Blocking out a Screen Frame 101A
Part 3 in our se
ries involves the steps to Blocking out a Screen Frame.
This how-to video follows previous demos: Coating Screens 101A and Exposing and Developing Screens 101A.
TOOLS OF THE TRADE from RhinoTech
The necessary tools include the screen frame that we previously exposed and developed, RB203 Thick Blockout that is water-soluble and a perfect choice to use on coarser mesh counts and a little squeegee. We also use the BL1620 Exposure Unit w/backlight.
NOTE: For finer mesh counts, the choice is RB202 that is a thinner product. For an absolutely permanent blockout, the choice is RB201.
STEPS TO BLOCKING OUT A SCREEN FRAME.
Puddle blockout in the corner of the frame. With the trusty yellow squeegee, spread blockout around the edge of the frame. This is important to ensure that all pinholes from dust are covered.
NOTE: RB203 is water-soluble making it easy to wash off the screen. And, the backlight on the Exposure System makes it easy to see where light is potentially seeping through, so you can cover those areas/spots with the Blockout.
Work carefully, though, to make sure that you don’t get any of the blockout on the image.
Let the screen dry.
DOUBLE SECURITY.
When the screen is dry, use regular packing tape to tape out around the inside edge of the backside (squeegee side) of the frame. This will ensure that when you print, no ink will get squished between the mesh and the frame.
And, that’s it!
RECAP:
RB203 – when you need a thick blockout for coarser mesh counts.
RB202 – when you need a thin blockout for finer mesh counts
RB201 – when you want a permanent blockout.
For a refresher click HERE!
Stay tuned for Part 4 -Ink Removal 101A.
Thanks for taking the time to view this demo by RhinoTech. If you have questions, please contact us directly at 651-686-5027 x 4 and info@rhinotechinc.com. We’re here for you because we want you to be wildly successful.
Find RhinoTech @: youtube.com; Facebook; Twitter; Linkedin; Pinterest
RhinoTech + HIX = a Powerhouse of a Manual Screen Printer for the Start-up – Professional Printer.
Dead-on accuracy, micro-registration, engineering excellence – a bold statement backed-up by the incredible performance of a HIX 4/Color – 4/Station NP Premier Printer.
And, RhinoTech is excited to be able to distribute this system to the world that showcases these features:
- Totally, tool-less, on/off contact and inclination adjustments.
- True, “all-heads-down” that allows printing at the speed of loading/unloading.
- Optional side clamps for improved grip.
- Optional “Bigfoot” side clamps for extra-large screen frames.
- Full range of optional, interchangeable platens from jacket hold-downs to sleeve boards, as well as, custom aluminum platens.
- Easy clean-up due to aluminum castings, anodized and epoxy coated finishes.
Thanks for your interest in this manual printer and all other U.S.A – built bench and stand-alone textile printing systems from RhinoTech.
Free Shipping opportunities from RhinoTech are available on all purchases of $50+ when delivered in the contiguous U.S.A. And, we ship world-wide.
Questions? RhinoTech has answers: 651-686-5027 x 4; info@rhinotechinc.com; youtube.com/rhinotechcompany for instructional videos.
BE Courageous. BE Happy. BE Human.
Core ideals for everyone. Core traits for a screen, digital or graphics printing business whether formed or in the start-up phase that will contribute to the worth and success of a business.
This reminder and inspiring by-line comes from the team of women who are Bliss Entourage. BE was founded by these down-to-earth women (pictured at left) who, early on in their young lives, figured out that there was a vast world of opportunity, adventure, education and global citizenship awaiting them if they chose to take the leap. And, they did. Solo travel led to education of the mind, heart and physical being. They learned and healed from some of their own personal struggles. And, they became even more courageous. And, mindful. And, confident. Finding their paths toward one another through healthy living (with some decadent desserts), nutritional counseling, nursing education, yoga practice, health and fitness, life coaching, meditation, relaxation and more, they now help” guide individuals to live fulfilled, happy, and awakened lives”. Be sure to check out their website.
And, Check Out Their T-Shirts.
RhinoTech printed the BE t-shirts using SingleStep™ heat transfer paper. Used with an OKI Data laser printer on White and Light color apparel and fabrics, this paper is totally self-weeding. And, only the toner transfers resulting in a t-shirt that feels as if it had been screen printed. The results are seen in vibrant, colorful designs and in sharply defined Black and White images. And, we used an RT Swingman – 20 heat press to ensure accurate time, temp and pressure to ensure a beautifully produced item. This heat press is a gem.
BE Courageous. BE Human. Happiness will be Revealed.
Though we advocate for some sort of business plan, we’ve found that it’s generally courage and a leap of faith that is the foundation of a new business. These elements along with exuding happiness, confidence and exhibiting compassion for all human beings helps frame the kind company you want. For others, these characteristics help them decide which kind of company they want to be part of.
Being human is revealed in the way management treats customers and employees. Having the courage to “do the right thing” on behalf of both essential groups is testament to the company make-up. The face of courage shows up when we step out of our comfort zones or out of the business box and take the leap into a new market or expand service streams. For example, adding a digital heat transfer printing system to an established screen, graphics or embroidery business offers an affordable way to grow and meet customer needs. It could be a game changer and a lucrative one, but the unknowns pose uneasiness. Garner courage to take the steps to remain at the top of the game. And, the next leap will be that much easier.
Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive that is youer than you.” Dr. Suess (and, Bliss Entourage)
We offer gratitude to you for reading this article and hope you will review some eye-opening, mindful videos on the RhinoTech channel @ youtube.com/rhinotechcompany.
Free Shipping opportunities from RhinoTech are available on all purchases of $50+ when delivered in the contiguous U.S. of A.
And, we ship world-wide.
www.rhinotechinc.com info@rhinotechinc.com
RhinoTech | 2955 Lone Oak Circle | # 2 | Eagan | MN | 55121
651.686.5027 888.717.4466
Please – invest in a high quality heat press.
Including and using the highest quality heat press, as possible, along with your Digital Heat Transfer System is a must, especially when you want your digitally printed products to be worthy. Please, do not sacrifice excellence with a low-cost, lesser value and/or used heat press. If you do, you’re most certainly going to get what you pay for and you won’t be happy. Instead, follow the best business practice that is to purchase the highest quality press as possible. We guarantee that you won’t regret it.
A Heat Press for CAPS/HATS from RhinoTech
Printing on a curve takes a bit of finesse and can be acquired with some patience and testing. It takes a high quality Heat Press with digital time and temperature controls and the operator’s ability to figure out the pressure needed to apply when heat pressing. That’s why we always suggest that you purchase a test pack of paper. During the practice phase, you’ll be less stressed because you are just TESTING. You’ll be figuring out the differences between “low, medium and heavy pressure”, paper peeling techniques and more. In the step-by-step instructional video above that also includes a how-to on using Textile Metallic Foil, please observe the technique used to produce perfect hats. You’ll discover that it’s important to develop a feel for the “touch and pressure” needed to print on a curve. This will be especially significant when printing on multi-paneled hats with seams.
CAP Heat Press from RhinoTech
To help eliminate the search for a great, affordable cap heat press, we’ve tested low-cost, lower quality and high quality heat presses. We offer the latest CAP/HAT Press with confidence. This particular model features a special spring loaded cap mounting clamp. It also includes: a spring balance loaded pressure heat platen, swing-away digital panel, extra working room for mounting cap, full range pressure application, alarm/timer, digital temperature and timer display, Input Voltage of 110V and 120V and plugs into regular wall outlets.
So…let’s drive it home! Yes, it’s absolutely essential that a digital printing set-up include a reliable heat press with accurate time, temp and pressure results. So…be patient. Practice and test. And, don’t worry, you will develop the touch to ensure that your creativity, hard work and passion will be reflected in your products.
For additional information on heat presses for apparel, mug, plate and other hard surface printing, click HERE. Many thanks!
RhinoTech offers FREE SHIPPING opportunities on orders of $50+ w/delivery in the contiguous U.S. They ship world-wide, as well.
Contact RhinoTech in all these ways: info@rhinotechinc.com 888.717.4466 www.rhinotechinc.com 651-686-5027
More Industry News: 
SingleJet Opaque Heat Transfer – Print on DARK Apparel with an InkJet Printer.
Al B. Myson was tenacious when it came to finding the perfect inkjet heat transfer paper for his business. After much research and discussion, he found the RhinoTech youtube.com site where he watched the step-by-step tutorial on how to “Print on DARK with Jet Opaque Heat Transfer Paper”. The rest is history; he purchased and tested the paper and then relayed that, “I am happy with your product and thanks a million!!!”
Mr. Myson also shared his Al B. Myson Blog post, Fantastic, Blank Heat Transfer Paper, for Inkjet Printers. The following is an excerpt: ……. “I watched a youtube video and could not believe that I found what I was looking for. The company called Rhinotechinc (editor’s note: RhinoTech) offers great blank heat transfer paper for inkjet printers and this video link demonstrates their one step heat transfer paper for dark colored t-shirts and they also carry blank heat transfer paper for light colored t-shirts as well, but you could also use the one step opaque for light colored as well. Honestly so far I have tested the one step heat transfer paper for light colored t-shirts and the quality is quite excellent, so I highly recommend trying the blank heat transfer paper from Rhinotechinc.com its quite affordable and I hope someone from Rhinotechinc shares some more info on my blog and I hope they share my blog with others as well; because I truly support what they are doing for the t-shirt business!! Thank you Rhinotechinc.”
SingleJet Opaque Heat Transfer Paper from RhinoTech.
This one step heat transfer paper is used with the recommended Epson 1430 (and other inkjet printers) to create printable transfers to DARK fabrics and apparel. It offers a very soft hand and fabric drape on the finished product. With this paper, a little bit of ink goes a long way toward producing vivid, brilliant, colorful results on DARK garments; it is stretchy and has excellent wash characteristics.
Choose from paper sizes of 8.5” x 11 and 11” x 17”. And, a SingleJet Roll that comes in 13″ x 50′ is also available. For a test run, RhinoTech recommends a 10 pack of SingleJet Opaque.
This is how it works.
SingleJet Opaque is simple to use; basically, an image is printed right reading, the edges of the design are trimmed, the vinyl surface is peeled off then positioned on the shirt and heat pressed.
Place black shirt on platen, cover w/parchment paper and press shirt for a few seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles.
Remove parchment paper.
Peel film, position design, cover with parchment paper and press for 15 seconds at
360 degrees F with the RT DK20S 16×20 Digital Swinger Heat Press or the RTSW 1620 Heat press w/digital controls.
Let shirt cool to the touch before peeling parchment paper off to showcase your design. And, that’s it!
Additional features of SingleJet Opaque heat transfer paper include secure bond to fabric and excellent washability characteristics.
Again, we offer sincere gratitude to Al B. Myson for his accolades regarding SingeJet Opaque heat transfer paper. We extend the same to all our customers who gain increased bottom line benefits through use of this paper and all RhinoTech digital printing systems. We wish you much success in your printing endeavors. If you have questions, please contact our Customer Service Specialist at 651-686-5027 x 4 or info@rhinotechinc.com. We’re here to help!
http://www.rhinotechinc.com; info@rhinotechcompany.com and learn how to digitally print at youtube.com/rhinotechcompany.
RhinoTech Shares a Little 411 on How to Build More Internet Traffic.
Courtesy of Eric Siu, Contributor to Entrepreneur Magazine; CEO, Single Grain & Founder, Growth Everywhere, we share Foster Organic Traffic in a Crowded Internet with These 6 Steps. It’s a quick read that will most likely generate questions, what ifs and how-to’s, but in a good way. Because…. everything that comes after what we’ve learned and introduced will only aid in improving a business vision and image generating increased organic movement toward our websites in, as the author points out, a very crowded Internet.
What IS ORGANIC TRAFFIC?
When you randomly or naturally search on-line for eco-friendly screen cleaning products or how to digitally print on DARK apparel with transfer paper, RhinoTech and a list of choices emerge. This is termed an ‘organic’ search; a natural search. According to Conductor Blog, nearly half of all website traffic comes from natural search. Based on that information, our quest becomes how to build our presence so that this naturally occurring traffic lands on our sites.
A BIG UNDERTAKING. 
The task of how to drive more traffic to our websites can be daunting. How many blog posts per week? Social media posts per day? The decision to take this on ourselves or implement a robust SEO hand by hiring a professional SEO company/person or marketing team is even larger and anxiety producing. It’s tough to believe that any person or team will truly understand our company and vision in just a few meetings and a couple of days of studying our Internet and social media presence. So…what is the play?
HITTING THE HIGH POINTS
Eric Siu helps figure this out for us by hitting the high points of what all of us should be doing as part of our business marketing efforts particularly regarding: 1) studying the analytics of who our audience is and where they come from, 2) establishing credibility with a solid marketing plan. Remember, it can be altered, but it’s a necessary guideline, 3) It’s important to write and write well. Each piece of content from blog posts to infographics holds an opportunity to convert new customers and raise brand awareness. It really is important that audiences read past a headline of any content that is written/posted, 4) figure out your “key words” and repeat, repeat, repeat, 5) try and format headlines and sub-headings that will induce readers to want to read more, 6) promote what you write/display about your company in Google+ communities such as Screen, Digital & Graphics Printing. Figure out which of your posts/content have generated the most notice and then work that strength.
And, finally, Quality content, published consistently, optimized, and aggressively promoted is the key to building links, page rank, keyword share, and readership.
A different sort of energy and framework is definitely required when promoting a brand than for what is needed when creating artwork and printing apparel. But, it is worth it. In the long-term, the pay-off is higher page rank and more natural search traffic to our websites; company visibility is increased and inquiries are converted to customers and orders.
Many thanks for joining us.
Add rhinestones to DARK shirts digitally printed with RT SunAngel heat transfer paper & bold Fluorescent colors!
Want to Learn How To Easily Create Layers in Color using Adobe Illustrator?
We wanted to follow-up on a recent blog post, RhinoTech Shares An Illustrator Tutorial from Catspit Productions, regarding the video on creating layers. In this latest video that you’re about to view, Jonathan Monaco/Catspit Productions, explains the method of Working with Colors in Layers by utilizing the layers function in a vector art software.
This step-by-step tutorial offers a basic approach to adding registration colors to a design that will eventually be screen printed. In an easy to follow, comfortable style, the secret of how to perform this function unfolds.
An additional benefit of this tutorial is that it overlaps with and is testament to the very recent post on Demystifying Film Positives. In that video by RhinoTech, we learned that for each color in a design, a film positive was required. This is echoed in the Catspit video; for each layer of color there needs to be a film positive printed.
And, you can find the quality of film positive material required in RhinoJet Film Positive Material for use with an inkjet printer. It is a waterproof clear film that is easy to work with and one that offers first-rate opaque halftone, shape and image/design clarity. It can be used with both Pigment and Dye based inks. Additional advantages of this film are that it has minimal dot gain, dries on contact and has maximum density technology. It is also 5 millimeters thick, can be printed in newer inkjet printers and high volume production printers to generate film positives or negatives. And, it is fast drying.
We hope this instructional video has given you the necessary positive reinforcement in your campaign to learn vector art color layering systems, how to use film positive material like a pro and create award-winning, customer satisfying designs.
Many thanks for watching and reading our posts!
Contact RhinoTech at 651-686-5027 x 4; info@rhinotechinc.com, http://www.rhinotechinc.com
Contact Catspit Productions @ (480) 899-9089. Catspit Productions is a distributor of RhinoTech products and equipment including RhinoJet Film Positive Material. And, be sure to check out video product reviews on RhinoTech on the Catspit Productions youtube.com channel.
GLUE. AEROSOL ADHESIVE WEB. DO YOU HAVE CROSS-OVER PRODUCTS?
Cross-over products are those that, accidentally or on purpose, have been found to have multiple uses instead of just the one they were originally intended. You can find them all over the place. Anyone remember Pepsi AM for the “breakfast cola drinker” (circa 1989)? It was supposed to be the cross-over into breakfast product, but, fortunately for all of us humans, it died out quickly. You can read more about well-intentioned cross-over products including Ponds toothpaste, Cosmopolitan (Magazine) Yogurt and Coors Rocky Mountain Spring Water at this site: http://www.businessinsider.com/qwik-fails-15-disastrous-product-launches-that-were-quickly-killed-2011-10?op=1#ixzz36EZGjIwX. And, beyond that, do you have undiscovered cross-over products?
Two examples of viable, cross-over products from RhinoTech
RhinoBond™ Toughened Frame Adhesive Systems requires no premixing of solvents and offers tension holding capabilities of over 90 newtons. The wide range of viscosities available ensure a secure bond of mesh to wood or aluminum screen frames. The RBT Series is flexible, impact toughened and has great removal characteristics. They dry in seconds and are non-hazardous. 
Because of these amazing characteristics, especially the non-hazardous part, RBT 100 (super, super, super glue) is often used by beaders as an adhesive to use to secure a knot on a bracelets and necklaces and to hold beads in place. Compared to other jewelry-making glue in that growing market, this glue surpasses. It will dry quite quickly, as well. As always, follow directions for handling and don’t glue your fingers together! It’s $37.00 for the Kit.
Discovered by a quilter searching for a better bonding product, we’re showcasing RBA3 Spray Web, an aerosol adhesive that is much like the product used during Halloween to create spider webs. RBA3 Adhesive Web is the quilter’s adhesive of choice for several reasons. One, it is part of the RhinoClean Green line of environmentally-sensitive products. 
Two, the “web” is quite self-contained so over spraying, unlike what is often found with other spray adhesives specific to the crafting/hobby market, is a non-issue. It works particularly well during the sandwiching phase of quilting as it is able to be respositioned. This adhesive web is strong enough to hold sweatshirt material in place and it bonds easily to a variety of materials without transferring adhesive to the fabric that is a highly important element. And, it washes out.
This quilted, reversible yoga bag in the featured image was constructed with RBA3. It’s soft and durable with two pockets large enough for a water bottle, wallet, keys, suntan lotion and more. A yoga mat easily fits. If you’d like to order a finished bag or 1 or more cans of RBA 3 Spray Web, contact RhinoTech at 651-686-5027. At $6.99 for a 13 oz. can, it’s a steal! And, with a $50+ purchase, FREE SHIPPING is available within the contiguous U. S.
As always, thanks for subscribing to this site.
Chicago. July. ASI. Signage + Decoration Pavilion.
It’s Chicago on the lake in the summertime. And it’s the 15th annual ASI Show that includes the Signage + Decoration Pavilion that will be held July 15-17, 2014, at McCormick Place.
RhinoTech on Deck on Booth 480 in the Signage + Decoration Pavilion 
This year, the ASI Show features an unprecedented schedule that includes Sales Boot Camp with leadership expert, Stephen M.R. Covey, and a multimedia presentation by Erik Wahl. The Signage + Decoration, On-the-Show-Floor Workshops will feature a variety of topics including one presented by Gregory Markus, president/RhinoTech, who will demo the latest digital technology and share tips on how, by embracing change and new technology, a traditional printing business can be more creative and innovative, thrive and survive. He will also offer information on how-to economically and easily embrace digital technology to broaden advantage and create new revenue streams. For Free Registration to attend the show, click HERE – complements of RhinoTech!
No Woo-Woo. It’s just New Age Digital Printing with the RT SunAngel DARK Series and other Fine Systems.
On the Show Floor Workshop. Wednesday, July 16, 2:30 p.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, July 15, 1-1:30 pm. Signage + Decoration Pavilion. New Opportunities in Digital Printing.
This workshop is the place where Greg Markus will help to demystify the art of decorating apparel and other products through digitally printed, heat-applied graphics using the latest heat-transfer papers, toners and equipment. Attendees who want to start a business, as well as, those in established screen/graphics printing and embroidery businesses will learn how to 1) transition a digital printing specialty into an established business space; 2) learn how to improve profitability and efficiency with digital transfer systems without a huge capital investment.
The techniques discussed will be applicable for sign companies, art studios, screen, graphics and digital printers, embroiderers, promotional products distributors, those mulling over the start-up needs of a digital printing business. The session will cover:
• Step-by-step instruction on how-to digitally print on light and DARK apparel and fabrics with the RT SunAngel DARK series of heat transfer paper, printers and toners that include fluorescent colors + white and traditional CMYK toners + white.
• How to print images using weedless, SingleStep™ heat transfer laser paper for light color apparel.
• Methods for printing textile metallic foil and rhinestones on light and dark fabrics,
• How to print on hard surfaces such as metal, glass, acrylic, plastic, wood and ceramic using SinglePrint™ heat transfer paper for laser printers.
• An overview of SingleJet™ heat transfer paper for use with inkjet printers.
• The heat-transfer media, printers/toners and heat-press equipment used.
• Cost considerations of producing decorated apparel digitally versus direct-to-garment and manual textile printing.
• Tips on how to choose between laser and inkjet systems, determining space needs and other considerations for adding digital heat transfer technology to an existing printing business or for a start-up operation.
• Enable attendees to hold and feel the texture of the printed garment.
After the workshop, participants will be invited to Booth 480 to watch live action, digital printing demos.
FYI
Throughout his 35+ year career in our industry, Greg Markus has fully embraced change as the landscape of screen, graphics and digital printing has evolved. In doing so, he explains, “creativity and innovation are enhanced, helping business to thrive and survive”. He encourages all in our industry and those entering it to venture out and investigate possible opportunities to the fullest within the realm of the “new normal” in printing. This involves either merging digital printing technology into traditional printing/embroidery, art studio businesses etc. and/or when starting-up as a stand-alone.
Gregory Markus is the president and owner of RhinoTech, based in St. Paul, MN. Since the company’s inception 19 years ago, Greg, along with his partner, Todd Michaels, V.P./Operations, has charted the growth of RhinoTech into a worldwide manufacturer/distributor of screen, digital and graphics equipment and papers; screen frame GLUE/adhesives, eco-friendly screen cleaning chemicals and equipment, washout booths that help save on water resources, triple-action filtration systems, screen cleaning and recirculating systems, commercial pressure washers, supplies and more.
RhinoTech contact info: 651-686-5027, 888.717.4466; info@rhinotechinc.com;
Once again, thanks for checking this site out!
Digital Printing Innovation from RhinoTech
While rolling through the Walker Art Center website looking for some cool, innovative gift items, we happened upon this little original gem – a Minnesota Bottle Opener.
ADD A LITTLE SOMETHING, SOMETHING!
At 14 gauge metal, not only is it heavy duty, but the opener also looks as if it would offer an interesting surface in which to transfer an image. A map, the state bird of MN (mosquito), a flower…the imagination can run wild. The finalized design can easily be printed and transferred using SinglePrint heat transfer paper by RhinoTech. It’s a laser paper that can be used to print on multiple types of surfaces such as light color metal, glass, acrylic, plastic, leather, wood and some card stock. 
A Step-by-Step Video on How To Print with SinglePrint.
SinglePrint™ heat transfer paper transfers the solid image without the background toner! The image appears as if it were screen printed onto the surface. RhinoTech also recommends all OKI Data color laser printers including the RT SunAngel series of printers for use with this remarkable heat transfer paper.
