Shop Hacks

Same Brand Strike Offs

Always use a test shirt from the same blank run for strike-offs. Mismatched garments give false approvals and waste time, ink, and effort. ...

Cardboard Ink Bucket Lids

Keep your print shop clean with this hack: use cardboard or cut bucket lids as disposable scoop rests for 5-gal ink buckets, keeping tools and...

Free Shop Phone Number

Setting up a Google Voice number is an easy way to give your shop a professional line without exposing your personal cell.  It’s free, allows...

PDF Form Approvals

Turn repetitive art approvals into a streamlined workflow by building your templates once in Illustrator, then converting them into Acrobat fillable PDFs.  With dropdowns, text...

Mist Waterbase Screens

Pre-misting your screens with a water and Matsui softener mix before starting a water-based run can save valuable time on press. By wetting both sides...

Local Hem Tags

Adding sewn hem or loop tags doesn’t always require in-house sewing skills. Many local dry cleaners or seamstresses can handle this work quickly and affordably,...

Glue Neck Label Up

Keeping sewn tags out of the way during relabeling can save time and reduce misprints. A simple trick is to add a small dot of...

Flatten Center Hat Seam

Structured hats often have a raised ridge along the front panel seam that can cause thread breaks during embroidery. By lightly tapping the inside seam...

Steam Embroidered Hats

After running hats through the embroidery machine, it’s common to see presser-foot marks or a stiff crown. A quick pass with a handheld steamer removes...

Step Wedge Exposure

Getting consistent results in screen printing starts with proper exposure. A step wedge (exposure calculator) makes it easy to dial in the right burn time...

Windex Opens Screens

When a screen prints with a greasy or clear look after washout, it usually means residue is blocking the stencil and stopping ink from passing...

Non-Stick Tape Trash

Dusting the inside of a garbage bag with baby powder is a simple trick that saves time in the screen printing shop. When you pull...