At Accent T-Shirts, we’ve been screen printing in Las Vegas for over 20 years—and one thing we've learned is that great prints don't just come from good ink and presses. They come from knowledge, resources, and smart tools. Whether you’re new to screen printing or have been running your own print shop, having access to the right resources can improve quality, speed, and creativity.

This blog dives into unique screen printing resources that aren’t talked about as often—but that can seriously level up your custom apparel game. Perfect for shop owners, DIY printers, or anyone curious about the magic behind every custom tee.

1. The Right Mesh Counts for the Job

Screen mesh is the unsung hero of screen printing. Different mesh counts determine how much ink gets pushed through your screen and how detailed your design can be.

110 Mesh: Great for bold text and basic spot color prints (perfect for custom t-shirts Las Vegas businesses order for events).

156–160 Mesh: The go-to mesh for general work. This handles most logos and moderate detail.

200–230 Mesh: Ideal for fine detail, halftones, and water-based ink work.

Tip: Investing in multiple screens with different mesh counts can help you expand what you offer and deliver higher quality prints with precision.

2. Emulsion Type Matters More Than You Think

Not all emulsion is created equal. The type of ink you use (plastisol, water-based, discharge) and the exposure method you prefer (UV or LED) determine what kind of emulsion you should choose.

• Diazo Emulsions: More forgiving and ideal for beginners.
• Photopolymer Emulsions: Fast exposing and best for professionals who need speed.
• Dual-Cure Emulsions: Durable and great for high-volume shops.

Understanding emulsion properties can reduce screen breakdowns and improve sharpness in detailed designs.

3. Ink Additives to Improve Print Performance

Want your prints to be stretchier, more vibrant, or glow in the dark? Ink additives are your secret weapon.

• Stretch Additives: Help plastisol ink move with athletic wear or tight garments.
• Soft Hand Additives: Make heavy inks feel smoother and more breathable.
• Glow or Puff Additives: Add texture and visual interest for special projects.

Accent T-Shirts often uses custom-mixed additives to give our clients unique finishes—great for standing out in the Las Vegas market.

4. A Laser Temperature Gun

You may think your flash dryer is working fine—but is it really at the temperature your ink needs? A laser temp gun ensures your ink cures at exactly the right temperature, reducing issues like cracking or under-curing.

This simple tool is one of the most underused but critical screen printing resources. For plastisol, you’re aiming for a full cure at around 320°F.

5. Reclaiming Systems for Sustainability

Reclaiming your screens doesn’t have to be messy and toxic. Using an enclosed washout booth with an eco-friendly reclaiming system (filtration, degreasing, emulsion remover) not only saves time but also cuts down on waste and keeps your shop clean.

If you're a smaller shop or planning to grow, this is a great way to make your process more efficient and environmentally responsible.

6. Halftone Generators for Complex Art

Want to print detailed photos or gradient artwork? You’ll need a halftone generator or RIP software that converts your design into a printable dot pattern. Some popular options include:

• AccuRIP
• Separation Studio
• Halftoner (free online option)

We recommend using halftones for band shirts, fine art prints, and any design that needs photorealistic details on a shirt.

7. Pantone Matching Tools

Matching brand colors is a must, especially for corporate clients. Having access to a Pantone Matching System (PMS) and mixable plastisol ink system (like Wilflex or Union Ink) can help you hit exact shades every time.

We use Pantone matching at Accent T-Shirts to ensure every logo and color spec is perfect—this attention to detail keeps clients coming back.

8. Flash & Cure Cheat Sheets

Every shop should post a flash cure cheat sheet near the press. This includes:

• Ideal flash times for different inks
• Cure temperatures
• Squeegee angle and pressure settings

This helps employees stay consistent and reduces print defects—especially useful in high-volume, fast-paced shops.

9. Local Las Vegas Fabric & Garment Sources

When you're in a rush, waiting for blanks to ship from across the country can be stressful. That's why it’s helpful to know local sources for garments.

Accent T-Shirts works with Las Vegas-area suppliers who can deliver shirts same-day or next-day. If you're a local printer, building relationships with these vendors can save you time and money.

10. Online Mockup and Preview Tools

Creating professional mockups doesn’t need expensive software. Tools like:

• Canva Pro
• Printful Mockup Generator
• Adobe Express

Let you create fast previews for clients. A sharp mockup builds trust and often closes the sale faster.

At Accent, we always include a digital mockup for every order. It sets expectations and gives customers confidence before we print.

Final Thoughts

Great screen printing is part skill, part science—and part knowing where to find the right tools. From mesh and emulsion to software and ink additives, having access to these unique resources will elevate your print game.

At Accent T-Shirts, we blend craftsmanship with technology to produce the best custom t-shirts Las Vegas has to offer. Whether you’re a local business, artist, or brand looking for reliable screen printing and embroidery in Las Vegas, we’re here to help.

Let us know how we can support your next print project—or if you need help setting up your own process, we’re happy to be a resource.