RSS feed for blog.madelab.iohttps://blog.madelab.io/enhttps://blog.madelab.io/the-importance-of-pre-shift-meetings-yes-really/https://blog.madelab.io/the-importance-of-pre-shift-meetings-yes-really/Let’s be honest—nobody dreams of more meetings. But a quick, focused pre-shift huddle? That’s a game-changer. In busy print shops, especially those juggling multiple jobs, presses, and departments, just five minutes at the start of the day can make everything run smoother—and it’s one of the easiest ways to boost morale and keep people aligned. Here’s why it works, what to cover, and how to make it stick.Fri, 27 Mar 2026 16:26:38 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/why-sharp-squeegees-matter/https://blog.madelab.io/why-sharp-squeegees-matter/In screen printing, we spend a lot of time talking about meshes, inks, exposures, and press settings—but often one of the most important tools in the entire process often gets overlooked: The squeegee. At the end of the day, the squeegee is the tool that’s actually *doing the printing*. It’s the component physically shearing the ink through the screen and onto the garment. If that action isn’t clean and precise, nothing else upstream really matters.Fri, 27 Mar 2026 16:18:50 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/3-reasons-to-head-to-impressions-atlantic-city-this-year/https://blog.madelab.io/3-reasons-to-head-to-impressions-atlantic-city-this-year/Save your spot and join the industry on the East Coast for one of the most iconic decorated apparel trade shows of the year. Since 1979, the Atlantic City Expo has been a cornerstone event for the decorated apparel industry. Generations of screen printers, embroiderers, and shop owners have made the trip to the Jersey Shore to learn, connect, and grow their businesses. Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/how-the-made-training-x-support-program-can-transform-your-print-shop/https://blog.madelab.io/how-the-made-training-x-support-program-can-transform-your-print-shop/Running a screen printing shop can feel like juggling flaming squeegees—especially when your workflow isn’t dialed, screens are breaking down, and nobody’s 100% sure what “best practices” even means anymore. We get it. That’s exactly why we created the MADE Training x Support Program. So, what is the Training x Support Program? It’s an in-person […] Thu, 26 Feb 2026 01:10:10 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/the-role-of-documentation-in-scaling-a-screen-print-shop/https://blog.madelab.io/the-role-of-documentation-in-scaling-a-screen-print-shop/If you’ve been in this industry long enough, you’ve probably said some version of:“Yeah, we stay busy.”Or… “It depends.”Or the classic… “It feels like we’re burning through screens lately.” The problem? Feels like isn’t a strategy. If you actually want to scale your shop — not just survive week to week — you need data. […] Thu, 26 Feb 2026 01:03:29 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/three-reasons-a-decorator-should-consider-coming-to-threadx/https://blog.madelab.io/three-reasons-a-decorator-should-consider-coming-to-threadx/If you’re a growing decorator, chances are you’re asking the same questions everyone in this industry eventually faces: How do I scale without breaking what’s working?Who can I trust as I grow?What’s coming next—and how do I prepare for it? ThreadX was built for that exact moment in your journey. Here are three reasons why […] Sun, 08 Feb 2026 22:14:05 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/mastering-fleece-best-practices-for-screen-printing-on-tricky-substrates/https://blog.madelab.io/mastering-fleece-best-practices-for-screen-printing-on-tricky-substrates/Let’s be real—fleece can be a pain to print on. It’s thick, it squishes, it holds moisture, and it loves to throw your registration out of whack. But with a few smart adjustments, you can dial it in and make fleece prints look just as clean and consistent as your best t-shirt runs. Here are […] Sat, 07 Feb 2026 02:39:57 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/hot-market-printing-long-nights-fast-shirts-no-do-overs/https://blog.madelab.io/hot-market-printing-long-nights-fast-shirts-no-do-overs/Shirt Kong, St Peters, MO Hot market printing is one of those things that sounds cool on paper and then hits you hard in real life. World Series. Super Bowl. Big moments where fans want merch immediately. Not next week. Not after a reprint. The next morning. That kind of turnaround is wild, and it’s […] Sat, 07 Feb 2026 02:34:51 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/exploring-the-cosmos-of-color-made-lab-x-roq-at-impressions-expo-long-beach/https://blog.madelab.io/exploring-the-cosmos-of-color-made-lab-x-roq-at-impressions-expo-long-beach/At this year’s Impressions Expo in Long Beach, MADE Lab partnered with ROQ to bring a duo of cosmic prints to life for the Print Masters Throwdown—one on a tee, one on a hoodie, and both engineered for maximum visual depth using just a few well-played screens and smart press setups. The Tee: Space Meets […] Mon, 19 Jan 2026 23:58:29 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/how-to-choose-the-right-squeegee-durometer-for-the-job/https://blog.madelab.io/how-to-choose-the-right-squeegee-durometer-for-the-job/If you’ve been around a press long enough, you know that not all squeegees are created equal. One of the most underrated tools in screen printing, your squeegee's durometer (aka hardness) can make or break your print quality—and your sanity on press. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right squeegee durometer depending […] Mon, 22 Dec 2025 02:50:08 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/the-most-underrated-piece-of-gear-in-the-shop-the-auto-coater/https://blog.madelab.io/the-most-underrated-piece-of-gear-in-the-shop-the-auto-coater/\"I can coat a screen faster than that machine.\" Yep—heard that one a hundred times. And yeah, you're probably right. You can coat faster. But here’s the real question: can you coat better? The auto coater is one of the most overlooked pieces of equipment in a screen printing shop. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t […] Sat, 20 Dec 2025 22:20:48 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/how-to-choose-the-right-mesh-count-for-every-print-job/https://blog.madelab.io/how-to-choose-the-right-mesh-count-for-every-print-job/If you’ve ever fought to keep detail in a halftone or couldn’t figure out why your prints weren’t looking as sharp as they should, chances are your mesh count had something to do with it.Choosing the right mesh count is one of the most important decisions in screen printing — it affects ink deposit, detail, […] Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:19:18 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/put-yourself-out-there-how-kong-screen-printing-got-on-how-i-built-this-with-guy-raz/https://blog.madelab.io/put-yourself-out-there-how-kong-screen-printing-got-on-how-i-built-this-with-guy-raz/If you’ve ever questioned whether it’s really worth it to attend that next industry event, meet-up, or conference—let this story be your reminder that you never know where one connection might take you. Ryan Burkhart and Bruce Braden, co-founders of Kong Screen Printing in Austin, Texas, have quietly built one of the most customer-focused print […] Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:14:44 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/why-organization-is-everything-in-a-screen-print-shop/https://blog.madelab.io/why-organization-is-everything-in-a-screen-print-shop/Organization might not be the most exciting topic in screen printing, but it’s one of the most important.A clean, organized shop isn’t just about looks — it’s about efficiency, pride, and consistency.If your workspace is cluttered, your head usually is too. A Clean Shop Is a Productive Shop Screen printing is a messy process — […] Wed, 12 Nov 2025 21:19:00 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/print-hustlers-2025-recap/https://blog.madelab.io/print-hustlers-2025-recap/By Ryan Moor, with takeaways from Dylan Gilligan and The Shirt Show Newsletter This year marked the 8th Print Hustlers, and for me, my 8th time attending. As Bruce Ackerman, founder of Printavo and the Print Hustlers Conference, said in his opening remarks—it’s incredible to see how far this event has come. From a humble […] Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:06:41 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/wb-camp-2025-real-world-printing-real-connections/https://blog.madelab.io/wb-camp-2025-real-world-printing-real-connections/Written by John Magee – Avient CorporationIntroduction by MADE Laboratory Almost 40 decorators and vendors from across the branded apparel industry gathered last week at ROQ.US headquarters in Claremont, Florida, for WB CAMP 2025. Now in its fifth edition, this year’s WB CAMP marked a pivotal moment — it was the first time we took […] Thu, 30 Oct 2025 19:26:59 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/how-testing-drives-better-decoration-made-laboratory-results-in-action/https://blog.madelab.io/how-testing-drives-better-decoration-made-laboratory-results-in-action/At MADE Laboratory, we’ve made it our mission to raise the bar in apparel decoration testing. Every year, we test thousands of garments from top manufacturers, offering detailed performance data to guide decorators and brands toward better results. From fiber matte down, heat tolerance, ink compatibility and dye migration, our testing provides a roadmap for […] Fri, 17 Oct 2025 13:49:44 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/behind-the-print-classic-rock-print-on-bellacanvas-4810gd-garment-dye/https://blog.madelab.io/behind-the-print-classic-rock-print-on-bellacanvas-4810gd-garment-dye/At MADE Laboratory, every project is a chance to blend craft, technology, and storytelling through screen printing. For the ROQ On Dallas party — happening after the Impressions Dallas show — we wanted to make a shirt that feels like it belongs at a concert merch booth: bold, textured, and with a hand-feel that makes […] Fri, 03 Oct 2025 15:34:50 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/how-to-clean-your-saati-lts-laser-for-sharper-halftones/https://blog.madelab.io/how-to-clean-your-saati-lts-laser-for-sharper-halftones/If you’re chasing cleaner halftones, sharper detail, and predictable exposures, your problem might not be your file, your RIP, or your mesh. It might be dust. That’s right — something as simple as a dirty lens on your SAATI LTS laser system can cause fuzzier imaging, soft edges, haze during washout, and inconsistent dot gain […] Sat, 20 Sep 2025 20:30:16 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/printing-with-water-based-inks-heres-what-to-watch-out-for-especially-if-youre-used-to-plastisol/https://blog.madelab.io/printing-with-water-based-inks-heres-what-to-watch-out-for-especially-if-youre-used-to-plastisol/There’s a learning curve when moving from plastisol to water-based inks, and that curve gets steeper when you're working with high-solids acrylic (HSA) formulas. HSA inks give beautiful results, but they demand precision, consistency, and a very different approach than what plastisol printers are used to. I recently ran an 8-color water-based job using Avient […] Fri, 29 Aug 2025 20:02:48 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/why-your-shop-needs-sops-how-qr-codes-can-make-them-even-better/https://blog.madelab.io/why-your-shop-needs-sops-how-qr-codes-can-make-them-even-better/If you’ve been running a print shop for a while, you already know—things can go sideways fast without clear processes. That’s where SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) come in. Think of SOPs as your “shop manual.” They’re step-by-step guides for every machine and process in your shop, so things get done the way you want them […] Sat, 09 Aug 2025 02:04:11 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/sop-how-to-create-and-post-qr-codes-for-your-video-sops/https://blog.madelab.io/sop-how-to-create-and-post-qr-codes-for-your-video-sops/In this short blog, we overview the process to simply create and link QR codes to video SOP’s for your screen printing shop. Interested in learning more about SOP’s for your shop, read our other blog which outlines why and how to create create SOP’s for your screen printing shop. Purpose: To document the process […] Sat, 09 Aug 2025 02:04:02 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/do-your-own-dye-migration-testing-in-house/https://blog.madelab.io/do-your-own-dye-migration-testing-in-house/How to Evaluate Polyester Garments Before Decoration and Production When it comes to decorating on polyester, dye migration is one of the most common and costly print defects. It occurs when the dyes in synthetic fabrics become reactivated under heat and migrate into the ink layer—especially whites—causing discoloration. At MADE Lab, we conduct standardized migration […] Wed, 23 Jul 2025 22:09:47 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/which-is-the-best-cts-inkject-wax-or-laser/https://blog.madelab.io/which-is-the-best-cts-inkject-wax-or-laser/My Journey Through Digital Screen Imaging with CTS and DTS: Inkjet, Wax, and LTS By: Kyle Caldwell, July 10th, 2025 Over the years working in screen printing, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of digital screen imaging systems—each with its own strengths, quirks, and learning curves. I wanted to share some of […] Thu, 10 Jul 2025 19:50:58 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/creating-sops-roqs-jet-black-screen-reclaiming-system/https://blog.madelab.io/creating-sops-roqs-jet-black-screen-reclaiming-system/At MADE Lab, we’re constantly building tools, training, and systems that help screen print shops scale their production while maintaining elite-level quality and efficiency. One of the most common bottlenecks in production? Screen reclaim. That’s why our Training & Support Manager, Kyle Caldwell, created the following Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) specifically for our client Drip […] Wed, 02 Jul 2025 21:19:04 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/welcome-kyle-caldwell-made-labs-new-education-training-support-manager/https://blog.madelab.io/welcome-kyle-caldwell-made-labs-new-education-training-support-manager/From Punk Rock to Production Powerhouse: Meet Kyle Caldwell MADE Lab is thrilled to welcome Kyle Caldwell as our new Education, Training & Support Manager—a role that perfectly blends his passion for screen printing with his knack for developing efficient, high-performing teams. Kyle’s journey into screen printing started early—in high school shop class, pulling squeegees […] Wed, 02 Jul 2025 18:12:50 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/perfecting-wet-on-wet-screen-printing-5-key-tips-from-made-to-roq/https://blog.madelab.io/perfecting-wet-on-wet-screen-printing-5-key-tips-from-made-to-roq/Wet-on-wet screen printing is a technique that requires precision, control, and an understanding of how inks interact with each other on press. At the MADE TO ROQ workshop, Miguel and the team showcased their expertise in wet-on-wet printing, demonstrating how to achieve clean, vibrant prints without excessive buildup or blurring. Here are five key takeaways […] Sat, 15 Mar 2025 19:08:32 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/on-betterment-730-printing-x-made-laboratory/https://blog.madelab.io/on-betterment-730-printing-x-made-laboratory/Introduction It’s not widely advertised, but through our Training x Support program, MADE Laboratory offers more than just hands-on training; we provide full-scale business consulting and mentoring built on years of experience, trial, and, most importantly, mistakes. We are not your typical “professional” consultants and don’t claim to be. But as a team that has […] Thu, 06 Mar 2025 18:49:50 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/the-role-of-testing-in-apparel-decoration/https://blog.madelab.io/the-role-of-testing-in-apparel-decoration/Why Testing Matters in Apparel Decoration In the branded apparel industry, quality is everything. A smooth and bright print, a durable heat transfer, or embroidery that doesn’t pucker—these aren’t just happy accidents. They’re the result of choosing the right garment, matching it with the right art, and executing the proper decoration processes to get the […] Mon, 10 Feb 2025 17:30:09 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/wbweek-at-roq-us-the-future-of-water-based-printing-in-action/https://blog.madelab.io/wbweek-at-roq-us-the-future-of-water-based-printing-in-action/The countdown is on for MADE Lab’s WB|WEEK, the ultimate gathering for water-based printing enthusiasts, and this year, it’s happening at the ROQ Tech Center in sunny Clermont, FL! This event is more than just a showcase—it’s a deep dive into the power and potential of water-based screen printing, featuring industry leaders, hands-on experiences, and […] Wed, 05 Feb 2025 13:33:49 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/why-real-thread-is-a-shop-to-watch-and-why-you-should-join-them-at-wbcamp/https://blog.madelab.io/why-real-thread-is-a-shop-to-watch-and-why-you-should-join-them-at-wbcamp/The Shirtees Awards, hosted by The Shirt Show and Printavo’s Print Hustlers Podcast, just wrapped up their second annual event, and one name stood out: Real Thread. Recognized as a Shop to Watch, Real Thread has built a reputation for innovation, quality, and forward-thinking business practices. And if you’ve ever wanted to see what makes […] Tue, 04 Feb 2025 21:50:43 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/expanding-made-labs-testing-program-to-advance-apparel-decoration/https://blog.madelab.io/expanding-made-labs-testing-program-to-advance-apparel-decoration/MADE Lab’s testing program is designed to transform the branded apparel industry by empowering manufacturers and decorators with critical insights into fabric performance and decoration techniques. To meet increasing demand and further our mission of creating a better industry, we are expanding our capabilities. The Purpose of Testing: Elevating Industry Standards Our testing program bridges […] Sat, 23 Nov 2024 20:01:10 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/steve-jobs-didnt-like-consultants-and-neither-do-we/https://blog.madelab.io/steve-jobs-didnt-like-consultants-and-neither-do-we/Consultants like to come in and tell you what you are doing wrong, we’re here to train you on the processes to do things right. MADE’s hands-on training and support for screen printing shops focuses on empowering your team with the skills they need to thrive. Unlike consultants, who often give advice from the sidelines, […] Mon, 21 Oct 2024 17:21:47 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/mastering-high-color-count-hsa-water-based-screen-printing/https://blog.madelab.io/mastering-high-color-count-hsa-water-based-screen-printing/Printing with HSA (High Solids Acrylic) water-based inks can yield vibrant, long-lasting results, but it requires a specific approach to ensure success. By following these essential tips discussed at Eric Solomon from Night Owls at WB/WEEK 2024 and utilizing the right tools—like the Saati HI-DRO Screen Mesh—you can elevate the quality of your prints and […] Tue, 08 Oct 2024 19:18:51 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/5-reasons-to-attend-print-hustlers-conf-24/https://blog.madelab.io/5-reasons-to-attend-print-hustlers-conf-24/Top 5 Reasons Growing Shops Should Invest in Print Hustlers Conference 2024 If you run a growing screen printing shop like Don’t Lose Hope, attending the 2024 Print Hustlers Conference at the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland should be a top priority. The Shirt Show podcast recently emphasized the benefits of […] Fri, 20 Sep 2024 22:07:25 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/what-will-you-gain-from-made-laboratorys-training-x-support-program/https://blog.madelab.io/what-will-you-gain-from-made-laboratorys-training-x-support-program/MADE Lab's comprehensive training program covers every aspect of the screen printing workflow, empowering you with the knowledge and skills to optimize your production process. Here are some key areas you can expect to learn about: Specific Skills You'll Gain: By participating in MADE Lab's training, you'll gain valuable insights and practical skills to optimize […] Wed, 04 Sep 2024 19:50:07 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/steve-albini-thank-you-for-your-time/https://blog.madelab.io/steve-albini-thank-you-for-your-time/A few years ago now we were planning the Print Hustlers Conference in Chicago. Tom and I were discussing the event and were trying to make a correlation between the city and someone influential to be a speaker. Tom had the idea to reach out to Steve Albini. We thought it was a long shot, […] Thu, 09 May 2024 00:19:31 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/print-hustlers-live-giveaway/https://blog.madelab.io/print-hustlers-live-giveaway/Print Hustlers Live Giveaway Print Hustlers Live gives a chance for those who didn’t get to attend For Print Hustlers Conference 2023 to catch the valuable information shared at this event. This year, we specifically selected speakers that have resources for how to better run your print shop. We wanted you to be able to […] Fri, 08 Dec 2023 16:45:59 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/print-hustlers-past-present-and-future/https://blog.madelab.io/print-hustlers-past-present-and-future/Print Hustlers, Past, Present, and Future How Print Hustlers Conferences started, has grown, and what you can look forward to next year. Print Hustler’s Conference was originally created in 2016 by Printavo’s founder Bruce Ackerman. His goal was to provide education to the apparel decoration space. His belief is to be a leading company, you […] Fri, 24 Nov 2023 18:53:32 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/made-iq-sessions-at-printing-united-expo-23/https://blog.madelab.io/made-iq-sessions-at-printing-united-expo-23/Driving the conversation through interactive Q&A with some of the decorated apparel industry's top performers. iQ Sessions are not your typical industry panel or on-stage Q&A; think of a podcast like How I Built This, but in a live and comfortable setting that you get to drive. After a short, interactive intro and background from […] Sat, 14 Oct 2023 23:41:02 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/a-short-recap-of-wb-week-23/https://blog.madelab.io/a-short-recap-of-wb-week-23/A Look Back at WB/WEEK '23 Last week, July 19-22, we hosted WB/WEEK ‘23 at MADE Laboratory in Fort Worth, TX. Decorators from around the country came together to learn from the best in the industry and perfect their water-based printing skills while making new friends and discussing the challenges we all face in every […] Mon, 24 Jul 2023 22:42:40 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/3-reasons-to-dive-into-water-based-inks-in-your-screen-printing-shop/https://blog.madelab.io/3-reasons-to-dive-into-water-based-inks-in-your-screen-printing-shop/3 Reasons to Dive into Water-Based Inks. If you're in the business of screen-printing, you're no stranger to the battle of inks: water-based vs. plastisol. At MADE Laboratory, the answer is neither; it's actually both. Yes, plastisol and water-based inks are both great tools for the screen-printer to use in their shop. If you aren't […] Mon, 03 Jul 2023 20:39:49 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/a-look-into-wb-week-2023/https://blog.madelab.io/a-look-into-wb-week-2023/A Look into WB/WEEK 2023 WB/BASIC July 19-20, 2023 Have you ever been curious about screen printing with water-based ink, but couldn't figure it out? WB/BASIC is a two-day exploration into water-based printing. This workshop is designed to deliver an immersive educational and social experience to demystify water-based screen printing for decorators. WB/BASIC is the […] Wed, 10 May 2023 23:45:33 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/high-voltage-studios-shop-tour/https://blog.madelab.io/high-voltage-studios-shop-tour/Enter High Voltage Studios We built MADE as 'a home for the thinkers and makers who can see what's next and deliver it now'- but it's always fun to watch someone build their own. While making the rounds in Austin, TX, during SXSW and Flatstock 84, we were invited to visit our friend Tim Gibson's […] Mon, 17 Apr 2023 21:45:54 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/industry-printshop-tour/https://blog.madelab.io/industry-printshop-tour/Fresh Prints Daily! During SXSW '23, we attended Industry Printshop's Print Addiction Party, complete with Draplin Prints and merch on the spot. Tony was kind enough to give us a tour, showing how Industry is unique in that it focuses on custom merch and flat-stock printing. We'll have a more in-depth look later at their […] Tue, 04 Apr 2023 19:48:27 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/made-does-flatstock-84/https://blog.madelab.io/made-does-flatstock-84/MADE Does Flatstock 84 When your friends are in town, you make it a point to visit them. And when your 'town' is 'Texas', and your friend is Aaron Draplin, and he's hanging out with your other friends, Industry Printshop, AND it's during South by Southwest, it is mandatory to pay everyone a visit. Tom […] Thu, 23 Mar 2023 20:07:57 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/roq-faux-applique-print/https://blog.madelab.io/roq-faux-applique-print/Faux Appliqué Print for ROQ Brian Lessard and MADE Lab created a special effects faux Appliqué design for ROQ to highlight how you can create an extraordinary print on a higher-end garment using six screens. This is how we MADE it. Pre-Press We started by selecting a variety of screen meshes using SAATI Hydro Thin Thread mesh on GSF static frames. […] Wed, 15 Feb 2023 21:11:39 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/business-of-student-success/https://blog.madelab.io/business-of-student-success/Aiming Students Towards Success. Last month, BELLA+CANVAS, Supacolor, and MADE teamed up to help Business of Student Success (BOSS) educate and inspire students to grow artistically and professionally through the power of apparel decoration. BELLA+CANVAS’ goal was to introduce the group of students to the apparel manufacturing and distribution process as well as the accessibility […] Fri, 10 Feb 2023 20:41:52 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/screen-printing-is-fun/https://blog.madelab.io/screen-printing-is-fun/Screen Printing is FUN! By Eric and Val Solomon. It's True! Screen Printing is Fun! We designed Screen Printing is Fun! with Jon Kelly Green for WB Camp to showcase multiple types of water based ink on the same garment. We demoed how to construct and manage these different inks to create a […] Wed, 02 Nov 2022 21:02:08 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/5-reasons-were-going-to-vegas-for-printing-united/https://blog.madelab.io/5-reasons-were-going-to-vegas-for-printing-united/5 Reasons we’re going to Vegas for PRINTING United (and so should you) It's time to get the gang back together, and we're talking about the whole printing community. PRINTING United Expo is coming up, and here are five reasons we’re going to Vegas (and so should you). 1. Education PRINTING United is more […] Wed, 21 Sep 2022 22:05:21 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/apparel-fabrication-testing-at-made/https://blog.madelab.io/apparel-fabrication-testing-at-made/Apparel Fabrication Testing at MADE SanMar and MADE Lab are partnering to create better garments for the decoration industry. Before MADE Lab, most manufacturers would outsource testing to screen printing shops (or skip testing altogether). Due to the busy nature of this industry, they would often wait many weeks for results. This forced them to […] Fri, 16 Sep 2022 16:38:28 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/tips-from-wb-camp-on-how-to-achieve-a-retail-quality-white/https://blog.madelab.io/tips-from-wb-camp-on-how-to-achieve-a-retail-quality-white/Tips From WB Camp On How To Achieve A Retail Quality White. How to screen print a retail finish water based white on a small automatic press. One of our educators at MADE Lab’s WB Camp was Colin Shane from LMP Inc. His demo on getting a retail quality white using Matsui Water Based Ink and […] Thu, 08 Sep 2022 20:55:27 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/news-made-and-supacolor-join-forces/https://blog.madelab.io/news-made-and-supacolor-join-forces/News: MADE and Supacolor Join Forces A coordinated effort that aims to educate apparel decorators and help them grow. MADE Laboratory today announced a new partnership with Supacolor. This joint effort will promote and educate decorators of all skill levels across the globe on the efficacy of heat transfer technology as a pillar in apparel […] Tue, 16 Aug 2022 21:32:02 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/wb-camp-2022-happenings/https://blog.madelab.io/wb-camp-2022-happenings/WB CAMP 2022 Happenings It was exciting to feel the energy in the room this past weekend at WB Camp! We’d like to thank the over 70 people who attended, along with our educators and sponsors who MADE this event possible. It was great to see such a strong turnout and support for water-based printing. […] Thu, 04 Aug 2022 22:01:36 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/screen-printing-with-discharge-on-a-50-50-blend/https://blog.madelab.io/screen-printing-with-discharge-on-a-50-50-blend/Screen Printing with Discharge on a 50/50 Blend Creative print engineering to avoid dye migration and over seam screen printing. Recently, we used the SanMar Port & Company Core Fleece Sweatshirt Tote to make swag bags at our Water Based workshop. These totes were a great hit because of their unique style and cozy garment […] Wed, 03 Aug 2022 22:17:36 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/skills-usa-2022-the-new-school/https://blog.madelab.io/skills-usa-2022-the-new-school/Skills USA 2022. The New School. Skills USA is a competition for students that study trades in high school. Multiple trades are present at the event, from beauty to culinary to mechanics. MADE worked with Printed United Alliance to facilitate the Screenprinting Technology competition this year. Sixteen students from across the United States came to […] Mon, 18 Jul 2022 21:33:04 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/wb-camp-2022-2-0/https://blog.madelab.io/wb-camp-2022-2-0/WB Camp 2022 2.0 As screen printers, we can all appreciate the ability to achieve a vibrant soft print that breathes and conforms to the garment. Screen printing water based ink is a great way to get there. We can also agree that running water based ink in a shop is not nearly as easy […] Fri, 17 Jun 2022 20:36:05 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/news-made-and-matsui-partnership/https://blog.madelab.io/news-made-and-matsui-partnership/News: MADE and Matsui Partnership MADE Lab and Matsui Partner To Expand Education and Product Immersion. A partnership that strives to bring awareness to sustainable practices, an increase in education to the apparel decoration market, and additional research to the print industry. MADE Laboratory is announcing a new partnership with Matsui International Company. This partnership will […] Wed, 01 Jun 2022 19:35:22 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/dial-in-your-dryer-using-a-thermocouple-instrument-screen-printers-temperature-probe/https://blog.madelab.io/dial-in-your-dryer-using-a-thermocouple-instrument-screen-printers-temperature-probe/Dial-In Your Dryer Using A Thermocouple Instrument & Screen Printer’s Temperature Probe: an overview of curing screen printed apparel correctly. Fri, 15 Apr 2022 21:24:33 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/special-fx-faux-applique/https://blog.madelab.io/special-fx-faux-applique/The MADE Lab team taught a Special FX Series at this years Impressions Long Beach show designed around a Faux Appliqué screen print. We wanted to demonstrate a special effects print using standard mesh, one or two FX inks using up to six colors, and one flash. Thu, 17 Feb 2022 20:38:31 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/white-plastisol-underbase-alternative/https://blog.madelab.io/white-plastisol-underbase-alternative/Using an alternative underbase could not only save you white plastisol ink, but also provide a better print for your customers. Tue, 14 Dec 2021 16:34:15 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/plastisol-ink-supply-shortage/https://blog.madelab.io/plastisol-ink-supply-shortage/Six proven strategies for your shop to mitigate and get ahead of the plastisol ink shortage in the market today. Thu, 09 Dec 2021 20:51:49 GMThttps://blog.madelab.io/made-to-lead-the-women-of-screen-printing-awards/https://blog.madelab.io/made-to-lead-the-women-of-screen-printing-awards/When we got a chance to host the Women of Screen Printing Awards with Screen Printing Magazine at our Launch Event earlier this year, we jumped at the opportunity. Mon, 15 Nov 2021 22:54:07 GMT