WHICH EMULSION IS BEST FOR YOU?

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We know how overwhelming it can before when choosing an emulsion nowadays with there being so many different options on the market. Here at Screen Print World we like to keep is as simple as possible. We have 6 different emulsions, With 6 different price points and uses. See below our easy to use chart to simplify things and help you choose the right emulsion for your print application.

                                                 

As you can see, Our Amex QT emulsion is perfect for print shops that have a wide variety of printing techniques – ranging from standard plastisol/waterbased to discharge and solvent printing. If you aren’t printing Discharge, Then we would recommend our QV Emulsion. Both are dual cure emulsions so they require mixing with a sensitizer before use.

Our HS 900 Emulsion is for more specialist applications and works well with thick or 3D prints as well as your  plastisol, waterbased, solvent and UV inks. It offers fast exposure and is ready to use straight out of the pot as it is a pure polymere emulsion.

If you have an LED exposure unit, Then our AMEX SCREEN SOL QT LED Emulsion has been specifically tailored to those using this type of exposure process.

Amex Screen Sol RM Blu is perfect if your only needing to coat a small number of screens as it’s only 500g. You’ll also receive a small diazo to sensitize your emulsion before use.

and finally, Spot On Graphic Emulsion, Which as the name suggests is more suited to graphic applications, But has great resistance to plastisol, Waterbased, Solvent and UV inks.

For more information. Head to our emulsion section to read more about each emulsion.

Which flash dryer is best for your printshop?

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here’s a break down of our most popular flash dryers to help you make the right choice for your printshop!

The red chilli is one of our bestsellers. Perfect for manual and automatic printing and uses medium-wave sealed tungsten filament quartz lamps instead of other flash cure that use panels. The curing lamps are divided into three flashing zones, which can be operated independently or in any combination. Using fewer flash cure zones on small screen print areas reduces ambient heat, lowers energy costs, and leads to faster substrate cooling. An adjustable sensor switch can be positioned on either side of the flash cure unit, activating the flash when the printing pallet approaches.Red Chili also features a communication socket that gives operators two additional methods of controlling the flash: an optional communication cable can be used to control the flash directly from the press and an optional foot pedal control can be connected to the flash. The curing module is mounted on a height-adjustable floor stand which makes moving the flash fast and easy.

Consistent heat radiation over the entire element surface ensures every print is properly flashed or cured. We offer a wide range of sizes, wattages, voltages, and accessories. Made to last, the BBC Black Flash Dryer is built to be your all-purpose flash dryer for many years. Features of the BBC Flash range.

The BBC Afford-A-Flash unit is perfect for small start up workshops or as auxiliary unit in an already established print shop. The Afford-A-Flash dryer is highlighted by the exemplary Black Body® heater, meaning there’s no bulbs to worry about replacing. Due to the type of heating element it applies an all over heat to the garment, ensuring the print is fully cured. The BBC Afford-A-Flash is also economical and efficient, and is one of the best and most affordable flash units in the business. The unit is also lightweight and easy move, allowing you to use it with ease in smaller spaces.

5 Tips to Prevent Dye Migration, While Printing on to Polyester.

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Dye migration is a real nightmare for printers when screen printing on to the dreaded polyester!

So what causes dye migration you ask? It is a result of the dyes in the fabric becoming wet and active again. This happens when exposed to excessive amounts of heat from flash cures and screen print dryers.

During the drying/heating process of screen printing, the migration tends to bleed through your screen printed design. This usually happens when block lettering on a sports garment like a football shirt and will turn the nice bright white lettering on a polyester football shirt pink! This can take 24 hours to happen so the effect may not be immediately after coming off the dryer, so please beware!

  1. Use a good dye blocking white, grey or even black in some cases such as our range of Dye Block Inks.
  2. Flash the base Colours, just touch dry as little heat as possible.
  3. Make sure the dryer is running accurate and don’t not over cure on the final cure.
  4. Do not stack the garments high after the print as they will retain the heat.
  5. Always test the garment prior to print at least first 24 hrs. prior to printing the order.

If you want to prevent dye migration while screen printing, Our range of Dye Block Inks are a great option! You can find out more by visiting our website, or if you would prefer to chat to one of our experienced team you can get in touch on;

01562 829009 or email sales@screenprintworld.co.uk

 

 

Waterbased Ink Vs Plastisol.

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Ever wondered if you are using the best ink for your needs and your Print Shop, but really wasn’t sure what the difference between Waterbased and Plastisol was? Dave Roper MD of Screen Print World has compiled a list of the pros and cons for both forms of ink, how mesh count will affect your print, Squeegee angles and other handy tips and tricks of the trade.

Waterbased ink is different from plastisol in exactly the way you might expect; Plastisol does not use water as a solvent, while waterbased ink does. Once printed, this kind of ink needs to evaporate in order for the ink to cure. Waterbased ink can either cure at room temperature over time, or by running the garment through a dryer at 160°c and usually needs at least 1 minute.

Plastisol ink is a PVC based system which doesn’t use a water solvent. It’s a thermoplastic ink, meaning it has to be heated to a high enough temperature to cause the molecules of PVC resin and plasticizer to cure. The temperature at which plastisol usually cures on textile is 160°c.

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We have put together two simple charts to really help you make the decision on which type of ink would make the ideal match for your print job.

  • 24t- Beach Towels, Glitter inks, Thick Inks.
  • 43t- Textile inks, Opaque inks, T-shirts.
  • 55t- Textile inks, Finer textile designs, waterbased.
  • 62t- Enamel inks, Very fine textile ink
  • 77t- Paper and board inks.
  • 90t- Vinyl inks, Paper and board inks, Plastic ink.
  • 120t- Halftone printing, Paper and board inks.
  • 150t-UV Printing, Very fine halftone work, Usually graphic.

 

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Confused about Mesh count? We have you covered! This is Dave Ropers list of the Mesh counts that generally should be used for each different job types.

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Lets talk Squeegee angle, pressure and off contact!

When printing with plastisol inks you will need a higher off contact in order to lay the ink on top of the garment. When printing with waterbased inks a lower off contact is needed to double print and drive the ink into the garment. For more information on squeegees you can read our blog dedicated to them here 

Waterbased Ink.

  • Heavily flood the screen!
  • Keep a trigger spray bottle handy and fill this with water. You can use this to keep the ink wet for printing.

Plastisol Ink.

  • Leave the screen printed-not flooded.
  • Do not use white spirit or screen wash as thinners/reducers. Always use curable reducer.

For more information on all of our inks you can visit our website www.screenprintworld.co.uk, give us a call on 01562 829009 or send us an email on sales@screenprintworld.co.uk.

Plastisol VS Waterbased Inks

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Ever wondered if you are using the best ink for your needs and your Print Shop, but really wasn’t sure what the difference between Waterbased and Plastisol was? Dave Roper MD of Screen Print World has compiled a list of the pros and cons for both forms of ink, how mesh count will affect your print, Squeegee angles and other handy tips and tricks of the trade.

Waterbased ink is different from plastisol in exactly the way you might expect; Plastisol does not use water as a solvent, while waterbased ink does. Once printed, this kind of ink needs to evaporate in order for the ink to cure. Waterbased ink can either cure at room temperature over time, or by running the garment through a dryer at 160°c and usually needs at least 1 minute.

Plastisol ink is a PVC based system which doesn’t use a water solvent. It’s a thermoplastic ink, meaning it has to be heated to a high enough temperature to cause the molecules of PVC resin and plasticizer to cure. The temperature at which plastisol usually cures on textile is 160°c.

the-good-points.png

waterbased-good-points.png

plastisol-good-points..png

the-not-so-good-points-banner.png

the-not-so-good-points..png

lets-compare.png

We have put together two simple charts to really help you make the decision on which type of ink would make the ideal match for your print job.

  • 24t- Beach Towels, Glitter inks, Thick Inks.
  • 43t- Textile inks, Opaque inks, T-shirts.
  • 55t- Textile inks, Finer textile designs, waterbased.
  • 62t- Enamel inks, Very fine textile ink
  • 77t- Paper and board inks.
  • 90t- Vinyl inks, Paper and board inks, Plastic ink.
  • 120t- Halftone printing, Paper and board inks.
  • 150t-UV Printing, Very fine halftone work, Usually graphic.

plast-v-waterbased-chart.png

lets-demystify-mesh-count.png

Confused about Mesh count? We have you covered! This is Dave Ropers list of the Mesh counts that generally should be used for each different job types.

tips-and-tricks.png

LETS TALK SQUEEGEE ANGLE, PRESSURE AND OFF CONTACT!

When printing with plastisol inks you will need a higher off contact in order to lay the ink on top of the garment. When printing with waterbased inks a lower off contact is needed to double print and drive the ink into the garment. For more information on squeegees you can read our blog dedicated to them here

WATERBASED INK.

  • Heavily flood the screen!
  • Keep a trigger spray bottle handy and fill this with water. You can use this to keep the ink wet for printing.

PLASTISOL INK.

  • Leave the screen printed-not flooded.
  • Do not use white spirit or screen wash as thinners/reducers. Always use curable reducer.

For more information on all of our inks you can visit our website www.screenprintworld.co.uk, give us a call on 01562 829009 or send us an email on sales@screenprintworld.co.uk.

How to remove stubborn adhesive

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Removing adhesive can be a time consuming job, especially if it hasn’t been done in a while and you have alot of build up. Tekmars TB orange has been formulated to cut through stubborn adhesives whilst de-odorising due to its orange scent. It couldn’t get any easier, just follow the simple steps below:

step 1: Spray over the area, be sure to apply a decent covering. leave for 5-10 minutes

step 2. using a scraper to gently remove softened adhesive

step 3: use a cleaning rack to remove any residue. 

 

Not only can it be used for removing adhesive, it can also be used as a general cleaner or degreaser! So it’s a handy product to have around in your print shop!

Glue gun VS Spray tack: Which is best for your printshop?

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One of the most essential products in a print studio is glue
and it can sometimes become the most time-consuming daily task. One thing that
could save your valuable time is a glue gun. Today we are going to talk about Spray
tack vs glue guns so you can get a better idea of what’s right for you.

Our Amex Extra Spray tack is a great short-term cheaper
option for any print shop. It does what it is meant to do and creates great
hold between the garment and platen, which is perfect for a short term fix
however long term can become expensive. Here are some of the pro’s and con’s of
using spray tack:

Pro’s:

  • Cheap in the short term
  • Quick and easy to use

Con’s:

  • Can clog up on your press making it hard to
    remove if not cleaned more regularly
  • They can become expensive if you don’t invest in
    a long term solution
  • In a flammable aerosol container
  • releases chemicals into the atmosphere

An alternative to aerosol cans is our TB500 OR TB1000 systems
that use a water based sprayable glue. 1 gallon of our TB10 is the equivalent to
72 tins of spray glue, Making it cheaper in the long run. You simply attach the
TB10 glue tub to the system which is powered by air (requirements are 40-60psi
at 2CFM so can be powered by a very small compressor) and the nozzle will spray
the glue onto your surface, you also have the facility to adjust how much and
how thick you want to apply the glue via the stainless steel nozzle. Another
pro to using this sort of system is that its much kinder to the environment than
aerosols! 

which is the right glue for you?

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Here at screen print world, we have specially selected a range of glues to suit different budgets and applications. See below a break down of each glue we do to see which one suits you best!

Amex Extra Tack Spray Tack

One of our best-selling budget adhesives. our AMEX spray tack
has been specially formulated to give superb hold between your garment and your
platen, to prevent minimal movement when printing whilst also holding it’s tack
well for multiple jobs. It can be used on a variety of garment types including heavy wool,
sweaters and difficult fabrics. Budget Friendly and minimal effort!

 

SPW Waterbased Pallet Adhesive

Designed to be an alternative to aerosol adhesive cans, our water
based adhesive creates a permanent bond between substrate and platen during
screen printing whilst still allowing for easy removal. Water based can offer
you a more eco friendly alternative to sprays and prevent the build up and mess
that gets created by using sprays long term.

 

TB-10

Tekmar TB10 has been specially formulated for use with our TB500 and TB1000 glue gun systems. It is a lot thinner that most glues which
allows for it to flow though the systems evenly onto your surface . 1 gallon of glue is the equivalent to 72 cans of spray tack, meaning you can save a huge
amount of money in the long run by switching to those systems as well as saving
time setting up each platen manually every day.

 

TB-HV

TBHV is another water based pallet adhesive made from the
leading manufactures, TEKMAR. It is formulated to apply easily and smoothly
onto your platen and creates great hold between the garment and the surface. TB-HV
affords tremendous economy, 1 litre can replace up to 3 dozen cans of spray
adhesive with absolutely no mess or waste. TB-HV can also withstand repeated
flashing, without losing its tack.

 

TBEZX

TBEZ is another water based glue to be used with out TB500 and TB1000 glue gun systems, however this glue has been formulated to work with
performance fabrics and garments. Performance fabrics contain silicones and
Teflon additives that can cause premature release with other Adhesives. TB-EZX
is formulated to temporarily bond with the fabric fibers and hold the garment
until unloaded. It is manufactured using synthetic polymer acrylic compounds
that were developed for specialized applications such as these.

 

 

2021 Print Academy Officially Open!

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Screen print world academy has officially re-opened for
business! It has been one long tough year for everyone but it’s ready to dust
off those squeegees and pick up those spatulas for a full day of screen printing
in our specially kitted out screen printing academy with screen print world
owner, Dave Roper. With over 30 years’ experience, you can be assured it is
going to be a knowledge packed day with both theory and practical training.

   

        

                   

During your training day, you’ll start off with discussing the
basics of screen printing like screen coating, exposure, and correctly
preparing screens ready for printing. We have a lunch break in the middle of
the day where we provide lunch along with refreshments (lots of tea and coffee). After lunch,
its printing time! You will be able to print your own t-shirt on one of our
very own M&R manual presses. Once completed you will be able to take home
your printed goods to wear proudly for all to see!

We have a select few dates on the calendar already with limited
space and they are booking up quick! See below dates:

JULY 29TH     FULLY BOOKED

SEPTEMBER 2ND

OCTOBER 7TH

NOVEMEBER 18TH

You can purchase the course online here , just select the date you would like from the drop down. 

Or feel free to give us a call on 01562 829009 if you have
any more questions.

Why Choose Hybrid Waterbased Inks?

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Most printers that print or try waterbased ink love it, like the way it feels, like it’s Eco credentials, like the fact that
you can clean up with just water, like the fact it’s easier to work with and pull
across a screen and like the matt finish you get …..But what they don’t like is
the fact that it will at some point when you take a break for more than 30
seconds dry into the screens and block the image.

So along came waterbased Hybrid ink born
out of necessity yet it has all the attributes we spoke about above with one big
game changing difference , it stays open in the screens twice as long as
standard water base ink ….Boom.

The Screen print World Spot on range of
water base hybrid currently comes in a very bright white, dense black and
probably the best silver and gold in water base I have seen in 30 years! And a
very useful watrebased Anti migration base for those troublesome polyester
blends, standard colours will follow later in the year , but you can buy a
clear Hybrid base and add your own tint at the moment should you need colours .

It’s a win all round for this new exciting
range of ink from Screen print world 

View more information on our great New Hybrid Waterbased inks 

For more information on any of our product contact us on 01562 829009 or email us at sales@screenprintworld.co.uk or via the chat option on our website.