How To Contact Us
If you have questions that aren’t answered in these FAQ’s, please feel free to contact us!
Phone
You can reach us during our standard office hours at (360) 805-4140.
Office Hours: M-F 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM Pacific Time or 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM Eastern Time.
For questions about shur-loc® products, please email us at info@shurloc.com
For invoicing or payment questions, please email sales@shurloc.com
Mailing Address
shur-loc Fabric System
14517 Fryelands Blvd SE
Monroe, WA 98272
How To Use Our Site
How To Order Online
Our new online ordering system is designed to make your shopping experience as simple as possible.
1 – Click the “shop” button in the menu above.
2a – Select the category of product you want from the images.
2b – If needed: select a sub category for your item.
2c – If needed: select the size and style of the item.
2d – If needed: select any item specific options, like mesh counts, from the drop down menu.
3 – Set the quantity of items and click the “add to cart” button.
4 – Your cart will appear at the top left of the page. When you are done adding items, click the “checkout” button.
5 – Enter your billing details and shipping information.
6 – Select your payment method and click the “place order” button.
Your shur-loc® products will ship soon and arrive as quickly as possible.
Setting Up Your Account
If you plan on ordering online from shurloc.com on a regular basis, we highly recommend setting up an online account. This will allow you quickly place orders and have access to your order history if you ever have questions.
1 – Click the “My Account” tab on the main menu.
2 – On the “Register” side of the page, enter a username, email address and password. Please enter your password carefully as you will only get one attempt at entering it.
3 – Click the “register” button to setup your account.
You can now keep track of your orders, addresses, and account details at any time. Don’t worry, your payment information is not kept on our site, so it cannot be compromised at any time.
If you have any questions about your account, please feel free to give us a call at 360-805-4140.
Fabric Panels
Tension Charts For Mesh Panels
Checking the serial number of your fabric panel will let you know which mesh manufacturer you have on your frame. A serial number that begins with 1 is a SEFAR PET 1500 mesh panel. A number 3 is a Murakami Smartmesh panel. A number 5 is a SAATI Hi-Tex/Hi-R panel. Click the link below to download the how to stretch and tension chart for your brand.
We also have a full color wall chart available for you to post in your shop., This page shows the shur-loc® color code system for easy reference.
Why Should I Use shur-loc® Panels?
One of the most overlooked tools in many shops is the frames and mesh that is used to print most jobs. Whether someone has invested thousands in roller frames or is still using wooden frames with 10N fabrics on them, almost everyone will agree that good quality prints start with consistent screens. With a shur-loc® mesh panel, we precision cut the shape of the mesh to match the optimal tension for the mesh that is being used. This means perfect softening, tight corners and just enough deflection curve built into the mesh to keep that frame performing at its best for as long as possible. Simply put, shur-loc® panels go on faster, easier and last longer than any other mesh system on the planet. This means the best possible prints, longer press times and more money in pocket.
Do Panels Cost More Than Static Frames Or Bolt Mesh?
While panels may look more expensive when you compare them to mesh by the yard, there are quite a few other costs associated with bolt mesh that most users forget about. When traditionally stretching, users need locking strips, mesh clips, special tools, wrenches and quite a bit of wasted mesh. It’s also wise to factor in the additional time and shipping costs of bolt mesh verses panels as well. Your stretching department can also tension frames in a faction of the time that it takes with bolt mesh. Once you add up all the factors, that “more expensive” panel doesn’t cost so much more than bolt mesh.
Always Tension Your Mesh To the Proper Tension Level.
One of the biggest mistakes printers can make is falling into the ‘maximum tension’ trap. More tension does not always equal better prints. Optimal tension for the mesh you are using will give you better prints. This is the theory that is used to design every shur-loc® fabric panel. When mesh is over-tension, the threads quickly lose their elasticity and begin to break down. Keeping mesh at the proper tension level will help you avoid this premature breakage.
Do All Your Mesh Panels Tension To 35N?
The simple answer to this is, no. Mesh comes in many different counts and thread diameters. Each one of these has been given a specific tension range by the manufacturer to perform at its optimal level. Consulting a tension chart is the best way to determine exactly what tension the mesh you are using should be tensioned to.
What Might Happen If My Mesh Is Over Tensioned?
Over tensioning mesh will lead to the mesh breaking down faster than usual. This would lead to the threads losing their elasticity and the knuckles of the mesh breaking down prematurely. Prints will lose their definition faster and issues like moire and ghosting could become an issue.
What If My Mesh Is Under Tensioned?
Under tensioning mesh will produce many issues with the quality of prints. The mesh is designed to be opened a certain amount to allow inks to pass through and be applied to the garment. If the mesh is under tensioned, these openings will not be large enough and not enough ink will pass through. This is the common problem that many users face with static (or stretch and glue) frames. Low tensions usually require increased off-contact and higher squeegee pressures. Both of these can lead to lower quality, inconsistent prints.
Watch Your Chemicals…
There are a number of chemicals that should never be used with the original shur-loc® panels. Most of these have active ingredients that include: “tones” like Acetone or ketone, MEK, naphthas, esters, ethers or toluene. These chemicals attach the PVC strips on the edge of the panel and can cause them to soften or swell. Once this happens, the adhesive inside the panel may fail, causing the mesh to release.
It’s also important to watch for alkaline being left on the mesh. Many dehazers and degreasers contain alkaline to help clean the mesh more efficiently. These types of cleaners will leave a white residue on the mesh that will slowly cause pinholes to develop in the panel. Once the threads becomes weak enough, they will break. You can avoid this by lightly spraying down your mesh with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water.
If your shop environment requires the use of chemicals like the ones listed above, we highly recommend our Endurance Series Fabric Panels.
Should I Use White Mesh Or Yellow Mesh?
White mesh has not been dyed. Yellow, Amber or Orange colored meshes have been dyed. The dye in the colored mesh prevents light from travelling through the threads as easily while exposing. White mesh can be exposed more easily with a weaker light source, but may not have the same stencil edge quality as an equivalent yellow mesh. The darker the dye color, the longer the mesh will take to expose. The dye colors may vary by brand, but the end result is the same for each of them.
Generally, white mesh is used on lower mesh counts with thicker thread diameters. Yellow mesh is more commonly found in higher thread counts and thinner thread diameters. Mesh counts under 110 are usually found only in white. Mesh counts from 110 to 200 are often found in both white and yellow. From 230 and above, most meshes are only available in a dyed coloring.
For the most part, either white or yellow mesh will print well for most users. The question of which one is right for you could be as simple as looking at the job you are doing and deciding which one will work best for your needs. Either way, shur-loc® has a vast selection to fit every need.
What Do The Stamps On My Panel Mean?
When you first see a shur-loc® Fabric Panel, you might be a bit confused on how to tell the difference between all the numbers. We make this easy by identifying each panel in a number of ways. Knowing what to look for makes choosing the perfect mesh for the job easy.
A large amount of information is contained in a very small area of the fabric panel. Located in the corner, you will see a series of stamps that help you identify the mesh and size of your panel. The first stamp contains the frame size, style and mesh count. In the image above, this would be a 355 mesh for a 23×31 M3 frame. The 355 part of the mesh indicates that there are 355 threads per inch in this mesh. The second number identifies the thread diameter of each thread. The diameter of the thread is measured in microns. In the image above, they used a 34 micron thread to weave a 355 thread per inch mesh fabric. If you need a larger opening, or better coverage, you could try a 31 micron thread in the same mesh count. This will increase the opening of your mesh almost 10%. The thread diameter also dictates the amount of tension the mesh will take. The thicker the thread, the higher the tension, based on the threads per inch. Many mesh counts have several thread diameter options.
The second line contains the serial number of the panel, which tells us what mesh is used, when the panel was made and the roll of mesh that used to make it.
Squeegee Clean
What Chemical Should I Use In The Squeegee Clean?
The Squeegee Clean is designed to be an ink remover for your squeegees. The chemical you use in it should match the type of ink that your shop uses. We recommend using the SaatiChem IR-26 due to its versatility and dilution ratio. One quart of IR-26 can be mixed with 2 quarts of water to provide the perfect amount of cleaner for the Squeegee Clean.
Many other ink removers will work just as well with the Squeegee Clean. When choosing a chemical, select one that has very low sudsing or foaming characteristics. Please consult your MSDS sheet to verify that the chemical you are currently using is not caustic to aluminum as this can lead to damage to the Squeegee Clean’s box. Also, consult our PDF sheet “How often should I change the chemicals in my Squeegee Clean?” before using a chemical that will be difficult to dispose of.
Please make sure that you are not using a chemical that is caustic to aluminum as this can lead to premature breakdown of the main box of the Squeegee Clean.
If your shop requires the use of stronger chemicals that may be caustic to aluminum, we suggest upgrading to the Stainless Steel version of the Squeegee Clean.
How Often Should I Clean My Squeegee Clean?
We recommend cleaning your Squeegee Clean every 30 days. This doesn’t mean discarding the contents and starting over, but you certainly can if you wish. The clean out process for the Squeegee Clean is actually very simple. You will need the following: a 5 gallon bucket, an old t-shirt or fabric, a bungee cord, a phillips head screwdriver and something to rinse the box with.
– Place the t-shirt loosely over the bucket (so there is an indent) and secure it with the bungee cord.
– Loosen the mounting screws from the Squeegee Cleaner and lift it off the table.
– Carefully pour the contents of the box through the shirt into the bucket. The shirt/fabric should capture the solid waste from the box and the liquid will run through.
– Rinse the box with a pressure washer or hose. At this time we recommend inspecting the box to ensure there is no damage to it.
– Remove the shirt from the bucket and discard the solids in compliance with your local laws.
– Pour the contents of the bucket back into the Squeegee Clean.
– Add new chemical mix to bring the fluid level back up to the recommended level of 3 or 4 quarts of mixture.
Your Squeegee Clean is now ready for another 30 days of cleaning squeegees and flood bars.
Please make sure that you are not using a chemical that is caustic to aluminum as this can lead to premature breakdown of the main box of the Squeegee Clean.
Can I Replace The Brushes On My Squeegee Clean If They Wear Out?
The brush system on the Squeegee Clean is fully replaceable. This is not to say that you will ever need to replace them, but the entire system can be removed, changed out and replaced very easily.
Can I Change The Brushes Myself?
Yes, you can change the brushes out in your own shop. It’s a relatively simple procedure that involves a few steps to remove the shaft from the cleaner box, remove the retaining bolt and washer off the shafts, pull the old brushes and spacers off, then replace them with the new kit.
How Long Do The Brushes Last?
The brushes in the Squeegee Clean should last virtually forever. The most common issue with the brushes is the “bending” of the bristles in one direction. When properly rotated, the brushes spin inward on the device. After some time, the brushes may start to bend in the opposite direction. The brushes can be removed and reinstalled on the opposite side of the Squeegee Clean to push the bristles in the opposite direction.
Are There Any Chemicals That I Shouldn’t Use With The Squeegee Clean?
The brushes are virtually indestructible, but that doesn’t mean that the entire Squeegee Clean is. We recommend staying away from any chemicals that are caustic, or that affect aluminum in a negative way. If your shop’s needs demand the use of stronger chemicals, we do have a stainless steel box option available.
shur-chek130 Tension Meter
What Does “Bi-Directional” Mean?
When considering the purchase of a tension meter, it’s important to compare apples to apples. Looking at a typical “value line” tension meter, they are usually a uni-point meter or a meter that only takes an average of the mesh at a given point. This gives you an estimate of the mesh at that point, not a true tension reading for the mesh.
What sets the Shur-Chek 130 apart from other meters in this price range, is that it is a true, bi-directional meter that gives you both the warp and weft directions of the fabric buy taking a sample of the threads going in one direction only.
For best results, zero the meter on the glass standard before use. This should be done daily or each time you use the meter. After it is zeroed, place the meter in the center of the fabric with the dial facing the long tube. You can tap the mesh a few times to make sure the meter has settled at the proper tension. Normally, this would be the warp direction of the fabric.
How Do I Redeem My Free Calibration?
One of the many benefits to purchasing the Shur-Chek 130 Tension Meter is that the first calibration is included with the purchase of the meter. To redeem this offer, simply call us and let us know that you have a meter that needs to be calibrated. We will issue you an order number and have you send the meter to us for inspection and calibration or repair, if needed. Once you have your order number, send your meter to the following address:
shur-loc® Fabric System
ATTN: METER CALIBRATION
14517 Fryelands Blvd SE
Monroe, WA 98272
Once the meter is received, we will inspect the meter for additional damage. If any is found, we will notify you before any work is done. If no damage is found, the meter will be cleaned and calibrated to AGD/NIST specifications and returned to you as quickly as possible.
The free calibration does not include shipping from our location to the lab where certification is performed or the cost of any repairs that are needed due to abuse or accidental damage. The free calibration must be redeemed within the first 12 months of usage.
How Do I Know When To Calibrate My Meter?
A good rule is to have your meter calibrated once a year to once every 18 months. If your meter begins to malfunction and read improperly, you may over tension mesh, causing premature breakage or under tension the mesh, which leads to poor print quality. Either way, a tension meter that is not calibrated correctly will start costing you money everyday.
When the Shur-Chek 130 is properly calibrated, the indicator should point at the 20N mark on the gauge. When placed on the glass standard, it should complete just over 2 1/2 revolutions to align with the zeroing dot. If the bezel needs to be moved more than 10° it may be time to have the meter checked and calibrated.
What Should I Do If I Drop My Meter?
99.9% of the time, a dropped meter will not read correctly. There are many intricate parts inside the meter that require careful handling and any sudden jolt or torquing of the parts may cause the meter to become damaged. A drop of only a few inches can lead to internal damage of the gears and jewels inside the meter, which will cause inaccurate readings and mis-tensioned fabrics. If your meter is dropped or shows any signs of not reading correctly, please contact us to have it checked.
How Do I Zero My Meter?
“Zeroing” your meter should be done daily before using your meter. To zero the meter, remove the glass standard from the case and place it on a table. Make sure it is clean and free of any debris. Locate and loosen the set screw on the bezel of the meter. Set the meter on the glass. The indicator should point at the black dot. If it does not, rotate the bezel until it does. Tighten the set screw . Your meter is ready to use.
"E-Con" Fabric Panels

What are "E-Con" Fabric Panels?
In 2007, we developed a lower cost alternative to our premium fabric panels using various meshes from the world’s leading mesh manufacturers. These mesh panels were the first panels to carry our “E-Con” pricing structure. As time went on, various inconsistencies were found in that mesh and the line was temporarily discontinued. As time continued, we were able to negotiate special pricing on certain mesh counts and quantities in the exact same premium meshes that we use for the standard fabric panels.
By negotiating these discounted rates, we were able to pass the savings on to you in the form of an all new “E-Con” Fabric Panel offering. Unfortunately, as we moved into 2019, many of the mesh counts we were offering were no longer available at a bulk price and we were forced to make changes to the “E-Con” panel lineup.
Volume Pricing Replacing "E-Con" Fabrics
As we faced the difficult decision to terminate the “E-Con” Fabric Panels, we needed to find a solution to still offer screen printers an amazing deal on the best tools they need to do their work. After working with our manufacturers once again, we were able to reach an agreement to provide 5 mesh counts from our Premium Panel Lineup direct to consumers at huge savings. Our new Volume Pricing structure offers you the choice of manufacturer in 110 yellow, 125 yellow, 160 yellow, 180 yellow or 225 yellow mesh at incredible prices.
The new Volume Price panels include your choice of manufacturer, mesh count and can be currently ordered in 20×24 EZ, 23×31 EZ, 23×31 MZX and 23×31 M3 frame style.
Please visit this page to learn what Volume Price Panels are available for your frames.
What is the minimum purchase to qualify for Volume Pricing?
Volume Pricing is available for select frames sizes and styles in quantities of 5 panels.
Please visit this page to learn what Volume Price Panels are available for your frames.