On site screen printing

[ericheartsu]

Do any shops here do this? We get asked time and time again to do it, and usually we just say no thanks, but today a client hit us up, that we want to work with, as they do a ton of events locally and nationally.

Looking for any helpful hints! What type of equipment do you bring also?

[jsheridan]

sounds like you need a generator and a DTG

[royster13]

I have seen videos of a couple very impressive set-ups on YouTube.....

[sqslabs]

We do live printing quite often.  I have a homemade mobile press made from 1/4" square tubing and a Rototex single head / pallet assembly, and our other printer has a bolt-down style single head press.  We dry the prints with a standard clamshell heat press and they stay on the shirt.  We used to use only waterbased ink but have recently started using plastisol as well.  We'll always bring a few of the same screen to offer different color prints, and swap them out on the fly.

People are absolutely fascinated with seeing the process.  It's always a good time, and a great way to build a relationship with clients. 

Feel free to ask away with any questions or contact me through PM if you'd like to speak directly.

[ericheartsu]

we were going to print just waterbased, and bring a flash, but the heat press sounds like a great idea!

What do you typically have the heat press set to? does it mess up the plastisol?

[Get Shirts]

Depending on the type I design and clientele, we will generally print a bunch of transfers and heat seal them on site per the customers request.  Sounds lame, but it's actually pretty tight.

We have also printed on site, and that too is awesome.

[dirkdiggler]

M&R used to have a mobile unit you could rent and it had an auto inside and it was AMAZING!  I saw it years ago, and I think you could rent it.  Could be wrong though.

[ericheartsu]

we've done transfers before, but the client specifically asked for live printing, so i thought transfers might be cheating a little bit!

did you guys build your own little one color rigs? or get one of those cheapo aluminium/metal ones?

[TCT]

New Buffalo used to have a modified auto and the whole 9 set up in a trailer. I always thought that was pretty cool. Think I have a pic of it saved on my computer, I'll have to check.

Think we may bring our tag printer to some outdoor events next year. Print some free koozies and whatnot to create some buzz. Main problem is I am way too cranky of a SOB to deal with people all day like that!

[sqslabs]

we've done transfers before, but the client specifically asked for live printing, so i thought transfers might be cheating a little bit!

did you guys build your own little one color rigs? or get one of those cheapo aluminium/metal ones?

I don't think transfers would have the wow factor of live printing, but that's just a hunch.  People really seem to dig seeing a squeegee get pulled across mesh.

We have one of each of the mobile presses mentioned.  I've attached a pic of the setup at our most recent gig about a month ago.  We printed just under 200 shirts that day.

[sqslabs]

we were going to print just waterbased, and bring a flash, but the heat press sounds like a great idea!

What do you typically have the heat press set to? does it mess up the plastisol?

Whoops, missed this post.  We leave the heat press on the settings that we use for DTG, which is 360 degrees for 35 seconds, for both waterbased and plastisol.  For plastisol prints, the finish will depend on the teflon sheet used.  A regular teflon will leave a shiny finish and a matte sheet will look more standard.  The people buying the shirts don't care either way.

[larryk]

Preston from the old board used to have an event trailer he had set-up. I thought at one time he had it for sale...... It was pretty slick.

[3Deep]

We did a show many years ago and brought out our four Hopkins press and the flash and printed shirts on site with the shows name and our logo, had to move the flash after awhile to the back because of all the people.  It was very good for biz and we pick up some good customers.

Darryl

[Sbrem]

I was going to suggest checking Preston's forum, he had a lot of info on doing just that.

Steve

[Frog]

I was going to suggest checking Preston's forum, he had a lot of info on doing just that.

Steve

Preston's forum is now owned and operated by the same person that most original members here came to avoid.
Nevertheless, yes, Preston built a mobile set-up.

I never used it as such, but my little four foot (now sold as five foot) Ranar Scamp dryer ran on 110V, and along with my old four color Hopkins and flash was the great minimalist set-up.