Starter Path • Dallas, TX
Beginner’s Guide to Screen Printing in Dallas
This is your no-fluff path to a clean first print—gear you actually need, step-by-step setup, curing that sticks, and where to learn fast (Dallas & virtual).
What You Actually Need (Starter Kit)
| Item | Why | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Screen (110–156) | General use mesh for tees. | Start with 156 for finer detail. |
| Emulsion + Coater | Create your stencil. | Even coats, dry in the dark. |
| Exposure Light | Burn the image. | Use a UV LED or the sun (test strip). |
| Squeegee (70 duro) | Push/pull ink evenly. | Medium pressure, consistent angle. |
| Ink (plastisol) | Beginner-friendly open time. | Test cure at 320°F (160°C). |
| Heat Source | Cure the print. | Flash, conveyor, or heat press w/ parchment. |
| Platen Adhesive | Holds garment flat. | Light mist, reapply as needed. |
Pull Your First Clean Print (Quick Steps)
- Coat & dry screen → burn test image → wash out.
- Tape edges, mount screen, add platen adhesive.
- Flood → one steady print stroke → flash → second pass if needed.
- Cure to temp; stretch test the print for adhesion.
Boss Note: Most beginner issues are exposure, off-contact, or under-cure. Fix those before blaming the ink.
Where to Learn (Fastest Route)
Hands-on beats guesswork. In my Dallas screen printing class you’ll set up, register, and pull your first print with real-time corrections—then leave with a checklist you can repeat in your shop.
