Reddit mentions: The best printmaking supplies

Firstly I would strongly suggest you not print flatstock on a garment press, use a vacuum table. While it is possible and I've seen a lot of folks do it, printing this way is a massive pain and you will need to use adhesive on your paper to hold it down. Vacuum is far easier and won't make your sheets stick together. For less than $100 you can build a vacuum table with a small shop vac. If you do it smart you should still be able to use the shop vac for normal stuff as well.

As to inks the standard is water based acrylics like Speedball. While their fabric inks are meh, their acrylics are really good. Smooth, evenly drying, and excellent viscosity for a variety of mesh counts. For an even cheaper option you can try acrylic house paint. (Bonus punk cred for buying only off-tints at a discount.) Make sure it's water based acrylic or you will have a bad time. Personally I've had some issues with house paint on occasion but those are pretty rare and this is a common cheap alternative.

You can print pretty much on any paper but uncoated cover stock is generally the best place to start. Strongly suggest not starting with coated stock, it's trickier to get right. In the gigposter world, Mr. French Paper is the gold standard and with good reason, it's f'ing awesome paper. Smooth tooth, even grain, lovely colors, and a nice selection of weights. It is expensive though. For a cheaper alternative you can start with what I did, Exact Index 110# Cover. It's not as fancy as other options but it'll get the job done. I used this paper for many of my early gigposters and it never let me down. The only real issue it has is a bit of ink spread where the ink, if it's thin enough, will tend to spread into the sheet more than in the nicer papers but this is a minor issue really and easily fixed by not watering down your ink too much (a common practice to deal with very high mesh counts).

If you have any other questions post 'em and welcome to the wonderful world of flatstock!

You can never go wrong with more vinyl. Maybe something specialty like glitter or foil.

My husband gave me a screen printing set for xmas one year that was super fun to learn with. I used the silhouette to cut my stencils, then printed the design, then my heat press to cure the ink. I got a kit like this one: Amazon

For T-Shirts, I got this for my birthday that was an amazing tool to have: Laser Square It makes it super easy to align designs on shirts.

I recently gifted a set of items to another silhouette lover that were all things to be customized. I included 2 wine glasses, glitter, epoxy, pot holders, a clear acrylic tray, white tea towels, a blank shirt, a 18" throw pillow case, and 10 sheets of fun vinyl to use.

If she has interest in cups, maybe a cup turner, or a full cup set like this.

Depending on where you are located you could also look for vinyl related events you could buy her a pass to, like All Things Silhouette Conference

The easy press actually isn’t a heat press. It’s just a large, square iron. In order to apply HTV properly, you need heat but most importantly pressure to get the correct application. A heat press basically warms up the glue but doesn’t offer enough pressure to get desired results. In my opinion, an easy press certainly does the trick for personal use, but if you want to get into selling, or really want to step up your game, a heat press will be great for you, too! With that said, I have this one:

Transfer Crafts T-Shirt Heat Press & Digital Sublimation Machine (9 x 12) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DNKBLKW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DtQRCbDQV1JB2

I love it!

Hopefully the trials and tribulations I've gone through will help you out in this setup. If do or are planning on making a lot of items that will need to be embossed or have a foil stamp put on them I would advise to getting a specific press for this. It may cost more but it will be much more effective, less time consuming and most of all far less error prone. Nothing worse than making a great item and them it all going to hell when you mess up the press action. I've done this before with my setup.

At present I use a heat gun that has heat control on it. Found mine at home depot in the paint section. The press I use is an arbor press I found on Amazon that has a flat press attachment I found on etsy. I use the flat press attachment for use with my clicker dies. I'm primarily pressing my logo into items with my setup.

As for the foil, I found my stuff (Silver and Gold) on Amazon as well. Here is what I use,
https://www.amazon.com/400ft-Rolls-silver-KINGSLEY-HOWARDBW88-100E200E/dp/B010C2DI1S/ref=pd_sim_229_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B010C2DI1S&pd_rd_r=ead3c1b3-b2b9-11e8-b9b0-b9c4745829eb&pd_rd_w=1hXze&pd_rd_wg=QZ52C&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=18bb0b78-4200-49b9-ac91-f141d61a1780&pf_rd_r=S29ZDWW74S4XYT7MEEBR&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=S29ZDWW74S4XYT7MEEBR

I think its good to mention that depending on the stamp design you could trap some of the foil within the stamp and due to the heat and tension being pushed down onto the stamp and foil you could cause more of the foil to bond to the leather. So you will not only get colored lettering that you want but the foil will bond to the leather around the lettering. Hopefully that made sense.

As I searched for the foil I use I came across this machine. I'm thinking of getting it.
https://www.amazon.com/inch-Stamp-Rolls-KINGSLEY-HOWARD/dp/B018VEGLZO?th=1

I hope this info helps.

Good luck.

I actually bought white handkerchiefs on Amazon and did my own silkscreen! I ordered my custom silkscreen design on Etsy for $12. Silk Screen paint is $15.

It was very easy and they came out perfect! Looked super expensive. Did 200 for about $80!

We ordered beads too and Mardi Gras masks and I did NOLA Paparazzi Photo Booth

We also did homemade pralines as favor handouts and satchels of Tony’s spices! Those were the biggest hit!

Sweets and Spices!

NOLA Wedding PICS


How I did it:

Leinuosen 50 Pack Handkerchiefs Cotton Classic Hankies Pocket Square Towel White for Kids Girl Boy Tea Parties (11 x 11 Inch)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HQ9CWY6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CRD1DbMVD9P0N


Speedball 004828 Opaque Fabric Screen Printing Ink, 32 fl. oz, Gold - you only need small amount of paint! I bought too much

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003IG72BS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_9QvnL332CwSBe

Etsy Silkscreen - send her your design you want!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/193653756/custom-thermofax-screen-small-3-34-x4-78?ga_search_query=Screen&ref=shop_items_search_4&frs=1

For iron on, I like Siser Easyweed. Cuts really well on my Cricut Explore Air and like the name suggests, really easy to weed. If you want good results that last, you really should get a real heat press and not use a home iron. The key is that the heat press applies a LOT of pressure evenly, you can't do this with a home iron or even a Cricut press. It's not terribly expensive as you might imagine, this is the one I have: https://www.amazon.com/PowerPress-HPM-1515-BK-Industrial-Quality-Digital-Sublimation/dp/B0773Y1TNX/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1537937194&sr=8-4&keywords=heat+press

If you want it for vinyl stickers than Oracal outdoor vinyl (651 or 751) is most popular choice for something that lasts. (Application is also very important, if you don't apply it properly then even the best vinyl is not going to stick and stay over time)

I can chime in here... I have done DIY silk screen enclosures in the past with pretty good results.

Personally I just used speedball acrylic from amazon and applied a good clear-coat over it once it dried.

Screen Print Example 1

Screen Print Example 2

The acrylic ink was pretty easy to apply, but I had issues with it smudging and not transferring properly. It dries well, but is slightly chalky and could flake off without a topcoat.

That being said, I would HIGHLY recommend looking into water-slide decals. I have found them to be much easier to apply and they have a much more professional look assuming you account for their limitations.

Water-slide Example Here

I think a kit from Ryonet is going to be your best bet. They’ve done a good job at putting together affordable and easy to use kits for beginners. This kit is a pretty good deal: https://www.screenprinting.com/diy-print-shop-t-shirt-kit

If you want to save some money and just get your hands dirty you can get the speedball kit on Amazon which is what we learned on about 15 years ago: Speedball Ultimate Screen Printing Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SKRHX0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_NReNAb4AGFXF3

(Complete amateur here) I’m using a cheap flash dryer very similar to this one and the on off switch is a 4 pin rocker switch. The wires generate quite a bit of heat and one pin on the switch always eventually melts the surrounding plastic causing it to lose connection and the whole switch has to be replaced.

To combat this I have upgraded all the internal wiring to 10 gauge, and updated the terminals to higher quality ceramic. I’m using anti oxidation paste on all the connections.

Still, the switch continues to melt and I have to constantly replace it.

I admit I only continue to use this piece of equipment because I’ve tinkered with it so much that It now has sentimental value to me haha.

I know the solution is probably that it’s just a cheap piece of equipment and shouldn’t be heating up this much but if it’s salvageable id love to know!

Thanks so much for any help.

Last time I printed business cards it was with a 405 yellow and a 300 yellow screen with Speedball acylics. Printed 8up on a letter sized 110# smooth cover (Classic Crest ). You need to air dry the sheets but you can set up a fan to speed that along. Pretty straight forward but also pretty expensive when you can get 500 cards printed for under $20 USD now a days.

Fancierstudio Heat Press Heat Press Swing Away Heat Press 9"x12" Coated with Sheet Sublimation heat press Rhinestone Heat Press 9x12 GB https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K3EXZF4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_s70TBbCBHQSN9

I bought this one (cheaper than the easypress) and it’s amazing. A little bit of a learning curve, but it is amazingly easier!! And I feel like they came out much better than when I used just an iron.

people are loving this press from Amazon.


I bought mine from this dude over 2 years ago, still running strong and his current work is better and cheaper. I drove down to Cali and picked it up from him. Good guy.

Has anyone tried this hot foil stamping machine?

https://smile.amazon.com/Upgraded-Stamping-Pressure-Base-Plate-Embossing/dp/B07H97H9RQ/ref=sr_1_4?crid=WM8CR6L5NFUG&keywords=hot+foil+stamping+machine&qid=1570395741&s=arts-crafts&sprefix=hot+foil%2Carts-crafts%2C182&sr=1-4

It seems to have pretty good reviews, and I'm trying to find a solution I can learn with without spending a few hundred more bucks. I know that I'll just end up replacing it at some point to get something better, but... is it decent enough quality for a first machine?

Or, alternatively, does anyone have recommendation for buying a used machine, or something to get started with?

Any of them because all the circut does is create the vinyl stencil used to make the etching. Once the stencil is created you stick it to the glass or metal, then you use chemicals to do the etching part. One chemical etches glass (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001DTWYG/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia_1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER) and another one etches metal (https://www.amazon.com/Ferric-Chloride-Etchant-120ml-Bottle/dp/B00V8G90T2).

I used this instructable to help me figure out how to make the metal coasters: https://www.instructables.com/id/Justice-League-Coasters-DIY-Acid-Etching/

Good luck!

Here is a link to one on amazon. https://www.amazon.com/All-Steel-Construction-Suitable-Printing-Monotype/dp/B004WQGIJ0/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=ETCHING+PRESS&qid=1568501280&s=gateway&sr=8-1

IT IS NOT THE SAME ONE I HAVE, so I cannot speak to the quality of this one but it looks very similar.

This model in this video looks very similar to the one I have and the one in the amazon link. My guess is that they are all made by the same company and then different suppliers are buying them and rebranding them:

https://youtu.be/zAXdoS2TTxA

I hope this helps. Good luck on your journey!

i dont want the gift card figured i would be a nice deed fodder person if anyone wants too :P

it's not within the $5-$10 but i really do want it. my dog has to go away. If you read my posts there reason why in my own discussion thread but someone suggested this http://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Products-Co-90111234-Milestones/dp/B00000ISBK/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=36X9ZC35FZ1QP&coliid=I3BDPL8YAMSLWM to do with him before he goes that we had something to remember him by and for him to have some special time with me. wow thats long but only do it if you want not cause of my sob story imma go to bed now

I suggest this product: https://www.amazon.com/Polyvine-Acrylic-Frosting-Etched-Effect/dp/B00SHJN9HW#customerReviews

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It cleans up easy, is cheap, and easy to work with. I tried to monkey around with the stick on film once and it was horrible.

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Just make sure you clean the window glass with regular glass cleaner and then alcohol to remove all the grease for a nice finish.

Yeah, I've done batik, block printing and silk screening on fabric. Wood backed lino blocks work well on canvas with fabric block printing ink and a printmaking press to get an even trasfer. It's too easy to mess up the print on soft or stretchy fabrics though. If you are looking to make shirts though, I'd definitely suggest getting a silkscreen kit. Edit: Inko dye is also super fun to play with too.

I bought a 9x12 Fancierstudio press from amazon as my first heat press which has been great but it's too small. I regret being impatient and not waiting until I could get a 15x15 which was the recommended size on most sites I researched. Other than that size issue I quite like it. The price was good and it heats up in a decent amount of time. Heat seems even from the stuff I've pressed but I've never checked it with a thermometer. When I upgrade in size I'm definitely going to try and stick with fancierstudio.

Aww, what a sweet pup! I'm so sorry you have to find him a new home.

Maybe something like this and the kids could help decorate the stone afterward?

t-shirt press

$120

Not enough pressure for rosin, but slap your bubbly in some parchment and this'll do what you want.

https://www.amazon.com/Transfer-Crafts-T-Shirt-Digital-Sublimation/dp/B07DNKBLKW/ref=zg_bs_8090950011_13?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=198WQ5ZG13753DC8MMVF


Start low, work your way up in pressure and temp until you find your sweet spot for hashpressing.
A few folds and presses and you'll be good to go!

Here's a good set of 2 for under $10:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GRSLNXY

If you're looking for something of higher quality, these two are highly recommended:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003IFY622

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BYVMFC

Either way, I honestly wouldn't recommend Cricut branded.. they're simply too expensive and not worth the price.

Thank you!! I used photoshop to create the design, and a heat press to press the image. It’s a printing process called Dye Sublimation, which is quite simply heating the ink to a point where it transfers to another surface. The coasters are coated especially for this process, which is why the colors are so vibrant!

Here is (roughly) what we used: https://www.amazon.com/PowerPress-HPM-1515-BK-Industrial-Quality-Digital-Sublimation/dp/B0773Y1TNX/ref=asc_df_B0773Y1TNX/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242004651088&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3167507526720360267&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012090&hvtargid=pla-449292883374&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/4-7x4-7inch-Elements-Swing-Arm-Multifunctional-T-Shirts/dp/B07LCJ73YP/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1550962145&sr=8-13&keywords=rosin+press


I bought this press, and with a welder, 6 bucks in metal, and a spare bottle jack I made this.
https://www.imgur.com/a/S1CTSvW

Or you can buy the premade one for about 100 dollars more.
https://www.amazon.com/Hydraulic-dp-bj3t33-Anodized-Accurate-Detected/dp/B07KQ387F3/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1550962145&sr=8-3&keywords=rosin+press



Also I want to add that with max pressure on the hand press, vs max pressure on the bottle jack, the bottle jack version is yielding on average of 5x more oil. Hand presses are complete junk.

I recently got a brand from this store through Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019V81V0Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. Arrived quickly, initial tests look good, relatively cheap price for a custom brand.

I recommend rubber rolling wheels, I think they are also called brayers. I bought this set, and they are extremely helpful. I use these for sticking to mats, applying oramask 813 stencil, and also to press vinyl firm after removing transfer paper.

Poualss Tape Roller 4.6 inch, 2.7... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GRSLNXY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I will also mention the mats. The light grip is fine for vinyl. The standard grip just becomes a pain in the butt to use. I don't know if glittery or other specialty vinyls will require standard grip mat. So far, light grip has work for oracal 651, oramask 813, and htv.

I actually have one of these! I got it as a gift and it works very well as long as you are working on a flat surface and have a blowtorch to heat it up. You are also supposed to be able to do foil stamping with it but I haven't experimented with that much yet.

Dabpress 3-ton is a way better choice imo.

It’s also available on amazon prime.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01K3EXZF4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=sarah029a-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01K3EXZF4&linkId=02b03af2d659e91dfb2f5b3a4fb855db I have this one and love it. Reasonably Price and I have had no problems. I have had it for almost 2 years.

3 Ton Hydraulic Jack Heat Press - dp-bj3t33-3x3 Inch Anodized Heat Press Plates - 500 Watts - Dual Heating Machine - Accurate Temp Detected https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KQ387F3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_zziQDbHMZNM87 Save your money and frustration

Ah, sorry. I use the block printing fabric ink. This one I've used on loads of Tshirts printing by hand.

This is a foil stamper for cards

https://www.amazon.com/PowerPress-HPM-1515-BK-Industrial-Quality-Digital-Sublimation/dp/B0773Y1TNX/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1540285945&sr=8-3&keywords=industrial+t+shirt+press+machine+15x15

Are you applying with a tape roller or scraper? Hand pressure won't activate all the adhesive on most medium tack transfer tapes, that's not a fault of the tape, it's bad application.

Buy this roller: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GRSLNXY

Buy this tape: https://www.uscutter.com/TransferRite-Medium-Tack-582U

Don't buy painter's tape.

Bought my wife this one from Amazon about 2 years ago. We've made a few dozen shirts on it and no problem.

https://www.amazon.com/PowerPress-HPM-1515-BK-Industrial-Quality-Digital-Sublimation/dp/B0773Y1TNX/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1542683465&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=heat+press+15x15&dpPl=1&dpID=41Ni5-4hRkL&ref=plSrch