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July 18, 2013

Types of Ink Used in Screenprinting

[image title=”Inks used in Screenprinting” size=”full” id=”362″ align=”left” linkto=”https://greatatlanticoutfitters.com” ]

Screen printing uses two types of ink: plastisol and water-based ink. Both types of ink have their advantages and are equally popular in the screen printing industry. Choosing the type of ink that will be used is based on the type of application. Let’s take a look at both plastisol and water-based ink and the types of products they are used on.

Plastisol

Plastisol is a PVC-based system and a thermoplastic ink. It’s a top pick for items like sweaters, jackets, t-shirts, tote bags and backpacks. It’s very easy to work with and considered user-friendly, especially because it can be left on the screen for an extended period of time without clogging the mesh. Since plastisol can be used on wet applications, it speeds up production time and is ready to be used right out of the container.

Just as plastisol doesn’t dry on the screen, it doesn’t dry when left in an open container either. You can work seamlessly, leaving the lids off containers or returning unused ink back to the jar. This saves money and reduces waste since you can basically utilize every drop of plastisol. In order for the ink to dry, it needs a separate compound.

The biggest drawback to plastisol is that it can remelt if it comes into contact with a hot heat, which means products with this ink cannot be ironed.

Water-Based Solvents

Water-based solvents are a great pick for yard goods. Water is the main solvent, making this type of ink great for items that need to be penetrated. Most fabrics do better with plastisol rather than a water-based ink, but you’ll find that some fabrics like towels will benefit from water-based solvents.

When printing roll-to-roll yardage, water-based ink is best  since it’s fast and dries quickly. Unlike plastisol, water-based solvents have a soft-hand effect, meaning that you can’t feel the ink when you run your hand across the design. There are a few disadvantages, however, including the fact that water-based ink is difficult to cure and more aggressive because of the emulsion used.

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July 9, 2013

Types of Equipment Used in Screen Printing

[image title=”Screen Printing Equipment” size=”full” id=”357″ align=”left” linkto=”https://greatatlanticoutfitters.com” ]

In order to run a successful screen printing business you need the right assortment of materials and equipment. Fortunately, screen printing brings us back to the basics so that you’re able to carry out many tasks with a few basic supplies. Nonetheless, you’ll find the following types of equipment to be necessary for any screen printing business.

Table Top Presses – Table top presses are great for hobbyists and screen printing businesses. They are highly convenient since they can sit on a table without taking up a lot of space. These presses produce high-quality screen prints and can be upgraded with a variety of practical features.

Manual Production Presses – Manual production presses may take up more room than a table top one and will certainly be a greater investment, but nothing will print better and faster than one of these presses. Expect to produce more prints while enjoying smooth transitions, increased stability and uniform construction.

Heat Transfer Equipment – This type of equipment is used to print heat transfers onto items like t-shirts and sweaters. The equipment includes heat transfer vinyl or foil, heat transfer presses and transfer papers.

Exposure Units – Exposure units are great for exposing detailed, high-quality images while keeping on a budget. These units help bring images to a professional level while avoiding the higher-priced vacuum units.

Flash Dryers – Flash dryers are used for spot and final curing where a conveyer dryer is not necessary. Flash dryers are ideal for homes and small offices, especially because they are lightweight, durable and easy to store.

Conveyor Dryers – Conveyor dryers are ideal for larger curing jobs, and you can find a good mix of cost-effective models. Although conveyor dryers are larger, many come with wheels so that you can move them around at your convenience.

Vinyl Cutters and Plotters – Vinyl plotters are used to print transfers on textile work, and they have many features that allow you to control speed, force and direction. With this control, you can customize your work without sacrificing time.


Washout Booths, Dip Tanks, Filtration Systems – It’s critical that ink, chemicals and emulsion by-products are disposed of in the appropriate manner. Filtration systems are great for screen printing businesses of all sizes, and it will greatly protect your septic system.

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July 2, 2013

What's the Difference Between Digital Printing and Screen Printing?

[image title=”Press” size=”full” id=”352″ align=”left” linkto=”https://greatatlanticoutfitters.com/” ]

The two most common types of printing methods include screen printing and digital printing. Both types of printing have their advantages, and you’ll find that one method often works best for certain artwork. Screen printing involves using a stencil, or screen, to apply layers of ink onto a printing surface. Digital printing involves processing artwork on a computer and then digitally transferring the image onto a surface.


Digital printing is a much newer process, and the ink is applied directly to the surface, unlike other methods where heat transfer is involved. It’s best used for items where a lot of detail is necessary. High-quality printing is made possible with digital printing because the image is processed and printed digitally, and there is no screen involved as with traditional screen printing. Additionally, the ink used for digital printing is much thinner, also lending a hand in high-quality, detailed images.


Screen printing is a process that has been used for decades, and it continues to show its efficacy time and time again. This method is best for designs that require a lot of vibrancy, and it’s ideal for promotional items, specialty products and dark t-shirts. Also, screen printing can print designs and logos on many products in a short period of time, compared to digital printing that is more time consuming and better for individual items. If you need to order a few hundred t-shirts for instance, screen printing is certainly the best option.


Additionally, since screen printing is done by hand, items like Koozies, water bottles and coffee mugs can be successfully printed on despite their uneven surface. Screen printing is the more cost-effective option as well because there is less time, labor and expensive equipment involved.


So, is there a better option?


Not necessarily.


Both digital printing and screen printing have their advantages, so it’s best to know in advance what items you want printed on, and then you can choose the best option for the surface. In the majority of instances, screen printing is the preferred method because of its ease, efficiency and affordability. If you need a large order of shirts or promotional items, nothing will produce more vibrant logos at an affordable cost than screen printing.

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June 4, 2013

Interesting Facts that Will Change the Way You Look at Promotional Items

[image title=”Trucker Hats – Promotional Items” size=”full” id=”339″ align=”left” linkto=”https://greatatlanticoutfitters.com/” ]

Have you ever received a promotional product? What did you think of it? Just about everyone has received a promotional item at some point in time, and it’s hard to resist something that is free and useful. The most common promotional products are Koozies, stadium cups, pens and magnets, and the majority of people end up using them because they are useful, and to the consumer, free!

As the marketer, you may be wondering what happens to your products once you hand them out. Do they go used? Do they market your business effectively? Do they draw in customer interest?

Here are a few fun facts about promotional items that will change the way you look at your marketing strategy.

  • Eight out of 10 people can recall the company of the promotional item they received.
  • Buttons were some of the first promotional items that were handed out at the inauguration of George Washington in 1789. This was the “birth” of promotional items.
  • The most common places where promotional items are used include the kitchen (91%), the workspace (74%) and the bedroom (55%).
  • There are plenty of useful promotional items out there, but the top five include wearables, writing instruments, bags, calendars and drinkware. If you’re looking to be different, you know some of the other sectors to target, such as key chains and flashlights.
  • The top buyers for promotional items include education, financial, not-for-profit groups, health care and construction.
  • It’s no mystery why promotional products work. Unlike other marketing strategies, they engage all five senses, they are appreciated by consumers and they are retained for the long term.
  • Promotional advertising remains a billion dollar industry. Approximately $15.6 billion is spent on advertising, which is right in line with online and television advertising.
  • It’s true that promotional items are appreciated and retained by consumers, but they hold more importance than that. They build customer loyalty and trust, two factors that are significant in branding your company and establishing long-term relationships with your clients.

Source: PPAI/ASI/ANA

Photo c/o: elvinstar

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May 14, 2013

Screen Printing Marketing Ideas

market

c/o: Gabriella Fabbri

Marketing is always evolving, and many businesses deplete their advertising budgets without having much to show for them. Sometimes, it’s the simple marketing approaches that work best, even in an economy where real-time marketing is dominant. Still, customers love getting free stuff, and having promotional items to hand out at events, trade shows or special happenings is still one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to reach out to your customers.

Fortunately, screen printing is a great way to market your business while giving your customers something tangible to hold onto. Screen printing is affordable and enables businesses to print off a large quantity of products at once. Let’s discuss some screen printing marketing ideas that will make your business shine.

Seasonal Trends

Tying in the seasons with your product or service is a great way to make your company stand out. For instance, screen printed hats in the winter and screen printed beach bags in the summer are practical, useful items that will brand your image. And, you can’t argue with the free advertising that you will be getting since your customers will be wearing these items around town.

Contests

Customers love contests, and it gives them a fair shot at winning something fun. To make the contest more engaging for your customers, have a handful of prizes that have your logo screen printed onto them. Don’t forget that you can do the same contests over social media. For example, everyone who gives your Facebook page a “like” can be signed up for the contest and a chance to win a screen printed sweatshirt with your company’s logo.

Mailings

Maybe you have a list of customers who haven’t been in to see you. Send them screen printed gloves, winter hats or bandanas to serve as a friendly reminder that you are still around and miss them. You can also use these same gifts as thank yous for customers who may have recommended a friend to your business.

Blog sponsored by: Great Atlantic Outfitters

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May 9, 2013

Make Your Trade Show Display Stand Out

Conference Registration Sign

c/o: Russell Hugo

Oh, the good old trade shows. Many of us love to hate them, but at the end of the day, these shows are necessary for getting your business noticed, measuring up your competition and branding your image. There are many advantages to attending a trade show, such as the fact that you can reach a large number of customers at once, build strong rapports and engage in face-to-face interactions with clients. Yet one thing is for certain: if you want your booth to stand out at a trade show, you must have some cool products to complement your exhibit.

Choose Unique Products

There are thousands of promotional items to choose from, so the ball is really in your court when it comes to this. The important thing is not to rush through ordering promotional items. There are so many neat products out there, you want yours to stand out. You want customers asking, “Where did that product come from?” so that they head straight to your booth.

Make Creative Displays

It’s not just the products that matter, but also how they are displayed. Some booths have their products hidden or tucked away in a box, but there’s no need to be sparing with your items. Order plenty and arrange them in a decorative box or basket. When you’re happy to talk to customers and give promotional items away for fun, you’re already putting a good name to your company. Of course, you’ll want to manage what you’re giving out, as you’ll need products left over for those who attend the later part of the show.

Build Relationships

By drawing in people to your booth, you’re able to meet new faces, develop relationships and expose your product or service. But don’t be surprised if these people don’t remember you. With all the booths they stop at, it’s easy to forget which company is which. That’s where your promotional item comes into play, as it will have your company name and contact information to remind the person of your business.

Blog sponsored by: Great Atlantic Outfitters

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April 25, 2013

Uniforms Can Make or Break Your Business

shirt

c/o: Alessander Raker

Uniforms can be simple and sophisticated or unique and engaging. They may involve a simple black shirt with a company logo stitched on it, or they may include brightly colored clothes with badges and buttons. No matter how you look at it, uniforms are important to a company’s image. Even if you’re just starting out and don’t have a lot of money to invest in uniforms, you should have some type of consistency for your employees so that new customers don’t get the wrong idea about the professionalism and competence of your service.

What makes uniforms so important in the first place? Well, consider your first impression of a company. How would you view a restaurant where everyone is wearing the same black embroidered shirt with black pants versus a restaurant where employees are dressed casually in jeans, t-shirts and other clothing? Would you believe both restaurants to have the same professionalism? Could you tell the employees apart from the customers? Would you put trust in the long-term business of the restaurant?

Although simple, uniforms provide the following benefits to a business:

  • Branding – Allows consumers to associate certain individuals with a particular company or brand.
  • Competence – Uniforms indicate that the people wearing them have been trained by the company, are reliable and trustworthy and know the product or service.
  • Security – People dressed in uniforms are easier to trust, which comes in handy if your company works with sensitive information or items, such as valet parking or computer programs.
  • Organization – Instead of having employees with a need to express their creative freedom at work, all employees look organized and have a common ground. There is no need to worry about what employees are wearing, shouldn’t be wearing and the like. Uniforms make everything, well, uniform.

It’s true that uniforms can make or break a business. Just think about how you want your customers to view your business when they walk in. You want them to take your company seriously, put trust in your staff and feel good about referring your service to others. If money is a factor, remember that uniforms don’t have to be an investment. When you work with a screen printing shop like Great Atlantic Outfitters, you can save money on clothing from our wholesale prices, and put your trust in our own screen printing methods. The cost of uniforms is always offset by the professionalism that is brought to the business, which in turn raises the bottom line.

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April 13, 2013

Promotional Items are Free Advertising

There is a reason why businesses continue to invest money in promotional items: it works. Average studies report that when a company’s name is printed on a promotional item, consumers are 76 percent more likely to remember the name. Additionally, approximately 75 percent of consumers keep the item. After all, you can’t argue with free stuff, and the wide selection of promotional items such as pens, pads of paper, drink KOOZIEs and magnets certainly come in handy for the average person.

Why Promotional Items Make the Difference

What makes promotional items worth their money is twofold. First, with the wide variety of promotional products to choose from, it’s easy to select practical, useful items that your customers will enjoy. These items serve as a way to say thank you to existing customers and bring in new customers by branding your company.

Second, promotional items give you free advertising. For instance, say you hand out screen printed water bottles at a trade show. These people then use their water bottles at school, work, the golf course, the swimming pool, picnics and the like. Other people then see your name screen printed on the water bottle and get familiar with your brand. The best part is, you can sit back and let the advertising do the work for you.

Practicality Comes First

What you should keep in mind is the practicality of the promotional item. Think of ways that the item may be used and how much exposure it will bring your company. While pens are popular promotional items, you’ll find that a screen printed coffee mug, water bottle or backpack will bring you more exposure. In fact, many businesses are turning to environmentally friendly products or technology-driven items, as these are more commonly used in today’s world. For example, reusable bags, headphones and cell phone accessories top the charts in terms of popularity.

The bottom line is that promotional items do more than give your customers something tangible. They brand your image, provide you with free advertising and continue to grow your customer base.

Blog sponsored by: Great Atlantic Outfitters

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April 2, 2013

Best Screen Printing Ideas

c/o: etsy.com

Screen printing was one of the first methods of printing, and it’s still used today on all types of products, including T-shirts and CD covers. Basically, anything that can be stretched and printed on is sufficient for screen printing, and the ability to make a large number of copies at an affordable cost keep this type of printing at the forefront. Let’s take a look at some of the most fun ways you can use screen printing.

Wall Quotes

Wall decals are popular these days, but why not go the extra step and have a favorite quotation screen printed on the wall? Use fabric or paper to print the quotation on and hang it up in your home. The best part is that you have the freedom to experiment with different sizes and fonts instead of having to go with a standard decal.

Household Items

Looking to freshen up your home on a budget? Screen printing can be used on materials such as pillowcases, hand towels and bath towels. Monogram your towels to give them a special touch or turn your dish towels into seasonal hand towels.

Greeting Cards

Do you feel that you’re always running out for cards for birthdays, anniversaries and holidays? Take control of these days by screen printing greeting cards to have on hand. Make some for various events and keep them stocked so that you always have a card for those special people in your life.

Backpacks and Sports Bags

Whether your child goes to preschool or high school, screen printing is a fun way to personalize a backpack, laptop case or sports bag. Choose to screen print your child’s name or a special image, such as a photo of a baseball or soccer ball.

Napkins and Place Mats

Do you host the holidays? Then why not turn your napkins and place mats into something spectacular? Instead of having plain napkins on the day of the holiday, screen print them with a holiday tree, Easter eggs or a Thanksgiving turkey. Your guests will surely get a kick out of them!

Blog sponsored by: Great Atlantic Outfitters

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