Best printmaking supplies according to redditors

This is a foil stamper for cards

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!

The point is, the guy is saying build a risin press for 100bucks. Very few people that are looking to make a rosin press will have the suitable fruit press so for them, this is a waste of money.

Straighteners may hold up under hand pressure but once you start throwing extra weight in, they wont last long.

This is a more worthwhile investment of your time.

It's not great but it will put a lot more weed through it than the thing being built in the video.

https://www.amazon.com/Vanell-Machine-controller-Transfer-Sublimation/dp/B07RW9K5XT/ref=mp_s_a_1_17?keywords=rosin+press&qid=1568218841&s=gateway&sr=8-17

Also, this is the heating gun I used and I didn't have any problems!

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07PM81GGN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

bought the hardware thru amazon for around $120 (very solid steel product) and built the door with some beetle kill pine tongue and groove. hit the studs or screw in a ledger board. we're gonna do the same thing for the main bathroom off the kitchen using the same door with glass panel. here's the hardware: http://www.amazon.com/Country-Coffee-Sliding-Hardware-Antique/dp/B00G2PO0T4/ref=sr_1_1?s=hardware&ie=UTF8&qid=1426730114&sr=1-1&keywords=barn+door+hardware

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

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.

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

>Did you cut the stencil from paper or what?

Yep, used an exacto knife to cut it from a piece of cardstock

>What did you use for ink? Was it a paint or spray of some kind?

Just black fabric paint

>And are you using the the dye kit you can get for like 8 dollars at walmart?

I used this

edit: the tie dye kit makes about 12 shirts (I know it says 30 or something on the package but that's for like kids size small)

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.

Yes, this was hot foil embossed.

Hot Foil Stamping Machine:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B076DYGRSM?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Gold Foil:
https://www.tandyleather.com/en/product/heat-imprint-foil-1-1-2-x-66-yds-37-mm-x-60-m-gold

Brass Stamp:
https://lwleathers.com/collections/leather-stamps-and-leather-stamping-tools/products/leather-stamp-with-heat-embosser-for-leather-stamping

I originally used the soldering iron that came with the brass stamp from LW Custom Works. The bolt that was used happened to work out perfectly for the Stamping Machine I purchased later. I believe it's a 4mm tapped hole but I'm not positive.

You can get a modern barn door hardware kit for less than $100.

http://www.amazon.com/TCBunny-Country-Sliding-Hardware-Antique/dp/B00G2PO0T4

Dabpress 3-ton is a way better choice imo.

It’s also available on amazon prime.

This is my go to white ink. Speedball fabric ink is thick and goes on smooth when even pressure is applied

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

No problem! It’s quite simple, just takes a little bit of patience.

So first, we would make our design in Photoshop. Once we finished, we would print it out, then place it on one of these coasters that are specially coated for this type of printing. Finally, we would use a Dye Sublimation Heat Press to print the ink! It basically just heats the ink until it transfers on to another surface.

Here’s a link to the press: 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

I appreciate your curiosity, and thanks again!

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.

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

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?

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 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.

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.

https://www.amazon.com/Ecotex-DC-BLUE-Dual-Cure-Printing-Emulsion/dp/B075LJ8T99/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=ecotex+dc-blue+emulsion&qid=1567909000&s=gateway&sprefix=ecotex+dc&sr=8-3

I'm still very much a beginner, but I have spent some time at my local Tandy store, and they have a lot of this type of equipment out and available to test.

So maybe buy the cheap one from amazon, test it out, go to your nearest Tandy store and test theirs and draw some conclusions? This may not give you a great idea of the relative durability of the two products but it's a start. And I've had a lot of luck with the return policies on Amazon. I know $120 is a big ask to spend on an experiment, but it's Prime eligible so if it sucks you should be able to get your money back.

This is what I use. It will last a while if you are only doing one here and there...

So, maybe this?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0010DV4G0/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1520922057&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=screen+printing+ink+white&dpPl=1&dpID=51obro3eAKL&ref=plSrch

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!

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.

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.

If you'd just like a raised/colored look, you could also use embossing powder.

You'd need: (1) a rubber stamp in a shape you like (like this wax seal style one), (2) some fine embossing powder in a color you like, (3) an embossing ink pad and (4) an embossing gun.

I’m using this kind. I was going to try and mix it more on my next attempt, although I think I mixed it thoroughly enough.

After a couple days looking for the best deal I settled on this over the one you linked. It had a 20 off coupon a couple days ago... Dabpress 3x5 on Amazon

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!

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

I don't know if your IEMs are different, but when some older ones I had failed, there was no good way to access the cable. (The unit was press/glue fitted together. From a quick search, the ones you have don't look much better.) I recommend that you buy a soldering iron kit and solder the wire back together instead of replacing the cable. Heat shrink tubing is recommended to prevent the same cable from failing in that location again.

Those cables are covered in varnish, so twist them together and then use the soldering iron to burn off the varnish while you solder the two wires together. If using heat shrink, use 2 layers: one for the inner wires, then one for the entire cable. You can shrink heat shrink with a lighter or a heat gun.

Upgraded 3x5 Inch DIY Uncaged Heat Press Plates Kit - dp-rp35 - Dual Heating Plates - Bottom Plate Holder Attached - Pair It with 10-12 Ton Hydraulic Press https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KR4MNMB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hi6HDbS6FC5ZJ

$220 for 3x5 plates and PID from link above
$129 for 12 ton h frame press from harbor freight
$349 + all ur screens parchment and $200 of some custy weed if ur not a grower

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.

I use this ink for shirts
Speedball Art Products 4560 Fabric Screen Printing Ink, 8 Fl. oz, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001038NLY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_jrRBDb0SHXE2T

And for emulsion this

Speedball Art Products 4559 Diazo Photo Emulsion Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007ZHGWI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_DwRBDb6XH126Z

high mesh screens can have drying problems because of how small the holes in the mesh are. maybe try using an ink retarder, which will slow down the ink's drying time.
https://www.amazon.com/Speedball-Non-Toxic-Non-Flammable-Retarder-Height/dp/B003F3062Q

This is the one I use with my students. I'm sure there are "fancier" options out there, but this works fine for my purposes.

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.

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

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.

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)

Upgraded 3x5 Inch DIY Uncaged Heat Press Plates Kit - dp-rp35 - Dual Heating Plates - Bottom Plate Holder Attached - Pair It with 10-12 Ton Hydraulic Press https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KR4MNMB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZeLPDb78NJ0XA

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.

A thousand tools so I could fix and build anything I wanted. I often daydream about the things I could make if I had my own woodshop :)

Screenprinting ink!