's the emulsion?

[@brianwhip]

Hey, I used your affiliate link and purchased the 50watt bulb, how far away from the screen should I place it and for how long on average.

[@ThePrintLife]

3 ft is good to close and you will over expose the center and under expose the outside edges. Thanks for using the link my dude. Keep me posted on how it works out for you.

[@brianwhip]

@@ThePrintLife thanks for the info will keep you updated on how it goes

[@hariadhikari3575]

3.5 kw light what time ulano qtx photo emalsion coting ? for Spot Uv?

[@Eastside405]

If using led do you have to use different emulsion

[@peabrain9390]

Would I be able to use paper instead of the film and just expose it for longer?

[@matiashayes5522]

Can u help me trying to expose my first photo with halftone with this diy light printing on a 156 mesh my words that were not halftone washed out no problem my my photo did not the outline was there but everything else washed out let me know thanks

[@ThePrintLife]

you will want to reduce your exposure times, and for sure a higher mesh count, 280 mesh will do nicely

[@matiashayes5522]

@@ThePrintLife reduce time even if its washing out doesn't that mean its under expose

[@snowotter]

how about electrical tape on edge of glass

[@risotoo4564]

Hi Cam ! I'm looking for a good emulsion for my exposure unit. I use 50W UV led flood light like yours. What emulsion are you using ? thanks

[@ThePrintLife]

Marukami T9

[@risotoo4564]

@@ThePrintLife Thank you !

[@thekajmanify]

unrelated, but what bulbs do you use for your safe room?

[@taiwanluthiers]

What size screen is recommended for printing T shirts? I have A4 and A3 sized screens but yours look bigger than that.

[@BELGRANOization]

good video dude. Thx

[@ThePrintLife]

Thanks you for watching. You are the best :)

[@notarealperson9135]

Can you post a link to where you got the 6 screens for $12?

[@TrashPanda_69]

Would I be able to use clear plexiglass?

[@ThePrintLife]

Perhaps the only problem I see it it needs to be rigid

[@TrashPanda_69]

Ok thanks. I'll give it a try and let you know how things go.

[@Darkflight5]

What photo emulsion should I get?!

[@youme1614]

video starts at 00:50 Thank you all for the support!

[@junesimeonabeniante9887]

Sir, what emulsion you're using in the video? Thanks

[@ThePrintLife]

I try all kinds I think the one I'm using here is uh Marukami.

[@junesimeonabeniante9887]

@@ThePrintLife what Murakami series is it sir? Diazo or SBQ? Thank you.

[@lisal8174]

How do you know how long to expose your screens for?

[@phanchayrithy264]

Good

[@carrilloinc]

Are you using a photopolymer emulsion or Dual cure?

[@ThePrintLife]

Dual cure.

[@carrilloinc]

@@ThePrintLife I might have to get the 50watt LED flood light because I'm currently at 12-14 min for exposure with a home depot 500watt halogen work light.

[@ThePrintLife]

@@carrilloinc try the sun to it's so fast.