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HOW TO SCREEN PRINT AND GET STARTED

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Matty_K
Posts: 575 - Karma: 222
My 2 friends and I wanna start, how should we? is this kit good to get started and what else would we need besides shirts... http://www.silkscreeningsupplies.com/product/1009? Help! plus k and such for good responses and/or people to talk to.
May 1 2011 5:30PM
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*simba*
Posts: 9125 - Karma: 512
I hope you guys have tons of money for this.

Starting up costs tons. Paint gets expensive, you'll need light equipment for photo emulsion (if that's the way you're going), screens start at $20 and grow in price depending on what size you're getting, and you'll need alot of space; it's not something you can do in your room.

That kit will definitely be good to learn. it takes alot of practice and alot of materials to actually make decent stuff though.
May 1 2011 6:05PM
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BE..
Posts: 1185 - Karma: 81
its not that hard to do, just get a screen printer. You can get it for as low as $200.
May 1 2011 6:09PM
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Troy.
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 12,549
Everyone before you is a little right, but a little wrong. If you have the space, go for it. Go to www.dickblick.com and get the SpeedBall starter kit. You'll have to buy inks, but you have a screen, all the chemicals you need and paint for less than $150. Its really fun to do.
May 1 2011 6:11PM
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Matty_K
Posts: 575 - Karma: 222
this actually really helps, 10/10. My friend and I are actually gonna go for the stencil or original. For the original I think you need a special printer/paper, do you know anything on that as well?
May 1 2011 7:45PM
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Troy.
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 12,549
Are you printing posters or on shirts?

Also, in my experience, using photo emulsion creates a better product, but it does require some trial and error.
May 1 2011 7:48PM
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*simba*
Posts: 9125 - Karma: 512
And TONS of space and equipment to do it right.
May 1 2011 7:53PM
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Troy.
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 12,549
Honestly, significantly less than most people think.

A garage that you can keep completely dark for 90 minutes at a time, a standard printer, transparent paper, screen printer, chemicals, ink and shirts.

I use a small garage, and a normal sized work bench. I have friends who did it in their bathroom.
May 1 2011 8:02PM
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*simba*
Posts: 9125 - Karma: 512
+light table/High intensity bulb that can be changed in height, and a safelight's also helpful.

In experience, though, it's always nice having a larger space to move around and have less clutter. Less chance of error.
May 1 2011 8:16PM
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Matty_K
Posts: 575 - Karma: 222
well what do you guys think I should do, We are tight on money, If i ordered the original kit, what else would i need in that kit besides some extra colors? I have a regular printer, but do I need a special one, and do I need a special light like oboe says?
May 1 2011 8:27PM
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stickerman
Posts: 2043 - Karma: 147
yes. basically you would want a safelight unless you want to workm in pitch black for an hour or so.
May 1 2011 9:00PM
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*simba*
Posts: 9125 - Karma: 512
Go to Dick Blick and talk to the employees.
They're always super helpful and they'll show you everything you need for what you want to do.
May 1 2011 9:02PM
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