MagnaColours is a specialist waterbased ink manufacturer that developed its own universal certificate of compliance & sustainability called 'The GNA Standard'. One of its key aims is to eliminate chemicals from thegarment printing supply chain. Textile Image speaks with MagnaColours Marketing Manager Paul Arnold, about the company's GNA Standard and both the environmental and business benefits that come from making the switch to sustainable water-based inks. 

Every year when the cold weather sets in, it brings along some heat printing challenges with it.
Some shops that utilize empty basement spaces or garages can be exceptionally cold and present extra challenges. The first thing is to make sure your shop or area that you are heat printing in is heated and properly insulated. This can help reduce some of the challenges. When you are not constantly fighting a cold room temperature, your heat press can print.
After your work environment is somewhat warm, the problems related to the cold winter weather can be overcome by following these tips. 

Reducers reduce the viscosity or thickness of an ink when you feel the need to make an ink creamier or easier to print. Most inks come ready for use right out of the container and if needed, inks can be easier to use just by stirring it up for a few minutes. But at times, a reducer can help. Try stirring it first and you may find that that alone may do the trick.

There are several details to consider when preparing to screen print a garment. The following are six that I consider of utmost importance for achieving a great print.

That was the message at the Imprinted Sportswear Show, where exhibits pointed to the trend where consumers increasingly seek to shape the cuts and styles of their clothes.

The process to create a foil print using a vinyl cutter and heat press is simple. 

1. Cut a graphic from an HTV adhesive roll in a mirror image.
2. Weed away the unwanted components from the graphic. 
3. Flip the graphic over, adhesive side down. 
4. Heat apply to your fabric item of choice, removing the carrier when complete. 
5. Heat apply a foil overlay sheet on top of the adhesive in the desired foil color. 

In concept and practice, the process is straightforward. However, just like screen printing foil, there are steps to ensure top-notch efficiency and quality. 

Lots of decorators offer multiple imprinting options, such as digital printing and screen printing. There are definite advantages to each, depending on the type of artwork you’re using, substrates you’re decorating and quantities your customer wants.

Here’s a quick rundown of when to use digital vs. screen printing. Remember, the more knowledgeable you are, the more likely your customers will be to order from you, on repeat.

Trade shows are a major seasonal sales and marketing resource for screen-printing companies. However, when it comes to planning and setting up your booth so that you maximize your ability to engage with potential clients and capture quality leads, you may not be sure where to begin. Or perhaps you’re on a budget with your booth and don’t think you can afford all the bells and whistles that will make your display stand out.

That’s why we’ve put together some of our favorite tips and tricks to help you plan your next trade show display booth.

As the CEO of your decorating business, early in the first quarter is an optimal time to brainstorm your business strategy for the new year, whether you’re a new or veteran business. Maybe you ended 2018 on a high note and want to aim higher in 2019. Maybe you want to grow your customer base with a new decorating service, or perhaps you didn’t hit your revenue goals as 2018 closed.
There's good news for you! You can set a new or super-charged course for your business this month and set the stage for success throughout the year. Try these 10 proven tactics to launch your business to new heights this year.