1 Year Screen Printing! My Top 3 Tips For Beginners 

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I've been printing clothing for 4 years now, and your shop is truly a theme park for my eyes. Thanks for the motivation!

This is the most important video you’ve made since starting printing. As someone who has been running a shop for 8+ years, I can say that you made it look easy. For sure you’ve inspired a lot of printers to up their game, your shop is the kind of organized workspace people dream about. *Most printers* go out of business or turn into the kind of low quality places you’ve talked about. *Most people* don’t have the dedication to commit $50k and keep going when nothing is working properly. It’s clear you put every bit of your energy into it this year. That’s pretty damn impressive. Thanks for taking the time to document it all, that’s a gnarly amount of dedication by itself.

Dude, you are a true inspiration. Not only did you take the time to completely renovate your space, but you launched a business and successful brand and somehow managed to document the entire process on youtube. Either one of those would have been a major accomplishment. To pull off the trifecta is mindboggling. I salute you sir.

Tired of printers messing up my work that I have a passion for and taking 2 week turn around. Doesn’t help that my job is killing me. Lee you have motivated me to take the leap. Thanks

I stumbled across your channel in the last few months. I've dabbled in this whole screen printing world in the past because I saw a need and being a creative person I thought I'd fill it. I purchased a single color press from ryonet and basically dipped my toe into it. That was a few years ago, now, I am looking at upgrading my equipment and moving into this amazing world. Lee you have been an inspiration to me for helping to ignite a fire in me to start into this world. Thank you kind sir for being honest with everything you're going through and not sugar coating and showing only the highlights.

Half the job is problem-solving, it's a love-hate relationship, the is not one way of solving a solution and every shop is different. Channels like this help combat the gatekeeping that often plagues forms, keep the ink running. Great Job

Just spent two hours going through your vids . I'm moving away from sub and getting into screen printing and found your vids a inspiration. Keep up the good work . From across the pond wishing you all the best for the future.

I gotta tell you, I’ve been dabbling with screen printing for several years. I’ve never really taken it seriously but I’ve watched your videos and they inspired me to take it more seriously and make a run at this thing. Thanks for what you have done and I look forward to your next videos!

I'm so glad you documented this process! I jumped in feet first just like you did just a couple months after you. I would literally run into a problem and you would post a video about it.... It was great!

I'm an Electrician for 23 years (owned my own company for 7 years) who started a Sign Company 3 years ago. In that time I have purchased a screen printing business and am enjoying the hell out of learning on youtube to screen print. I struggle with this but i want to do it and not electrical anymore. I'm getting ready to sign up and take the Ryonet screen printing class. You have helped me learn a lot so Thank you for doing these videos.

I've been following your videos since the first time I saw that you put your heart into this idea with your amazing professional set up. Not having a clue of what you were doing, this kept me inspired to keep up with your progress. I'm very grateful of your videos from day to day. I haven't been able to get my set up going due to a Herniated disc but I'm seeing a Chiropractor and I'm expecting a full recovery within the next few months to come. I've been doing as much research on this subject and have screen printed for other companies. But now I have the confidence in knowing that I can start my own business. So thank you for your informative videos. Keep going and stay inspired. Many thanks.

Thank you for documenting you journey. It not only showed your determination but it also shows anyone who has a dream that it takes determination, trial and error to get where you want to be. Remember "Dreams dont work unless you do!"

you are such an inspiration. I started my own printing company six months ago. First with sublimation and heat transfer. Now I bought my first 4 color screen printing set for a order of 110 shirts. Love to see your NOT a youtuber who start a shirt business an after 6 month's the stop and start a new business and say that the business is making so much money but they quite. I dont have to tell you starting a business will take time. i love your videos and keep on going keep puching and keep building the brand!

Awesome video, I needed that. I've been printing for 2 years now and just as of lately, everything I touch has been shitting the bed. Thank you for reminding me to fight and not give up. I have the same thirst for perfection as you do. It's a gift and a curse as the same time.

Congrats dude. We've seen your hard work this past year. It's definitely been worth watching and obviously worth the results on your end. Keep it up 🤙🏼

Quality of the product, how happy your customer is, 100% the most important metrics.

Glad to see your channel blowing up and that you're taking the time to put all this together for new printers. Keep it up Lee, I can't wait to see you cross that threshold to 100k!

Just found your channel!! Thank you for your videos. I spent 2019 dreaming about having my own shop and starting a screen printing business for t-shirts... I went as far as buying a 4 color press with one tshirt set up with a flash dryer.. and of course coming to find out I need so much more equipment!!! The struggle is real and I will be honest I give up every other day in my mind... but the want in my gut is so real, currently working with what I have to practice and learn out of my garage. Anyhow, this video has given me some motivation today and thank you for that.

I been printing for about 5 yrs as a hobby. Most of my equipment is quality, some is not. I believe you can DIY some stuff like a drying box. I learned that some stuff should not be DIY. While I have full time job, I have a pretty healthy printing business. I dont do thousands of shirts a month, mainly because I dont have the time. Your pointers are on point. I feel that I wasent all in the first 4yrs. I learned enough, quality was ok, I can fixed or hide most of my problems. Then 2019 came and I was done with printing. Printing is fun, dealing with all the issues was just to much. 3 hr jobs taking 8hrs. Registration good one night, then off the next one. I sat down watch all of the printing videos I could. Decided to buy a new press. Remove all the DIY equipment I had left and get them new. Its night and day. Now while I still take orders. I am just going back to basics. Making new complex and challenging designs to practice and master our craft. 2020 is looking like is going to be awesome. I might make 0 actual orders but it will set me up for the rest of my printing life. Ps. Thank you for your videos. The screen printing community in my opinion is not a really helpful community. Obviously there a lot that will help others but most wont. You’re videos have inspire me to go after it again.

That's why I subscribed bro! Learning new trades is king. I can't wait to start soon! Keep those videos pumping!

Congratulations making it into year number two! It's been fun and educational watching you start-up and sweat it out! Good luck to you for the upcoming year!!

I have watched your setup videos idk how many times and every time it motivates me to make sure I get what I want to work up to equipment wise I go ahead and get it. Time=$ and if I am going to spend that time fixing equipment why not save myself the time which equals money. All In or All Out is the best way because anybody who is successful at whatever it is they do, that’s what got them there. Thank you and I will start posting once I get going this year.

“Germ brick” i like this guy hahaha

Wife n I started our shirt business during covid started in June but we used vinly now taking on the challenge on printing it has alot to learn for sure . Gonna do my shirt order off my press just waiting on my inventory bjad alot of info from the print life now u glad I found u guys

i am your opposite i have little experance. and am slowly buying equipment its taking me 2 years with some cheap and expensive equipment. but down to the point thank you for sharing your videos iv watch all of them about 3 times.

You found your creative outlet. Makes sense you love it

Hey Dude, I'm newbie in this industry and wanted to start my own clothing co. I having research to learn basic process of making silkscreen printing, grateful to watched your video all the way from Philippines

Man we share your sentiment re getting bit by the bug! Who knew that we'd dive in the way we did 2 years ago & we went pretty big out the gate cuz we knew this was what we wanted to do seriously. We've been following you on your journey & you've kept us inspired bro kudos to you for just being real. P.s. you're so right about those "print groups " lol...but we won't go there, just remaining grateful to those that genuinely help. Congrats man, looking to crush more this yr as well!

You’re videos are so inspiring. Im in the T shirt business just with vinyl and I’m considering move on to screen printing. I just enjoy what I do so much that all I want to do is keep learning new stuff. Congratulations for your success and thank you for share all you’re knowledge with everyone. Greetings from Puerto Rico 🙏🏽

I watched another beginner video on screen printing and the guy made a valid point. You have to know why you're getting into printing to keep the drive. Can I ask what was your main goal and reason? Trying to pinpoint that for myself.

Wow Lee you dived in completely. Can’t believe you didn’t volunteer or work part time at a shop before starting your shop brave warrior. Congrats on how far you’ve come man keep going my guy!

Nice one Man, so right what you are saying. Your success is showing it and the prints speak for themselves to the customer

Just got a couple of shirts and was blown away by the quality. A lot of people make it look like they know what they're doing on video when in reality, their stuff is trash. Not the case here at all. Plus the sleeves make my frickin arms look bigger so you score double points

I'm going through those struggles now. Nice to see this!

Life goals. I commend you for having courage. Really enjoying your informational videos. Keep up the great work!

I just raffled off an MF DOOM portrait I painted to fund my first single colour press so I can start making my own shirts. It comes this week and I'm looking forward to making a proper mess of it. Thanks for the tips man. Much appreciated ✌️❤️

problems across the board... YES! I keep watching this video to just wooooosaaaaa... LOL. thank you for the videos.

So i start a new job tomorrow as a trainee screen printer, my background is auto refinishing. Came across your channel, great vid! Im subscribed 🙏🏼

Your energy reminds me of Gary Vaynerchuk. You're the Gary V. Of screen printing.

Respect..your attention to detail has inspired my team to take more pride in our work. Happy New Year .thanks again

Holy shit. You just hit me right between the eyes with what I needed to hear. We sat on some used screen printing equipment for a couple of years and just recently set it up and began printing. We are running to into all kinds of issues just like you mentioned and its just too damn easy to cut and run. We have potential clients on the hook and I am sweating the ability to meet demand when the time comes. This is a good problem to have; good motivation if you will. Thank you for sharing these tips and your journey. I look forward to catching up on your library of past videos and hope I can pepper you with questions in the days and weeks to come.

You’re seriously an inspiration no doubt. Been following since the day one video of getting into this business.

Great video. Slippery germ brick had me 😂

i jumped in the game head 1st a month ago & learned im not as smart as i thought i was. i get frustrated & take it out on anything and anybody because i think it suppose 2 b simple. i bought all this equipment, im n too deep too look back. its like a drug im starting to develop a telerance thats turning into an addiction & want 2 try something bigger (worst analogy). lol this video boosted my high because it makes me feel better knowing somebody knows exactly what im goin thru. im excited to c what i get done in a year

awesome, great video, lots of really good info. I'm subscribing, I'm at the beginning of my screen printing journey. might do my first shirt today if things go smooth.

super dope motivation, thank you for all the tips and tricks because you definitely got a good thing going on. self motivation is everything so please continue to shine on bro.....

Loved all your videos and appreciate your tips. I have been watching your videos from the oldest to this and I can’t wait to catching up on all these videos and current ones. Thanks for the inspiration to go for it.

Know this video is old but love your story I’m a fan now ! 🤞🏾🙏🏾

Love your channel , we been printing for years but haven't been pushing it at all past few years. Now after watching your vids i'm ready to dive back in and go bigger. Dirtbike graphics have consumed me for years here at our shop but I think it's time I get back to screenprinting again. Thanks for the motivation Lee

I used to print shirts for my band 17 years ago with shitty picture frames from Goodwill and stolen screen from the art store. Now I just stumbled across your video... I need to take this more seriously now. Thanks for the motivation

I started with some wood and $150 bucks. Made a 1 color t-shirt press with a workshop light with the UV filter removed to flash screens. I'd recommend starting at the bottom, just make a screen and print on a art mat holding the screen manually, I'd skip even using a press at first.

Stupid slippery germ brick that lives in our pockets. Pure fucking gold.

I’m a screen printer , been doing it for 6 months now. Loved this video man , didn’t know we can learn from each other and didn’t know the community was so big !! Bad ass stuff man. Love from RMG Apperal !

Hey man thanks for all your work documenting this!!

Thanks for this! I was going to take a local class but they didn’t cover photo emulsion, so I decided to learn from RU-vid and in about the time it would be to take the class, I have already created several shirts and have been bitten by the bug for printing. I notice that cotton is way more forgiving than polyester for me and I’m learning how to eliminate bleeding issues, but so far I’m proud enough with my progress in just four days to wear the shirts. Love your vid. Hope to be where you are next year. :-)

Ive been doing screenprinting for 1 year also cause im trying to build my brand. Number 1 is really true. Patience Patience Patience. I had alot of sacrifices and downfalls but my goal is to really look at the endpoint or the outcome and that is to create a good design and quality apparels.

Jesus, there are so many soundbites in this video. "Slippery little germ bricks..." Lee, I don't screenprint and never have any intention to undertake anything of the like, but I still watch your videos. You are fucking hilarious!

It took me three years to get to were you are now .respect your work ethic.

Hey Lee Stuart i wanna start some humble to print shirts, now my biggest issue right now is how you make the layers what do you use to make the design i need to learn that process!!! Can you help me out with that?? Maybe make a video of the process of the very first step??? Thank you so much big fan of you and your story here 🤝

I am happy you posted a video about this and i hope there are more to come.

Love your energy bro, this video really helped me out ❤️

Great video man. Thanks

Congratulations bro. 1 year! Keep pushing 👍

My mom just started a screen printing business/website and I want to learn how to do this so I can work for her and get paid early on and these videos will definitely help me

I needed this i tried twice first time undercoocked my screen second time i overcooked it but am not sure if mt emulsion is even good

Yes you forget to mention the must important first Steps is the Screen printing class ! Because they teach you everything there. That's what I'm doing first.!

1. Patience 2. Learn everything 3. Think outside the box

Good stuff as always!!!! Looking forward to see what you put out next.... KEEP PRESSIN!!!!

Just got into screen printing from printing vinyl, and i know what you mean about the bug, lol. You feel like a mad scientist doing experiments.

Congrats on year 1 Lee!!! I am curious to hear your opinion on DTG printing?

Congrats on your one year Mark! You are definitely the one I watch to get accurate and reliable information! I haven't started yet but watching you has given me the confidence that I need! Thanks for this video... but you have already taught me through your other videos to have patience because you are going to have to problem solve the majority of the time! Because of your content I have the mindset to "JUST DO IT!" Thanks for not being a DICK HEAD! LOL! YOU PUT OUT AWESOME CONTENT AND KICK ASS GEAR! HAPPY 1ST ANNIVERSARY!

OMG. Same issue with screen printers. I get runn around and takes days for email replies or call returns. Plus quality is NOT want to put my brand on. I just got a four color manual press and am going to give it a go. But is hard with a family and a full-time job.

Lee, great video. Hands downs you are correct. I've been printing for 40 years, (whoa, yikes 40 years) when I had to hand cut with an exacto knife my design out of a film and put my shirts in my parents oven to cure the ink, talk about thinking outside the box, ha. Even with printing for as long as I have I'm still learning new things, better ways to achieve a great product. Never understood owning a product line and NOT putting out the best you could. I will say it starts with the right apparel you choose to print on, you can have a great print but if you're putting it on Dept Store Crap tees, you still have a crap tee with a good print. Certain apparel (I won't use their names G....., J....., D.... and so on, you get the picture) are NOT a brand to use for a Brand. I know, from watching your videos you've already figure this out. Keep up the great work. We are the ones that create our limitations, never stay inside the BOX!

I have a apparel company , 7 years now and have always done my own printing on a single color RH press and two flash dryers. I just can’t keep up anymore. I have a 26,000 dollar package quote RH350 6x6, I look at everyday for the last two weeks tweeting it to make it perfect. The reason I want to step it up and keep doing my own printing is the same reason you started Lee. But I keep looking at other shops and play with the idea of just outsourcing. Can anyone talk me out of this thinking, any insightful thoughts.

One of the best

Awesome advice and very well said!! I had the opportunity to learn from a 25 year veteran of the silk screen industry..... But I have had to learn all the newer techniques, tools, inks, printers, processes, and products on my own with lots of trial and error. .. If I could give one piece of advice it would be: Stay off Facebook for advice on how to do your job!

Great video, Lee! All great points, especially #3.

Congrats on 1 year homie. Keep going strong!

Hey! I’m an tattoo artist in California and I’m looking to get into screen printing and honestly the town I’m in needs a good screen printing company or locally owned operation. Would love to pick your brain more!

Thanks for the knowledge! Good tips! You have me pumped to start this journey! Love the vids!

I was bitten pretty hard. Thanks again for all the videos Lee.

I can totally relate to these tips bro. I had tons of problems since i started screen printing. Even now problems do occur time to time. These kind of job requires us to be a problem solver. I really envy your equipments bro ,it can really saves time with that kind of equips. Always keep up the good work i will be watching your videos .😁👍🤟

Did you come back and add motion graphics to your older videos. I don’t recall seeing them before. Looks sick man, clean transitions.

That is how you do it. you go full force or go home. Unless you doing it for fun. But if you want to make money as a business, you have to go for it! Good luck. By the way, thanks for the videos on printing on your own boxes.

Nice. I have enjoyed your videos. I started a year before you and you inspire me.

Shout outs to you !!

Dude, i feel every word your saying! i wish i saw this a year ago, and before i moved to an auto!

need more vdos.

I've been working at a small shop for a few years part time doing signs and stickers mostly. Last couple months my boss wanted to see if i was interested in screen printing. I said sure having no idea about how to screen print and man its been a wild ride. There is so much to know and learn. What advice do you or anyone have on conditioning your muscles to combat fatigue or perhaps technique as to not burn you self out after a certain amount of prints?

bitten by the bug... its the chemicals ~!~!!!!! you have a great attitude ! thanks for the vids !

Can you do a video on printing other garments. Like sweatpants

I half to laugh because we sorta started out the same way, but with different goals. for many years ive wanted to sell custom shirts, but either the prices were too high for me to make a profit, or i couldnt find a printer that wanted to make them. Fast forward to 8 months ago, i started researching screen printing videos, including yours. I knew it wouldnt be easy, but i damn sure didnt think it would be this hard to do the prints i wanted. I had no intention to do contract work, only to make shirts to sell at special events. Around (i had to look up the date) mid September i decided to make the plunge, and decided to buy a new machine, because learning this would be hard enough without machine problems on top of it. I bought a 6 color, 4 station Ranar shop package that had almost everything i needed. I opted out of the conveyor dryer because that cost put me way over, and i found out i didnt have the room for it once the area was set up. I have a pile of shirts that you wouldnt believe that are all now rags due to problems. To start with, learning photoshop, illustrator, and a separation program is no fun at 63 years old, and i had an antique store that found out i was going to do printing and asked if i could do a shirt for her. well i learned that simple is harder to design then complicated for me. It was a case of doing something and finding something that looked better, and with printing, i found better means harder. I ended up with a Halftone design for my first prints. it took a half gallon of emulsion and washing out screens like you wouldnt believe. (but im good and fast at it now.) My big problem was getting my burn times right, but ive gotten that dialed in now, and actually printing half tone designs, and a few one color as well. now im at the website phase where im looking to get one and try to set it up. Not a clue with what to do there...lol

You are still our hero!!!!

I fucking love your silkscreen studio man, so inspiring. Love your videos

Cool stuff!

you the man lee, keep up the good content

Thanks a lots 😊😍

Super Motivating

Am having the same problem a getting it right