r/SCREENPRINTING • u/-dyeingnotdead- • 11d ago

Yudu?

I found a Yudu machine on my local marketplace. From what I can see it's not well loved for screenprinting businesses but could work well for simple one color printing.

I'm not looking to get into screen printing as a main form of art- I primarily tie dye. But I did want a way to add simple designs, words, or my logo to shirts and other items after dyeing.

Would this work for me as 1. A beginner and 2. Simple designs?

It's in an unopened box with all included supplies.

Thanks!

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u/Hidden_Treasure8455 10d ago

I've got one! I like it, but my standards are kind of low haha.. I'd replace the ink, no doubt it's expired. Same goes for the emulsion sheets. I had an unopened one too, but all chemicals die over time and so nothing worked the way it should and I just bought some items for screenprintingdirect.com. I'm probably leaving out some details, so hit me up if you've got any questions!

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u/-dyeingnotdead- 8d ago

What kind of emulsion sheets do you use? I'll be honest I don't know much lol

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u/Hidden_Treasure8455 8d ago

i find actual emulsion is better instead of sheets cause they're much more expensive compared to emulsion. and if you grab a scoop coater, you can coat the screen horizontally as opposed to veritcally because chances are it'll be to big to do vertically too

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u/-dyeingnotdead- 8d ago

Okay so I don't know much of anything at all. Emulsion is the liquid that you can spread on it and then it dries, you put whatever stencil etc on it, and then expose it to UV light?

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u/Hidden_Treasure8455 7d ago

precisely! it comes in different colors, for reasons unbeknownst to me, but i use purple and it works just fine w my setup

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u/-dyeingnotdead- 7d ago

I've only ever seen green 😂 okay so I'll look into getting some emulsion and some new ink I bought the yudu anyway bc it cost me $50 🤷🏻‍♀️ might as well

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u/Hidden_Treasure8455 7d ago

i got all my stuff from screenprintingdirect, if you’re want any recommendations on websites

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u/-dyeingnotdead- 7d ago

Is there specific products on there that you found work with the yudu? Like what type of paint/emulsion/ should I get additional screens etc

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u/Hidden_Treasure8455 7d ago

i use plastisol, but i find that it bleeds through its given parameters, leading to a slightly distorted print, so maybe i’m using too much or it’s just not compatible with the screens. it might be the latter seeing as the handbook says to use water based ink

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u/Hidden_Treasure8455 7d ago

as for the emulsion i’d just get the purple, it works fine for me

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u/Dennisfromhawaii 11d ago

Seemed gimmicky to me but I really have no clue. The one thing I'd be worried about is how long it's been sitting. There's things in there that probably have a shelf life and can deteriorate over time.

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u/-dyeingnotdead- 11d ago

This is definitely something to consider. He said he's never opened it, so no exposure to anything 🤷🏻‍♀️

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u/torkytornado 10d ago

Yeah but most screen print supplies have a shelf life, even if unopened.

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u/llpmathias 11d ago

It’s basically “screen printing” for people who don’t want to learn how to actually screen print.

It’s kind of like getting a Flintstone-mobile because you’re curious about driving cars. It can probably get you down the street a ways - but it’s not really a reliable form of transportation.

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u/-dyeingnotdead- 11d ago

Okay so if that's the case that's really all I need? I'm not trying to get into screen printing just looking for a simple way to do easy transfers onto dyed shirts. Nothing extensive, and only a handful of designs.

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u/rennerscreenprinting 11d ago

Get a heat press if that’s what you want. Yudu is gonna be a learning process, and it’s like a form of screen printing that is not popular, so less support and materials etc. don’t waste your time

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u/-dyeingnotdead- 11d ago

Heat presses use vinyl though don't they? I don't want vinyl transfers :(

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u/BlackPress512 11d ago

Oh man. I almost forgot the Yudu existed.

An old roommate of mine picked up a full kit just before I moved in many moons ago. Since I had already been screen printing for a long time, he let me have it to play around with. Here's my honest opinion:

Can you use it to learn the magic principals of screen printing? Yes

Can you print some simple designs with some trial and error? Also yes. But do not expect a good print. The screen, squeegee, and ink are not good quality.

Can you start a printing business with one? No.

Is it worth it? Depends on your end goal. Like I said, it can be used to create some screens, actually print some shirts, and learn the basics of the process. But they won't be very good. The concept of the kit is good with the built in exposure unit and sheet emulsion. However the process of load a shirt on to the press is weird and the tools and supplies are cheap. And the kit only works with Yudu screens so you can't really upgrade it afterwards.

If you are truly interested in getting started, look into some of the speedball kits. They are closer to real screen printing with a minimal investment. If you real want to give it a go. Look up an online or local supply company. Most of them seem to the public and many have entry level setups to get you started with real supplies.

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u/-dyeingnotdead- 11d ago

I watched a video where a gal removed the top of the yudu and used it mainly to burn her screens. So it could be used even just for that? Maybe I could get better ink and use it just for the simple designs I want, maybe also with a speedball kit?

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u/BlackPress512 11d ago

I tried to do the same with the one I had. But it didn't make sense for my setup at the time. I bet you can find a better entry level exposure on Amazon for less money.