Knowing about how screen printing worked when twisted multi-fiber thread mesh was common or the only thread available and synthetic threads were new is interesting but new products only hold a basic similarity in performance to that primitive equipment.

A laundry mangle is an interesting tool but knowing how to use one has noting to do with current methods for home clothing washing - compare that to what we have now in screen printing. Talking about chromate emulsions or rope and groove screens has simply become inapplicable history. Anything from the industry 10 or longer years ago is only interesting reference, mesh alone has improved vastly and even retensionable screens have had wonderful changes and additions in the recent years.

I started screen printing many years ago trying to find a way to make airbrushing t-shirt designs faster, I never stopped even when I wanted a "real" job. Of course how long you have been doing something, often wrong, and that would include myself, is not as important as if you listen, communicate and search for new information, you could call that continuous improvement if you like - see it fix it!

If a product works, why live with something that is as harsh on you as carburetor cleaner? Surely some harsher chemicals work faster or even "better" and I present this issue in every class. In fact, in my class we use examples of the mildest soy based chemicals, organic extract based chemicals, and the harshest of petroleum chemicals side by side so the students can see exactly how they work and make the judgement for themselves.

Lots of small shops start off in a building in a retail location with neighbors, and some (where legal) even start in their basement or garage - odor and close neighbors can be a big issue in this industry. I try and help the students understand efficiency in lots of areas, including art, exposure, reclaiming, and where some new products can even eliminate or shorten some steps. Certainly many things are not for every shop, but I like to review as much as is needed. Because I specialize in helping new and small shops I have learned you have to have some mercy and lots of patience.

I even have several sections in my class presentation where I talk about alternative products, how they work, and products that have real equivalents OTC (over the counter) and things that are simply myths or frustrations waiting to happen. In fact we are on the 20th revision of the class with a new workbook filled with custom drawings, micro photos, and information provided by the people who know, study and make the products.

Its not information just to fill pages, our class is filled with facts we have gathered continuously for years. We make continuous changes to the class when new products come out, and new methods emerge. We always look for the next screen printing myth to test - if things change or new facts come up it is immediately in the next class. I have found that if you want to know about emulsion spend time asking the great folk in the labs at the manufacturers factory. If we want to know about inks call a trusted representative then get a sample - find out - and try it out.

On a final note we don't compete with our customers, or students. We are in the industry to educate, and my part is to study screen printing, observe, test products, and work directly on site with shops providing information and troubleshooting. I am not going to manage the day to day operations of a business that would be competition with our students, many who end up as great friends.

I have been criticized for my use of a microscope in the industry, but what is nice about a tool like a microscope is that you can show why things like EOM work and why printed dots that are very small don't print well on t-shirts. A microscope will show how small dots can drop into a thread crevasse. I have found that the microscope gets lots of "ah-ha" moments especially with printers who have done things in an outdated way or with outdated equipment or methods, it shows clearly the limitations with equipment or product and points out the function and limitations of the five basic types of emulsions. In other words it is a great educational tool I like it and will continue to use it to help our students.