Product Review: Yudu Screen Printing Machine
In my quest to be a total craft nerd with all the cool toys, I recently purchased a Yudu screen printing machine recently introduced to the market by the fine folks at Provo Craft. I had to see what the hubub was for myself and then figure out if it was worth recommending to you, my lovely crafty wedding peeps.
For the record: printmaking is one of my crafting obsessions. I love doing it. I love teaching it. I adore other printmakers and buy a considerable amount of printy goodness every year. In 2000 I bought my first Print Gocco (and then sold it – doh!). A few years ago I picked up a Speedball screen printing kit. You could say that I have a decent background in the basics of print. I’m no expert, just a crafter who digs getting her fingers inky.
The Basic Info
The MSRP of the Yudu is $300, though you can get it online for around $200. {Oh My Crafts has it for 184.99 at the moment}. JoAnn and Michaels are also carrying the machines in store but do not yet allow their coupons to be used to buy the machine. You can, however, use their coupons to buy supplies – which you’ll need.
In the Yudu box you’ll find:
- Yudu machine
- Adult t-shirt platen
- Blank ink-jet transparency
- 110 mesh screen
- Squeegee
- 2 fl oz black ink
- Platen adhesive sheet
- Instructional DVD
- User manual
- Emulsion sheet
A quick run-down of the process (there are other steps and details in here but are not covered in this review):
- Place emulsion sheet onto screen.
- Place screen in dryer. Wait for it to dry.
- Put your artwork onto glass.
- Top that with emulsion screen.
- Burn artwork into screen.
- Rinse screen.
- Get your print on.
What I tested:
- Cardstocks – some scraps in my never-ending pile.
- Tshirt
- Silk pillow cover
- Metal flashing
- Wood veneer
What I love about the Yudu:
- Print area. The screens are 11″ x 14″ which is a great size for stationery and many other wedding crafts. By comparison, the ever-popular Gocco PG5, has a max print area of 3-9/16″ x 5-9/16.
- The all-in-one design of the machine. There’s no need to buy a lot of supplies just to get started and the all-in-one makes storing it easier than with my other screenprinting kit. The product design team at Provo Craft did a great job.
- Ease of use. Overall, this was pretty darned easy to use. There is a bit of a learning curve but I think even the timidest of newbies could get the hang of the Yudu with just a few tries. Read those instructions, kiddies!
- Handles large prints and designs beautifully.
- Prints great on wood, metal, and fabric.
- Yudu inks offer nice coverage and opacity.
- Screens are re-usable and were easy to wash out.
- The quality of the machine is very good and I think it’ll last forever.
- No special lightbulbs for the machine.
What I didn’t like:
- The machine itself is pretty big, about the size of a large scanner or all-in-one inkjet printer. For those of us who have very limited craft space, the Yudu footprint is cumbersome. However, it has the 11 x 14 print area so it really couldn’t be much more streamlined than it already is. If you’re used to the Gocco’s size, the Yudu will be an adjustment.
- The process is long. It took about 50-ish minutes to do a single print – not including the drying time of the print. Getting the emulsion set up and everything ready to go takes some time. Once you get going, doing multiple prints is pretty easy and quick.
- The supplies are not cheap. Screens run about $28.00, emulsion sheets (2 pack) are $19.00, 5 pack of transparencies are $6.00, inks are around $22.00 for a 3-pack. You’ll also need more platens (if you’re doing multiples of t-shirts), emulsion remover, blockout, adhesive sheets, registration panels, and then all of your clean-up tools, things to print on, etc. etc.
- Screens are available only in 110 mesh. I found that the 110 didn’t do well with small text and very fine detail. On my test of an invitation with 10 and 11 pt fonts (script and serifs), it wasn’t as clear as I would have liked. I’ve heard Provo Craft is working on different mesh sizes.
- It didn’t print all that great on some of the cardstocks I had. The ink was too runny on some of the cardstocks and this could totally be the cardstock itself rather than an ink/Yudu problem. I haven’t had a chance to go back and do more tests yet.
- The inks were drying REALLY fast for me on the day I tested so I had to hustle to get prints made before they clogged the screens.
- There aren’t that many ink colors available.
- The demo video is not very good.
My overall impressions:
I really, really like the Yudu and am happy to have it. I am eagerly awaiting other mesh sizes to see if they handle finer text and small detail better – an important thing for invitations/stationery design. Bottom line: If you’re serious about taking on screenprinting as a hobby or career, I think it’s worth the investment especially if you’re new to printmaking. If you’re considering only making your invites and a few other projects this is probably way too cost-prohibitive to make it worthwhile.
In comparison with the Gocco, I have to say that I like the Yudu better. Supplies are readily available for the Yudu, the print area is larger which allows opens up a whole new world of print possibilities, and the process seems more intuitive than what I remember from my Gocco days. (If you have Gocco-specific questions, please ask!)
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Great review! I’ve been anxiously awaiting to hear your thoughts, as a printer myself, I think the Yudu is the one thing I’ve been waiting for. I never attempted Gocco because of the small print area. I look forward to see the arrival of different mesh sizes.
Did you try this on metallic, coated cardstocks? Such as the Curious Metallics or Stardream line? My print projects seem to be exclusively on these coated stocks.
Great review! I’ve been anxiously awaiting to hear your thoughts, as a printer myself, I think the Yudu is the one thing I’ve been waiting for. I never attempted Gocco because of the small print area. I look forward to see the arrival of different mesh sizes.
Did you try this on metallic, coated cardstocks? Such as the Curious Metallics or Stardream line? My print projects seem to be exclusively on these coated stocks.
It sounds like it would be pretty easy for Provo to come out with a 2nd generation Yudu that corrects pretty much every problem you have – because you like the fundamental design. It’s pretty new, so they will probably come out with more inks and perhaps slower drying inks – although from the promotional material I’ve seen, its more for t-shirts than small cards and stuff.
I wonder if they’ll come out with a mini version – a stationary Yudu – that would be a little larger than a Gocco but smaller than this version (maybe with a 5×7 print area)- with finer mesh screens. That would probably sell well as a replacement/competitor for the Gocco, because I haven’t gotten the vibe that this is supposed to replace that.
I think like any first time product, its bound to have some bugs – I think I’ll probably wait a long time before looking into it (maybe once I have a craft room…).
Great review! I love my Yudu too. I’ve used it on fabric, cardstock, canvas, vinyl, and felt….worked great on them all, but I’m looking forward to playing with finer mesh screens on paper/cardstock too. I’m so glad that it’s as large as it is. It makes it much more versatile IMO.
The metallic ink is great, although I’ve only used it on fabric.
Great review! I love my Yudu too. I’ve used it on fabric, cardstock, canvas, vinyl, and felt….worked great on them all, but I’m looking forward to playing with finer mesh screens on paper/cardstock too. I’m so glad that it’s as large as it is. It makes it much more versatile IMO.
The metallic ink is great, although I’ve only used it on fabric.
It sounds like it would be pretty easy for Provo to come out with a 2nd generation Yudu that corrects pretty much every problem you have – because you like the fundamental design. It’s pretty new, so they will probably come out with more inks and perhaps slower drying inks – although from the promotional material I’ve seen, its more for t-shirts than small cards and stuff.
I wonder if they’ll come out with a mini version – a stationary Yudu – that would be a little larger than a Gocco but smaller than this version (maybe with a 5×7 print area)- with finer mesh screens. That would probably sell well as a replacement/competitor for the Gocco, because I haven’t gotten the vibe that this is supposed to replace that.
I think like any first time product, its bound to have some bugs – I think I’ll probably wait a long time before looking into it (maybe once I have a craft room…).
I am def. interested in getting one now. Thanks!
I am def. interested in getting one now. Thanks!
That review was so timely! We were just considering it for our invitations. Hearing about the difficulties with the fine detail and smaller fonts definitely steers me away from it for this particular project. Although I think that we’ll still end up getting one eventually because it’s just too fantastic that it’s an all-in-one design.
That review was so timely! We were just considering it for our invitations. Hearing about the difficulties with the fine detail and smaller fonts definitely steers me away from it for this particular project. Although I think that we’ll still end up getting one eventually because it’s just too fantastic that it’s an all-in-one design.
Jennifer, I haven’t yet tried it on metallic cardstocks. I’ll report back when I get a chance.
Great review! I saw this at Michaels or Joanns (can’t remember) and wanted it-thanks for the feedback!
Great review! I saw this at Michaels or Joanns (can’t remember) and wanted it-thanks for the feedback!
Great machine! My friend has been using it for all her clients and it gets addictive. Works amazing on wood, metals, plastic etc. and you can do so much. Such a nice touch!
Great machine! My friend has been using it for all her clients and it gets addictive. Works amazing on wood, metals, plastic etc. and you can do so much. Such a nice touch!
Great machine! My friend has been using it for all her clients and it gets addictive. Works amazing on wood, metals, plastic etc. and you can do so much. Such a nice touch!
Great machine! My friend has been using it for all her clients and it gets addictive. Works amazing on wood, metals, plastic etc. and you can do so much. Such a nice touch!
I have been playing with my Yudu for a few months now and I’ve got to say I love it more each time I use it. It is very fun to have around – so many possibilities !!
And I too am eagerly awaiting that finer mesh screen………
I have been playing with my Yudu for a few months now and I’ve got to say I love it more each time I use it. It is very fun to have around – so many possibilities !!
And I too am eagerly awaiting that finer mesh screen………
Thanx for the great review! Im going to go order it from oh my crafts…I was hoping Micheals would honor the 40% off coupon. Too bad.
Thanx for the great review! Im going to go order it from oh my crafts…I was hoping Micheals would honor the 40% off coupon. Too bad.
Do you know if you can use non-Yudu inks on the Yudu machine?
Do you know if you can use non-Yudu inks on the Yudu machine?
Yes, you can! Use only water-based inks. I like Versatex; others are reporting good results with Speedball inks.
Yes, you can! Use only water-based inks. I like Versatex; others are reporting good results with Speedball inks.
I just use the silver ink to silk screen a florish on to the front of all of the envelopes for my daughters wedding. The silver ink is thicker then the others so, I didn’t have a problem with the ink running. The process went very fast, was able to get a couple hundred done in an hour. I used a Cricut mat on the platten to hold the envelopes and did 3 at a time. The detail was beautiful and my daughter love the personalized touch.
I just use the silver ink to silk screen a florish on to the front of all of the envelopes for my daughters wedding. The silver ink is thicker then the others so, I didn’t have a problem with the ink running. The process went very fast, was able to get a couple hundred done in an hour. I used a Cricut mat on the platten to hold the envelopes and did 3 at a time. The detail was beautiful and my daughter love the personalized touch.
Thanks for the response. The ability to use other inks seems to open the possibilities. I’m don’t want to become completely dependent on one company to keep making supplies.
Thanks for the response. The ability to use other inks seems to open the possibilities. I’m don’t want to become completely dependent on one company to keep making supplies.
Is it possible to do multiple colors? Wondered if there was any option to use registry marks….?? (rather than spot colors of ink) I may be asking too much.
It’s looks like cool toy- I love my Gocco and now I want this.
Is it possible to do multiple colors? Wondered if there was any option to use registry marks….?? (rather than spot colors of ink) I may be asking too much.
It’s looks like cool toy- I love my Gocco and now I want this.
How long do you think it would take to print a t shirt?
How long do you think it would take to print a t shirt?
The ink took a good 2 hours to dry on the fabric I used (cotton-linen) for my trial. Add to that a 50 minute time to burn the screen (this has varied from project to project for me. Some have taken 20-30 minutes, others 50+). The actual printing is really fast – just seconds.
I am trying to make Banners on Suiting material and was wondering if there is some way to easily do multipul color graphics? Such as three and even four colors. (mostly Heraldic type banners)
Thanx Larry
I am trying to make Banners on Suiting material and was wondering if there is some way to easily do multipul color graphics? Such as three and even four colors. (mostly Heraldic type banners)
Thanx Larry
Like many of the other posts I am interested in multiple color imagery.
The advertisement didn’t get into that … any ideas? Your review
is very informative with the mesh sizes being a really valid suggestion to the company.
Like many of the other posts I am interested in multiple color imagery.
The advertisement didn’t get into that … any ideas? Your review
is very informative with the mesh sizes being a really valid suggestion to the company.
Hi,
Will the machine allow screening onto the back of a life jacket. This is pretty “puffy” or is about an inch or so thick.
Hi,
Will the machine allow screening onto the back of a life jacket. This is pretty “puffy” or is about an inch or so thick.
Thanks for the awesome review. If I were to purchase the yudu, it would be for printing on tee shirts. I would need to do about 20 or more at a time. You said that the total process was around 50 +/- minutes for 1 shirt (not including drying time), but how much time for each shirt after that? I’m trying to figure out if you just remove the painted shirt, add a new one and keep going or if you need to wash the screen, etc. before starting on next shirt. THANK YOU for your help.
One the initial screen is made, printing multiples is pretty fast. With clothing its just a matter of removing the tshirt from the platen and putting a new tshirt on, reinking the screen as needed, and pulling a print.
Thanks for the awesome review. If I were to purchase the yudu, it would be for printing on tee shirts. I would need to do about 20 or more at a time. You said that the total process was around 50 +/- minutes for 1 shirt (not including drying time), but how much time for each shirt after that? I’m trying to figure out if you just remove the painted shirt, add a new one and keep going or if you need to wash the screen, etc. before starting on next shirt. THANK YOU for your help.
One the initial screen is made, printing multiples is pretty fast. With clothing its just a matter of removing the tshirt from the platen and putting a new tshirt on, reinking the screen as needed, and pulling a print.
My husband just got me the Cricut Expression yesterday (early Christmas present) and I’ve been on it since 330am. I just saw the info commerical for the Yudu and I have to have it, my Christmas present to myself, thank you for the wonderful review this will help me with my home business.
My husband just got me the Cricut Expression yesterday (early Christmas present) and I’ve been on it since 330am. I just saw the info commerical for the Yudu and I have to have it, my Christmas present to myself, thank you for the wonderful review this will help me with my home business.
they have a 220 screen that is perfect for detailed art or small text. i love this thing
they have a 220 screen that is perfect for detailed art or small text. i love this thing
Hello! Thanks for the informative review. I have never done printing like this, but am an experienced crafter. I found the Yudu at AC Moore for only $180. Everything to go with it was also on sale. I am sort of concerned about the 50 min. of time. I like the idea of being able to print on various surfaces. Thanks again for helping me.
Hello! Thanks for the informative review. I have never done printing like this, but am an experienced crafter. I found the Yudu at AC Moore for only $180. Everything to go with it was also on sale. I am sort of concerned about the 50 min. of time. I like the idea of being able to print on various surfaces. Thanks again for helping me.
I’ve had the machine for about 3 weeks and do love it but with a really steep, expensive learning curve, I’m still working on perfection. Does anyone know if the liquid emulsion they’re selling on the net works?
I’ve had the machine for about 3 weeks and do love it but with a really steep, expensive learning curve, I’m still working on perfection. Does anyone know if the liquid emulsion they’re selling on the net works?
I am a small business operator and do t-shirts for all types of athletics such as Baseball Teams, Soccer, Football, and Karate Do jo’s. The question i have is most of my clients are 2, and sometimes 4 different colors for one logo can i do this using Yu DU?
I am a small business operator and do t-shirts for all types of athletics such as Baseball Teams, Soccer, Football, and Karate Do jo’s. The question i have is most of my clients are 2, and sometimes 4 different colors for one logo can i do this using Yu DU?
@ eric
you can do multiple colors on the material. you just have to either tape off the the different colors of the print, or have another screen for the ther colors you want to add on.
@ eric
you can do multiple colors on the material. you just have to either tape off the the different colors of the print, or have another screen for the ther colors you want to add on.
we have been trying to use the 220 screens to do fine print with poor results. I’ve been racking my brain (and the web) to figure out what we’re doing wrong and i read that you burned the emulsion for up to 50 minutes. my mom then realized that the wattage on the bulb was so low (recommended 150 watts) so we have to up the time.
i’m hoping that this is the trick to keep me from pulling my hair out and having to change the design on my pretty invitations. thanks!!!
we have been trying to use the 220 screens to do fine print with poor results. I’ve been racking my brain (and the web) to figure out what we’re doing wrong and i read that you burned the emulsion for up to 50 minutes. my mom then realized that the wattage on the bulb was so low (recommended 150 watts) so we have to up the time.
i’m hoping that this is the trick to keep me from pulling my hair out and having to change the design on my pretty invitations. thanks!!!
This thing seems too good to be true, and being a skeptic by nature i’ve been doing my research prior to purchasing.
My major hang up, since I am very familiar with screen printing and have worked in a variety of set-ups, involves whether or not all of the supplies for the YuDu are product specific.
For example:
-Do I have to use their emulsion sheets or can I apply emulsion to the screen on my own?
-Eventually the exposure bulbs will burn out. Are they replaceable with a trip to the hardware store, or do I have to order more from YuDu?
ETC.
If these items are product specific to this YuDu set up that can end up being very costly, and I hate to say this, but what happens when one day the line is discontinued Gocco style? We’ll be forced to scour Ebay…..
This thing seems too good to be true, and being a skeptic by nature i’ve been doing my research prior to purchasing.
My major hang up, since I am very familiar with screen printing and have worked in a variety of set-ups, involves whether or not all of the supplies for the YuDu are product specific.
For example:
-Do I have to use their emulsion sheets or can I apply emulsion to the screen on my own?
-Eventually the exposure bulbs will burn out. Are they replaceable with a trip to the hardware store, or do I have to order more from YuDu?
ETC.
If these items are product specific to this YuDu set up that can end up being very costly, and I hate to say this, but what happens when one day the line is discontinued Gocco style? We’ll be forced to scour Ebay…..
to see my review and a finished project, go here:
http://borrowedturquoise.blogspot.com/2010/01/our-save-dates-and-yudu-screenprinter.html
to see my review and a finished project, go here:
http://borrowedturquoise.blogspot.com/2010/01/our-save-dates-and-yudu-screenprinter.html
Hi, I have been wanting to get the Yudu for a while now and have been skeptical. I was wondering…. does it work well if you have an extremely detailed design? For example, if it was a flag for a country that had about 4 colors in the center, how would i go about doing that?
Thanks.
Hi, I have been wanting to get the Yudu for a while now and have been skeptical. I was wondering…. does it work well if you have an extremely detailed design? For example, if it was a flag for a country that had about 4 colors in the center, how would i go about doing that?
Thanks.
Also…………. Does anyone have pics of some of their work that I can see, especially something with multiple colors? I’d greatly appreciate it! You can send pics to my email mynoritees@mac.com. Thanks again!
Also…………. Does anyone have pics of some of their work that I can see, especially something with multiple colors? I’d greatly appreciate it! You can send pics to my email mynoritees@mac.com. Thanks again!
yes i have been wanting this and really want to buy just nervous. My husband dont think it will work. i just want it to do some shirts and pants for my kids with their school name on them. Can you do it on different color shirts and pants? and does the instructions tell you how to do different colors? Where can i buy it at the tv sales for 300 but you get all the extras it says is that a good deal. and if anyone has pictures of what they have designed please email me at fefewatson30@yahoo.com
yes i have been wanting this and really want to buy just nervous. My husband dont think it will work. i just want it to do some shirts and pants for my kids with their school name on them. Can you do it on different color shirts and pants? and does the instructions tell you how to do different colors? Where can i buy it at the tv sales for 300 but you get all the extras it says is that a good deal. and if anyone has pictures of what they have designed please email me at fefewatson30@yahoo.com
I have purchased the YuDu and I have the first time to get a good print. I have a hard time with the puting the emulsion on the screen. If I do suceed to get it on the screen than it tear. I have no problem burning the screen but getting a decent t-shirt is hard. I have spent money to replace the emulsion. Which is pricey. I really thought that I had a winner.
I have purchased the YuDu and I have the first time to get a good print. I have a hard time with the puting the emulsion on the screen. If I do suceed to get it on the screen than it tear. I have no problem burning the screen but getting a decent t-shirt is hard. I have spent money to replace the emulsion. Which is pricey. I really thought that I had a winner.
Shirley. I’ve found that if you use a wet spong. One that isn’t dripping but almost is works great for getting the emulsion to stick. Just wet the front and back of the screen, sit the emulsion sheet on and use the squeege to stick in on. If the corners arent sticking you can go to wipe it with the sponge from the side the emulsion isn’t on. Use a hair dryer to dry it completely if it isn’t dry after using the fan in the machine. I just use the hairdryer and skip the machine drying all together. Save about 15 minutes.
Shirley. I’ve found that if you use a wet spong. One that isn’t dripping but almost is works great for getting the emulsion to stick. Just wet the front and back of the screen, sit the emulsion sheet on and use the squeege to stick in on. If the corners arent sticking you can go to wipe it with the sponge from the side the emulsion isn’t on. Use a hair dryer to dry it completely if it isn’t dry after using the fan in the machine. I just use the hairdryer and skip the machine drying all together. Save about 15 minutes.
I’m trying my luck with speedballs diazo emulsion instead of using the expensive sheets. I’ll let you know how it turns out. It was $20 for enough to do 30 screens.
I’m trying my luck with speedballs diazo emulsion instead of using the expensive sheets. I’ll let you know how it turns out. It was $20 for enough to do 30 screens.
THis is a total rip off. I will never again purchase something like this. Machine did not work. Emulsion is so difficult to get perfect, I've lost so much money. They do not give refunds and they make you pay a large sum of money to ship it back to them.
THis is a total rip off. I will never again purchase something like this. Machine did not work. Emulsion is so difficult to get perfect, I've lost so much money. They do not give refunds and they make you pay a large sum of money to ship it back to them.
I just watched a demo on how to use the Yudu, but your review was just as much, or more, helpful. I have been thinking about getting this and I think it's time to invest in one. Thanks
I just watched a demo on how to use the Yudu, but your review was just as much, or more, helpful. I have been thinking about getting this and I think it's time to invest in one. Thanks
Hi, i just recieved my yudo machine,it was used one from ebay,it looks like they have only used it once. I agree about the how to use video that comes with the machine DUMB. I haven't used it as of yet as i am trying to gatter as much imformation on how to use it (i;m73yrs.old and need lots of help)
One of the things i would like to know is how many t=shirts can you do at a time (and how to do so).and can you use 2=3 different inks at the same time (and how to do so) Can any one answer my qustions for me?
Hi, i just recieved my yudo machine,it was used one from ebay,it looks like they have only used it once. I agree about the how to use video that comes with the machine DUMB. I haven't used it as of yet as i am trying to gatter as much imformation on how to use it (i;m73yrs.old and need lots of help)
One of the things i would like to know is how many t=shirts can you do at a time (and how to do so).and can you use 2=3 different inks at the same time (and how to do so) Can any one answer my qustions for me?
Hi Marian,
The Yudu will print 1 t-shirt at a time and only 1 ink at a time.
Hi Marian,
The Yudu will print 1 t-shirt at a time and only 1 ink at a time.
Dear Experts,
Our daughter loves to draw and like to have her drawing on T-Shirt, bags, hats, etc. Our budget is $400.00.
Which product would you recommend for this project?
Thank you.
Elizabeth
As with any silk screen system it is always one shirt at a time and one ink but you can use more than one ink on the screen side-by-side and let them mix and run together where they touch. YUDU has infomericals running late at night, maybe you could catch them and see what I mean.
Hope this helps.
As with any silk screen system it is always one shirt at a time and one ink but you can use more than one ink on the screen side-by-side and let them mix and run together where they touch. YUDU has infomericals running late at night, maybe you could catch them and see what I mean.
Hope this helps.
Jennifer, I haven’t yet tried it on metallic cardstocks. I’ll report back when I get a chance.
The ink took a good 2 hours to dry on the fabric I used (cotton-linen) for my trial. Add to that a 50 minute time to burn the screen (this has varied from project to project for me. Some have taken 20-30 minutes, others 50+). The actual printing is really fast – just seconds.