We’re looking forward to seeing you at the show!

Don’t miss Kieth Stevens’ seminar:  Adding “Wow:” Special Effects Screen Printing.  Part 1 and 2 of the seminar will take place Saturday, Jan. 21, Part 1 from 8:30 am – 10:00 am and Part 2 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm.

Register here for FREE.  Simply use the following code:  XADVNC.

International Coatings manufactures a complete line of phthalate-compliant screen printing inks, including a wide variety of whites, specialty inks, special effects inks, color matching systems, additives and reducers.  For more information on our products, please visit our website at www.iccink.com.

      International Coatings:     The Intelligent Choice

ISS Long Beach 2012

In addition, don’t miss Kieth Stevens’ seminar:  Adding “Wow:” Special Effects Screen Printing.  Part 1 and 2 of the seminar will take place Saturday, Jan. 21, Part 1 from 8:30 am – 10:00 am and Part 2 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm.

Register here and come see us at the show!

 International Coatings manufactures a complete line of phthalate-compliant screen printing inks, including a wide variety of whites, specialty inks, special effects inks, color matching systems, additives and reducers.  For more information on our products, please visit our website at www.iccink.com.

      International Coatings:     The Intelligent Choice

Having a hard time understanding the differences between the CPSA, CPSC and CPSIA?  Don’t feel alone, as most of us have a hard time keeping them straight.  So let’s see if we can shed some light on the matter:

• The Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) was put into law in 1972, to help protect and safeguard consumers from dangerous products. 

• The CPSA established the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), defined its basic authority, and provided that the CPSC should act when it finds an unreasonable risk of injury associated with a consumer product.  

• The CPSC, in turn, has enacted several Consumer Product Safety Improvement Acts (CPSIA’s) to reduce or eliminate said risks.

So where does that leave us?  Well, the latest CPSIA of 2008 is now in effect.  Its focus is on lead and phthalates in children’s toys and child care items.  The CPSC has established guidelines for its implementation that have created some confusion and concern. 

Here is the bottom line:   As of January 1, 2012, all screen printers and/or manufacturers who add “extra value” to a textile that could be considered a children’s product and/or a child care article will be responsible for certifying that their products comply with the CPSIA of 2008.   Children’s products are intended for use by children 12 and under.  Child care articles are intended for specific uses for children 3 and under.   (Click here for more on the certification rule).

Click on the above hyperlinks for more detail.

Mark Brouillard, Product Manager for International Coatings

International Coatings manufactures a complete line of phthalate-compliant screen printing inks, including a wide variety of whites, specialty inks, special effects inks, color matching systems, additives and reducers.  For more information on our products, please visit our website at www.iccink.com.

      International Coatings:     The Intelligent Choice

Please click to see full greeting.

What does all this mean?  Here is an excerpt of  Marci Kinter’s update from the  SGIA website, with more details (Marci Kinter is SGIA’s Vice President for Government & Business Information):

“First, it means that all children’s products* must be tested prior to release to the marketplace.  Prior to this, all products must meet both the lead and phthalate content limits, as applicable; however, testing was not a requirement.  Now, before you can send your product to market, you will need to both test and certify that all limits are met.  And, how does one do that?

Thankfully, the CPSC has issued a final regulation that does allow manufacturers to use component testing to confirm compliance with both the lead content as well as phthalate content issue.  Caveat – the use of component testing is voluntary.  What does this mean for our community – especially those producing decorated apparel? Since the textile garment itself is exempt by the CPSC, meaning that it does not need to be tested; only the ink, zippers, buttons, etc., that may be used on the garment need to be tested to meet the limit.  Now, this testing can be done by the manufacturer of the component, such as the ink, or by the final product manufacturer, such as the screen printing operation.  And, this is the information that must be included on the general conformity certificate showing that the product meets all CPSC required testing and safety standards.

The General Conformity Certificate – yes, there are required elements that must be included, but no there is not a required form that must be used. And, yes, it can be transmitted electronically. And, for all products manufactured after December 31^st.”

* = Children’s products are broken down into two categories.  12 and under for lead (100 ppm) and 3 and under for lead and the six banned phthalates.

For more information regarding International Coatings’ lead and phthalate compliance, please visit our Phthalate’s Fact Sheet on www.iccink.com/phthalates.htm.

International Coatings manufactures a complete line of screen printing inks, including a wide variety of whites, specialty inks, special effects inks, color matching systems, additives and reducers.  For more information on our products, please visit our website at www.iccink.com.

      International Coatings:     The Intelligent Choice

Our first “tip of the week” feature debuted last week.  Our first topic is on Suede Additive and how you can use it as a dulling as well as a sueding additive.  Click here to read the tip.  We hope you like this feature – we tried to make it short but informative.

For more on International Coatings’ 222  Suede Additive, go to this product bulletin link on iccink.com’s website.

International Coatings manufactures a complete line of screen printing inks, including a wide variety of whites, specialty inks, special effects inks, color matching systems, additives and reducers.  For more information on our products, please visit our website at www.iccink.com.

      International Coatings:     Is Everywhere You Want To Be

Davis International

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to meet our North East Regional Sales Director, John Levocz and see the latest ink demos.  John will also be giving a seminar on Identifying and Controlling Ink Costs.  In addition, he will be showcasing our new 7113 Performance Pro White and our 7600 Series inks.   John has over 30 years printing experience and has pioneered some innovative print techniques for hard-to print fabrics.

The Open House will be held Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 1 pm to 7 pm EST, and Thursday, Dec. 8 from 9 am to 5 pm EST.

The Sturbridge Host Hotel and Conference Center is located on 366 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA 01566. 

Come and see the industry’s latest products.  Register today or call (800) 724-6272 or email sales@davisint.com for more information.

International Coatings manufactures a complete line of screen printing inks, including a wide variety of whites, specialty inks, special effects inks, color matching systems, additives and reducers.  For more information on our products, please visit our website at www.iccink.com.

      International Coatings:     The Intelligent Choice

Top 5 Safety Precautions for Screen Printing

I first began screen printing as a teenager, and in those early days, safety was not always a top priority in the shops in which I worked. As a result, I have had numerous injuries stemming from chemicals, electricity and machines. It’s truly a miracle that I have come through it all in one piece, although I’m sure there are others who may not have been so fortunate.

Following are five main categories I consider of high importance when trying to prevent injuries in your shop:

1. Cleanliness and Orderliness — I cannot stress enough how important cleanliness and orderliness is to the screen printing process. Besides it impacting your overall bottom line (by keeping individual ink colors from being contaminated, for example), it also may prevent injuries.

Be sure to have designated places for all your inks, equipments and tools to be stored. Spend less time locating missing tools or equipment and avoid tripping over misplaced buckets and cuts stemming from misplaced razor blades or knives.

2. Chemical Safety Precautions — Many chemicals are used in and around the screen printing process. Many of these chemicals are solvents used to clean screens, spills and equipment, while others are mixed into the ink to increase or lessen its viscosity. Since chemicals can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, use any solvents in well-vented areas only, and wear gloves where necessary.

I have burned my skin using Zylene/MEK solutions — and even using UV inks — so it is a good idea to use preventative measures that protect your eyes, skin and nose (to prevent inhalation) when handling chemicals. Read the labels of any chemicals to determine which safety precautions you should take. A product’s material safety data sheet (MSDS) also lists first aid measures and more safety instructions.

Here’s an extreme example: A can of spray adhesive accidentally ended up inside a dryer at a shop in which I worked. The dryer’s temperature heated the can and its highly pressurized contents, resulting in an explosion and setting the dryer on fire. Luckily, no one got hurt, but the dryer was damaged and production had to be stopped for a time.

3. Equipment Safety Training — If a shop has any electronic equipment, be it a flash-cure unit, dryer or automatic printing machine, each staff member should be trained on how to safely use it. Be sure that the machines also have the necessary safety guards or covers in place so that the engine parts are not exposed.  

I speak from experience here, as I have gotten my foot stuck in the chain drive of a dryer that didn’t have a cover over the engine part. I also have had my hand smashed by an automatic machine.

4. Electrical Safety Precautions —When dealing with electricity, take extra precautions — such as installing a lock-out box over electrical controls — so that if repairs are needed, a mechanic can shut off electricity, lock the box and prevent someone else from turning it on while repairs are in progress. If this safety precaution is not possible, let everyone in the plant know when repairs are in progress so that no one turns on the electricity. Whenever possible, schedule repairs after hours when your shop’s work crew has left.

I have been shocked several times while fixing a plug or wiring on lights when someone — not knowing I was working on repairs — turned on the electricity.

5. Stay Alert — Many accidents happen in the workplace due to lack of alertness or common sense. To help combat tiredness or drowsiness, take breaks and stay hydrated. Moving or walking around also will help energize the mind and body.

Keep distractions to a minimum when working in a fast-paced environment, especially around automated equipment. Whether the distraction comes in the form of music, cell phones, computers or interaction with other co-workers, minimize distractions to focus on the tasks at hand.  

Use common sense in avoiding accidents and injuries. While this is easily said, I know I’ve done some stupid things. For example, I once asked a co-worker to throw a can of spray to me while I was standing on the other side of an automatic machine. I’m usually a good catcher, but this time I failed to catch the can and it struck my forehead instead. I still have the scar to show for it.

While this list is not exhaustive in preventing or avoiding accidents or injuries, I hope that some of these safety tips will help minimize some safety pitfalls at your shop.

Kieth Stevens is the Western regional sales manager for International Coatings. He has been teaching screen printing for more than 10 years and is a regular contributor to International Coatings’ blogs. For more information, visit iccink.com and read the company’s blog at internationalcoatingsblog.com.

International Coatings manufactures a complete line of screen printing inks, including a wide variety of whites, specialty inks, special effects inks, color matching systems, additives and reducers.  For more information on our products, please visit our website at www.iccink.com.

      International Coatings:     Is Everywhere You Want To Be

For more on their specials, go to SilkScreeningSupplies.com!

International Coatings manufactures a complete line of screen printing inks, including a wide variety of whites, specialty inks, special effects inks, color matching systems, additives and reducers.  For more information on our products, please visit our website at www.iccink.com.

      International Coatings:     The Intelligent Choice

Check out their specials at SilkScreeningSupplies.com!