Eliminating Scorching When Screen Printing

Scorching your screen print is a common mistake for people newer to screen printing. Your garment will literally get burn marks where it has been overly cured, which can result from inconsistent and high dryer temperatures. Purchasing a Workhorse Powerhouse Quartz Dryer would be ideal to eliminate this problem since their technology and craftsmanship makes it one of the best dryers on the market. The Quartz Dryer warms up in seconds and maintains it's set temperature, ensuring consistent performance. However, if you already own a good quality dryer than most likely your temperature setting isn't ideal for your type of print and you are to blame. :) Below are some different techniques that will help you pinpoint what's scorching your screen prints:

• The ink deposit required for a white shirt, instead of a black shirt will cure at different temperatures. More ink is required on a black shirt, because of the white under-base, so that means that you would cure that shirt at a higher temperature.
• White shirts don't hold as much heat as darker shirts, so it more than likely that your scorch marks will appear on the white shirts. You want to get the shirt as hot as possible without scorching it, so this is where you need to test out your prints. We suggest that you have a few spare garments to test print and wash before full production.
• For thinner ink deposit on a white shirt you can cure at a temperature of about 290-300 degrees Fahrenheit. For a standard ink deposit on a white shirt you are usually safe with about 300-310 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Most athletic jerseys with thicker ink deposit require 340-350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Some heat sensitive fabric like spandex, or some workout wear will need a low cure additive like 3804. In this case usually you can correctly cure at 280-285 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another product that is helpful is Tekmar Scorch Remover . Scorch Remover will remove light-medium burn marks, or sun discoloration. You simply spray the remover onto the burnt or discolored areas of the shirt, and run the shirt back through the dryer. As always if you need help call one of our professionals today.