Business Details
Screen Printing Supplies Minneapolis
Northwest Graphic Supply is dedicated to providing screen printers with premium materials, equipment, and technical expertise. We offer a comprehensive range of screen printing supplies, including inks, emulsions, films, and machinery, alongside custom services like screen making and digital art preparation. Our team prioritizes quality, precision, and customer education, ensuring clients receive reliable solutions tailored to their printing needs. With decades of industry experience, we combine technical knowledge with practical support to help businesses achieve optimal printing results. 
Services
Screen Making Services
Plastisol Screen Inks
Water-Based Inks
Screen Chemicals
Heat Transfer Vinyl
Digital Art Preparation
Equipment Sales
Safety Data Sheets
Screen Reclaiming
Mesh Estimation
Highlights and features
- We offer a full range of screen printing supplies and custom services under one roof.
- Our team provides expert technical support for complex printing challenges.
- We use waterproof film positives and advanced mesh materials for durability.
- We deliver precise cost estimators for film and mesh pricing transparency.
- Our safety data sheets ensure informed handling of all chemical products.
Services
Screen Making Services
We provide custom screen making services, including mesh selection, coating, and exposure. Our technicians use high-quality materials like monofilament polyester meshes to ensure precision and durability. Clients receive tailored guidance on optimizing screen tension and exposure times for their specific printing needs.
Plastisol Screen Inks
Our plastisol inks deliver vibrant, long-lasting prints for textiles. Formulated for opacity and flexibility, they adhere well to various fabrics. Technical support includes recommendations for curing temperatures and viscosity adjustments to prevent mesh adhesion issues.
Water-Based Inks
Eco-friendly water-based inks are ideal for soft-hand prints on natural fabrics. We advise on proper curing techniques and catalysts to ensure wash-fastness. These inks require precise mesh counts and screen preparation for optimal results.
Screen Reclaiming
Our reclaiming services restore screens for reuse using industrial-grade emulsion removers and high-pressure washers. We address common issues like ink residue and underexposed emulsion with specialized products like Systems 6000 and 2510.
Digital Film Output
We produce waterproof film positives for screen exposure using Afford-A-Black film. Custom sizing minimizes material waste, with a minimum charge covering film and output fees. Accurate films ensure sharp image transfer during screen preparation.
Questions
How do I determine the correct mesh count for my screen printing project?
Mesh count depends on ink type, fabric, and detail level. Lower counts (110-156 TPI) offer opacity for shirts, while higher counts (195-230 TPI) suit detailed posters. Yellow mesh holds detail better than white.
What causes underexposed screens and how can I fix it?
Underexposure results from insufficient drying time, old emulsion, or light leaks. Use a step-wedge test to calibrate exposure times and ensure screens are fully dry in a darkroom before exposure.
Can I use a garden hose to reclaim screens?
No. High-pressure washers are required to remove ink and emulsion effectively. Garden hoses lack the force needed, leading to incomplete cleaning and potential screen damage.
Why does my ink fade after washing?
Ink fading indicates improper curing. Ensure temperatures reach 325°F using a temperature gun or thermolabels. Some fabrics may require additives to enhance ink adhesion.
What payment methods does Northwest Graphic Supply accept?
Payment options include cash, checks, and credit cards. Financing is also available for qualifying purchases, providing flexibility for equipment and supply orders.
How do I prepare digital files for screen printing?
Vector files require outlined text and 100% black for solid areas. Bitmap files must be 300 DPI with no anti-aliasing. Ensure graphics are at print size or specify dimensions for accurate film output.
Reviews (4)
Jackie R.
May 06, 2022
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Not the greatest experience and when you call for answers no one knows. I've been waiting 14 weeks for equipment they told me 8-10. Which is fine, but where is the communication rather than demanding payment. I would not recommend ordering through Northwest Graphic Supply Co due to lack of communication.
Tori Poeschl
Mar 20, 2022
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NW Graphics is the best local print material hub with a ton of resources and helpful staff. Our fam has been going to them for decades. They also have a ton of great general art supplies so go here not blick!
Josh Hurley
Sep 13, 2021
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We order all we can from these guys they are great! They are personal and keep our semi large shop supplied with everything we need to keep working.
Jack Kinit
Jun 30, 2020
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Great place! Awesome service and the they were doing compostable and zero waste before it was trendy! Affordable and ecologically responsible with great decor. Get the peanut butter chocolate cold press smoothie with chocolate its amazing.
