NEW TO SCREEN PRINTING?
Not sure what supplies you need? This handy guide reviews a wide range of products in the industry from the basics to items that will help your shop run more efficiently.
SCREEN PRINTING SUPPLIES: WHAT YOU WILL NEED
PLASTISOL INKS
PVC based ink with high durability which need curing temperatures around 300-330 degrees Fahrenheit
WATER-BASED INKS
Water based ink gives a softer feel on fabric and needs either heat or catalyst to cure
DISCHARGE INKS
Water based ink mixed with activator which pulls dye from 100% cotton shirts and replaces with a color or pigment.
SCREENS
High tension mesh stretched and adhered to a wood or aluminum frame
SCREEN TAPE
Masks edges of screen where emulsion does not cover
TEMPERATURE GUN
Laser device used to check surface temperature of ink for proper curing
SQUEEGEES
The flexible blade and handle that transfers ink past the mesh and stencil onto the substrate
SCOOP COATER
A long trough-like device used to apply liquid emulsion to screen mesh
GOOP SCOOP
Tool used to spread ink onto screen for printing
VASTEX SUPPLY KITS
Get the basic supplies you need to start your business off right. All supply packages include screens, degreaser, a scoop coater, emulsion, squeegees, cleaners, emulsion remover, and plastisol ink. Two larger supply packages are available to get all these basics and additional essentials to save you time and money.
EMULSION
A photo-reactive chemical or film that is attached to a mesh and developed for use as a stencil.
DEGREASER
Used to prepare screens by removing contaminants such as oil or dust
ON-PRESS WASH
A chemical used to clean ink from a screen that is compatible with the emulsion so the stencil can be used again
INK DEGRADER
A chemical used before stencil breakdown to remove oily inks and cleaners, and to prevent staining
STENCIL/EMULSION REMOVER
Used in the process of reclaiming screens, a chemical that will dissolve emulsions
HAZE REMOVER
One- or two-part chemicals used to remove faint ink stains or ghost images on mesh fabric
PALLET ADHESIVE
Liquid or spay used to adhere garments to pallet for printing
