The Inkologist

A couple of days late, but this weeks article revolves around a common problem that has popped up more with low cure inks. If you’ve ever had ink start curing in your screen during a long run, you know how frustrating it can be. This problem isn’t usually caused by the ink itself—it’s the heat. Why It Happens Excessive flash times & temps: Running your flash unit too hot or too long causes heat to build up. Pallet heat retention: Over time, pallets can climb well above 120°, turning them into...

Setting Up Your Press & Staging Jobs for Mixed-Garment Orders This time of year, many shops are busy with team stores and apparel fundraisers. These orders often include a mix of cotton tees, 50/50 blends, polyester dri-fit, and hoodies—all in one run. Without a game plan, you risk wasted time, mistakes, or costly reprints. Here’s a simple workflow to keep production efficient and stress-free. 1. Plan Your Press Setup Organize print order smartly: Line up screens so any color changes are...

99% of your screen problems come from underexposed screens. It's also the number question I get EVERYDAY. Having reclaim issues? Scummy screens on press? Screens breaking down? Check your exposure! It is super easy to dial in and change emulsions if you want to.... Watch this video featuring Screen Printer Mike....because, well, I hate being on camera! Please, pick up an exposure calculator with your next order and dial in your process! EXPOSURE CALCULATOR HERE 810 Donnell Ave, FT WAYNE, IN...

Why Processes Are the Backbone of a Successful Print Shop Running a print shop isn’t just about having the right equipment, the best inks, or the most talented staff,it’s about having the right processes in place. From the screen room to the art department, the production floor, and even shipping and receiving, well-defined processes are the difference between chaos and consistent success. Predictable Results Through Process When every step in your shop has a defined process, you create...

Why It’s So Hard for Experienced Printers to Embrace Change (and Why You Should Anyway) If you’ve been printing for years, you’ve seen trends, fads, and “game-changing” products come and go. You’ve survived the early days of plastisol that felt like tar, the first “miracle” white inks, and the hype of every new mesh type that promised perfect prints. You know your craft—and you take pride in it. But here’s the truth that’s tough for even the most seasoned printers to swallow: sometimes our...

Mastering the Art of Printing Underbases in Screen Printing In screen printing, a great underbase is the unsung hero that can make or break the final print. Whether you're printing on manual or automatic presses, understanding how and when to use underbases—especially white or alternative colors—is key to vibrant, consistent, and long-lasting prints. Here’s a breakdown of best practices to elevate your underbase game. Choosing the Right Mesh Count for Underbases The mesh count directly...

Screen Print Smarter: Why Low Cure Inks Might Be Your Next Upgrade If you’ve been running online stores, printing team orders, or just trying to keep up with the ever-growing pile of 50/50s, tri-blends, and mystery poly garments, you’ve likely asked:“Will this ink cure properly without scorching the fabric?”Or worse—“Is this going to ghost on that dark polyester?” It might be time to make the switch to low cure inks. Let’s break down the benefits, drawbacks, and key things to know about this...