New to poster printing

[KingKong]

Hi all,
Im new to the poster printing process and I am looking for any advice from experienced printers that may ease my learning curve. Here are some of my questions but please if anyone feels I need to know something in addition, feel free to clue me in.

What mesh count should I be using?

What ink is the easiest to work with? How long can ink be loaded into the screen before it dries, what is the best way to keep ink from drying in the screen?

What kind of screen opener should I be using?

When doing multi color prints is it best to print one color on all your posters, let dry and then move on to the next color, or is wet on wet printing ok?

Is there a PMS matching system that I can use to mix custom inks?

Any tips on keeping posters in registration?

Any help is deeply appreciated.

[SammyV]

I think most of them will tell you to search the forums, or buy this book:
http://www.gigposters.com/classified...eid=5517&pre=1

I've been meaning tp pick it up one of these days as well

[Iron Canvas Studios]

yup

[DenisMutter]

320, speedball, one minute, pull the squeegee, 409, wet on wet is a no go, maybe, but better to eyeball it, reg marks.

and yeah - buy andymac's book. it is worth every penny.

[squeegeethree]

Search the threads.
Lot's containd therein

[ImJustRickG]

Buy the book.

Turn back now, save yourself the hassle.

Otherwise:

1. Depends. I like 230s and 155s for metallics
2. I use Speedballs, mostly, Not long. Print fast.
3. I second the 409 comment.
4. No. Print 1 color, dry, print next color, etc.
5. I'm pretty loose with color matching, and I suggest you try getting some prints done before you get hung up on PMS matching. But you could look at the Pantone process formula guide and get an idea of what you need to mix.
6. Print reg marks outside of your live area. Understand trapping.

[steve w]

320, speedball, one minute, pull the squeegee, 409, wet on wet is a no go, maybe, but better to eyeball it, reg marks.

and yeah - buy andymac's book. it is worth every penny.

320?
too fine for beginners, I'd say.
I have no use for that after 15 years.
200 or 230

[SpaceMonkey]

Hi all,
Is there a PMS matching system that I can use to mix custom inks?

[fantasygoat]

Yeah, I'm beginning to hate the 305's. I tend to only use them for the keyline now. They clog so easily.

[KingKong]

Thanks for all the replies! I thought of one other question, is there a particular order that you will print in? Example, dark to light colors, or more info to less info?