New Member... Need Help!!

jarrod_grochett

Hey guys im new to this and new to this bussines of screen printing. i recently purchased a vastex v-2000 hd it has 6 screens and is very nice machine, only downside to the situation is the guy that sold it too me never used it before and couldnt even show me how to use it. i didnt find out that he has never used it before until after i already bought it so kinda too late. i have a prom group who wants 60 tshirts by next month and i cant even make a shirt yet. i dont understand what all the stuff is that i have such as the emulsion, and red block out any kind of help on how to work this machine or properly set up a screen to print a shirt with would be very much appreciated.. im trying to make this business nationwide but if i cant produce shirts its gonna take alot more time than i anticipated.

tpitman

I'd advise finding a class on screenprinting to take before I took on any work. Or, go online and review videos of the process. You'll likely find getting good exposures with your chosen emulsion will be a trial and error process. You don't mention what kind of exposure unit you're using, what you're using to print film positives, if you've got a place to wash out the stencil and to reclaim the screen after you're done.
You also might pick up a copy of Scott Fresener's "How to Print T-Shirts for Fun and Profit". He gives a very good overview of the process. Ryonet has some videos online you can watch.
In short, you're better off passing on jobs until you've got a basic understanding of the process from start to finish. Practice on old shirts, then start off taking simple jobs such a one- and two-color prints.