“Bucket of Ink” vs. “Bucket of Inks”: A Deep Dive into Embroidery & Screen Printing from an Industry Decorator

 

As someone who’s spent more than two decades living and breathing custom apparel, I’ve learned that no two decoration processes are created equal, and neither are the resources that support them. That’s why I want to clear up a common point of confusion and, more importantly, spotlight an incredibly valuable resource for decorators: the difference between “Bucket of Ink” and “Bucket of Inks”—two sides of the same powerhouse company, Buckets of Ink.

While they share a name and mission—to support and supply the custom apparel industry—their focus areas are distinct, and knowing which side to tap into can mean the difference between good production and great production.

Let’s break it down, decorator to decorator.

The Mission Behind the Brands

Both "Bucket of Ink" and "Bucket of Inks" were created with the decorator in mind, but each caters to a specific specialty:

  • Bucket of Ink is the embroidery-focused branch of Buckets of Ink, dedicated to everything needle-and-thread.
  • Bucket of Inks is the screen printing side, supplying everything from plastisol to reclaim chemistry to get perfect prints every time.

As an Industry Decorator, I’m here to help shops—whether they’re startups or seasoned operations—get the most from their process, their tools, and their investment. Understanding which “bucket” to dip into is key.

Bucket of Ink – The Embroidery Side

Embroidery is all about dimension, detail, and texture. With Bucket of Ink, decorators can access a full arsenal of embroidery essentials tailored for high-quality stitching:

Supplies Include:

  • Madeira and Robison-Anton threads
  • Backing and stabilizers (cut-away, tear-away, no-show mesh)
  • Bobbins, needles, and pre-wound options
  • Adhesive sprays and hooping stations
  • Thread storage and organization tools

Recommended Equipment:

Equipment Dealer Support:

Bucket of Ink connects decorators with trusted dealers for training, maintenance, and machine upgrades—making sure you’re not just sold to, but supported.

Pro Tip from the Industry Decorator:

Invest in magnetic hooping systems early. It reduces stress, increases efficiency, and keeps consistency tight for high-volume jobs.

Bucket of Inks – The Screen Printing Side

Screen printing is where volume meets creativity. Bucket of Inks offers a full lineup of materials and chemistry for shops that want bold, durable prints.

Supplies Include:

  • Plastisol inks, water-based inks, and specialty effects like puff or glow
  • Emulsions, degreasers, reclaim chemicals
  • Squeegees, scoop coaters, and mesh counts for every job
  • Test pellons, cleaning supplies, and press wipes
  • Tape, spatulas, blockout pens—everything you forget until you need it

Recommended Equipment:

  • Presses from CobraFlex Printers, Riley Hopkins, and ROQ
  • Flash dryers, tunnel dryers, exposure units
  • Washout booths and dip tanks
  • CTS (computer-to-screen) systems

Dealer and Support Network:

Bucket of Inks partners with leading screen printing equipment dealers and offers knowledge resources to help you scale—from manual setups to full automation.

Pro Tip from the Industry Decorator:

Always dial in your exposure times and screen tension. The most expensive ink won’t fix a poorly prepped screen.

Shared Values – Unified by Purpose

What I love about Buckets of Ink as a whole is that whether you’re threading needles or pulling squeegees, they’re committed to helping decorators thrive. Both arms of the company offer:

  • Industry education and tech support
  • Fast, decorator-focused customer service
  • Real-world-tested products, not gimmicks
  • A “by decorators, for decorators” mindset

That alignment matters—because decorators need partners who understand the grind, the craft, and the business.

The Hybrid Shop Advantage

Many modern shops now run both embroidery and screen printing—and if you’re one of them, Buckets of Ink has you covered on both fronts.

By understanding how Bucket of Ink (embroidery) and Bucket of Inks (screen printing) complement each other, you can streamline purchasing, unify vendor relationships, and educate your team across disciplines. That’s efficiency. That’s growth. That’s how you scale smart.

Final Thoughts from the Industry Decorator

At the end of the day, I’m not just here to sell ink or thread—I’m here to help decorators get the most out of their tools, their time, and their talent.

Whether you're hooping caps in the back room or loading shirts onto a press in the front, having the right supplier makes a difference. And that’s where Bucket of Ink and Bucket of Inks shine. They’re not just brands—they’re partners in the process.

So whichever path you're on—embroidery, screen printing, or both—know that there’s a bucket built for your business. And I’m here to help you pour success from it.

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