YUDU screen printing ink contains lead

[#1]

Hey folks, I just finished up another batch of testing for various stores here on Etsy and decided to test my new YUDU screen printing inks (before I start printing tees for kids) and they are 700ppm - 800ppm! I'm glad I tested them before making up some tees! Does anyone know about Speedball inks?

[Former_Member]

Hi. It's Tonia from Provo Craft. We actually run periodic tests on our ink and just got back results from the latest test. We tested each color individually and the tests came back consistently < 5 PPM which is virtually undetectable. Just thought I'd try to clear up any perceptions out there about the Yudu inks.

[ThePlayhouseKid]

This is absolutely not correct! Is your machine in good working condition?? I have a friend who owns an XRF machine (well, the company he owns owns it) and he has been doing some private testing for me and a friend who does local craft fairs. He tested those inks (I just called him since I recalled him talking about it) and the numbers were as low or lower than tonia said. I think there is something wrong with your machine!

[Former_Member]

Hey everyone,

I made mother's day cards with the YUDU. It was my first project and I think they turned out pretty good.

Here is the link

http://cafeconlecheplease.blogspot.com/2009/05/reveal.html

[Former_Member]

Wow..lots of information here. I want the Yudu too and I found a few sales if anybody was interested! Ritz Camera is offering Free shipping, no sales tax, and 20% through the month of may (total $218)! AND at Michaels, theres a mail in rebate if you buy a yudu print screen device, you get a $50 michaels gift card!

[Former_Member]

use the 40% coupon at micheals too to get it for a steal! I wanna do that soon

[Former_Member]

I wouldn't get my hopes up about using a coupon on the Yudu, if you look at the fine print on the coupon most of them say you cannot use it on the Yudu. It was the first thing I looked at because I figured they'd lose a lot of money selling them at 40% off!

[Former_Member]

Sorindala, is right you can't use the 40% off coupon on the Yudu at either Michael's or Joann's.

[Former_Member]

marking...

[Former_Member]

I printed a 40% off coupon for Joann Fabric and craft and was able to use it on the Yudu. They didn't want to, but because it did not specifically say Yudu machine in the exclusion section. It took standing my ground, but in the end it was only $180 before tax. I haven't used it yet, but I'm staying positive about it :-)

[Former_Member]

marking

[yabettasupadont]

shameful!

[Former_Member]

Whaaaaaaat? They don't mention that in the commercials on tv!!

[Former_Member]

You have to read the fine print on the coupons most exclude provocraft products etc, but sometimes there are joann ones that dont exclude it and you should be able to use them.

As for the cricut diecut machine and inks--the machine cuts out different shapes based on the cartridges you have. They do have inks for the die cut machines--you replace the blade with the ink instead and it draws out your design from the cartridge instead of cutting it--if you align it properly you can then go back and cut it out leaving a colored outline. Not sure if the inks are toxic or not though...but I'm thinking not since they are used for scrapbooking.

[Former_Member]

hey guys, a few things to mention:

1) i have a yudu and i completely am in love with it - i use it for all my screenprinting and while it may be a little more expensive than the oldschool emulsion gravy system, it is SO MUCH EASIER. there's not enough good things i can say about the yudu!

2) i've used speedball water-based inks in my yudu screens and it works fine. as long as you're using WATERBASED FABRIC INK and nothing else, and you don't let ink dry in the screen, you're golden.

3) in terms of the cpsia, i was doing some research a couple of months ago to find out if i could expand my screenprinted fun into onesies and tees for kids and for me it's a no go because the cpsc does NOT allow component testing.

meaning provocraft can test and tell you their inks are safe, the onesies/tees manufactures can do the same, but that is NOT enough if you're going to sell, you have to test all the items yourself to be on the up and up.

you have to test every ink color you're using, you have to test every onesie and tee color you're using, and you have to test AGAIN every time you start using a new bottle of ink. with testing being hundreds of dollars a pop, i'm holding out on offering kids stuff until the CPSIA allows for component testing.

what a mess!

in closing, yudu i heart yu!

[Former_Member]

very interesting read! I want a YUDU, but can't find anywhere in Australia that stocks them :(

[Former_Member]

I am hoping that CPSIA will allow for component testing...

I have been in email communication with Bud Martin from Speedball ink. Here are some emails I have had with him. You should email him too, so speedball knows how important this testing is to all us 'little guys'! (BY the way, he has been SUPER helpful and nice!)

My email:
"I currently use your textile screen printing inks to print on clothing items for children. I am trying to learn as much as I can about the new cpsia regulations, and I am curious if speedball inks meet these regulations.

His response:
"Hello Melissa,

I have just begun to put together information and samples for toxilogical evaluation and testing. I hope to have it completed by end of year. Based on all of our other screen printing inks that have been tested, I don’t expect to see any lead in the product as most of the ingredients are used in our other products.


Bud Martin
Speedball Art Products
budmartin@speedballart.com"

[strawberryluna]

Good to hear that Speedball is looking at this situation too, I use their inks almost exclusively to print my work.

[strawberryluna]

Speedball inks, by the way are all water based, (even the acrylics used for printmaking, not just the fabric ink line), and non-toxic as the laws stand now.

I don't know if that is enough to satisfy the seemingly insane CPSIA lawws as they stand now or not. But, they are non-toxic and wash out with water for cleanup.

[Former_Member]

Sorry strawberryluna, unless you have a COC or GCC either as hard copy or as a permenant website that states what the lead levels are for that raw matertial, a simple statement from the manufacturer stating that they meet current CPSC levels or ASTM requirements is not enough for compliance with the CPSIA. se here for the requirements of a COC http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/faq/elecertfaq.pdf . Until Feb 10th 2010 you can use the raw material supplier's COCs & GCCs to fill out your own COC for your finished product, after that unless things change again all items for children under 13 will need to go for 3rd party testing at a US government approved lab. See http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/foia10/brief/102testing.pdf for the current proposal about component testing vs. finished product testing.
Several states Supeior Courts are holding the law to be retro-active so if the item is still for sale after 2-10-10 you will need the 3rd party testing even if you have previously filled out your COC for that product.

[Former_Member]

When I had a screen printing shop we used Union Ink. Would this be helpful to anyone?

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the info, I totaly plan to get one after teh holidays, this has helped!

[Former_Member]

I have the Cricut expression, thats the first I have heard too....Kinda cool to think they will have ink cartridges but won't be able to use on my kids items.... =(

[Former_Member]

Hi everyone just to let you know that Jo-ann's is having a sale on Friday ,Saturday and Sunday Nov 27,28 and 29th on the Yudu for $189.99 GOOD PRICE .Plus if you are looking for screens go to amazon.com you can get them for $13.00 with free shipping if you buy 4 screen That is where I buy mine .
An as for Ink I use Versatex water base an no-toxic

[Former_Member]

Hey guys,

Just a question, does anyone know if I can use other paints on the Yudu? Do they just say not to, for marketing tactics? So we HAVE to use their paints? Because I have the Yudu, and now that you tell me the paints have lead in them...well it blows!!!

[Former_Member]

You need to look for screen printing ink NOT paint.