Updated: 6/5/2026
Special Tees and Prop 65
Thank you for working with Special Tees. In order to provide full disclosure, knowledge, and support to all, we have provided the information below in order to be compliant with Proposition 65 and the state requirements of California. Prop 65 is a right-to-know law, not a product safety ban. A product with a Prop 65 warning is not necessarily illegal or unsafe; it simply means it contains or may potentially contain a detectable trace of a listed chemical. www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Apparel Providers
At Special Tees we source quality garments and apparel through suppliers who distribute goods to decorators like us. For example: Many other garment and apparel brands (Gildan, Hanes, Jerseez, Nike, etc…) manufactures hundreds of thousands of garments and apparel each year. Suppliers purchase tee shirts (and more) from Gildan and then store the goods in warehouses across the nation. When you place an order with us for printed tee shirts or other types of embellished garments, we purchase the sizes and colors you requested from one of the suppliers below. The supplier ships your garments to us, we print or embellish them, then we provide you with the embellished product to you upon completion. Below are our main suppliers with links to their Prop 65 policy statements.
https://www.augustaactive.com/
https://www.orderacc.com/
https://www.ssactivewear.com/
https://www.sanmar.com/
Screen Printing Products
At Special Tees we pride ourselves with providing top quality printing and products. Below are products we use in our production process, why we use them, and links to view their websites and Safety Data Sheets.
Avient Inks
Avient screen printing inks are considered safe to use when handled according to manufacturer guidelines. Their formulations are strictly regulated, largely free from harmful heavy metals and phthalates, and widely recognized for meeting rigorous global sustainability and toxicity standards. Most Avient screen printing inks (including lines like Rutland, QCM, and Zodiac) are formulated to meet global regulatory standards, including California Proposition 65 Prop 65.
https://www.avientspecialtyinks.com/sites/default/files/2020-08/union-compliance-statement-2020-08-06.pdf#:~:text=Avient%20Union%E2%84%A2%20products%20are%20made,system%20of%20quality%20management%20controls.
WM Inks – Low Cure Inks
WM Inks – Low Cure Inks WM Plastics screen printing inks are generally safe for standard textile applications when handled correctly. Their inks are non-phthalate certified, lead-free, and comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines. While individual Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be referenced, their standard Midori and LC (Low Cure) lines generally meet CPSIA standards. https://wmplastics.com/MSDSSheets.aspx
Other Ink Additives
WM Plastics Long Life Nylon Additive PROP 65 WARNING helps inks fuse to the tighter weave of nylon. WM Plastics Long Life Nylon Bonding Additive (when mixed into plastisol ink) is considered safe and non-toxic for wear once it is properly cured.
https://wmplastics.com/Documents/MSDS%20Sheets/Bases%20and%20additives%20pdf%20SDS/Long_Life_Nylon_Bonding_I790300.pdf
Fast Fustion Gloss & Stretch (G&S) base is a multi-use base that can be used as a stretch additive, glitter base, foil adhesive, underlay for stretch, and can be used with a Pigment Concentrate (PC) system. Does not include any hazardous chemicals.
https://wmplastics.com/Documents/MSDS%20Sheets/Bases%20and%20additives%20pdf%20SDS/Base_GS_I101020.pdf
WM Plastics Soft Hand Clear Base is a clear body base used to extend colors printed on lighter colored garments. Does not include any hazardous chemicals.https://wmplastics.com/Documents/MSDS%20Sheets/Bases%20and%20additives%20pdf%20SDS/Base_Soft_Hand_I100111.pdf
WM Plastics Curable Reducer is an additive used for reducing the viscosity of ink without effecting the inks ability to cure. WM Plastics Curable Reducer is safe after it has been fully cured. Once properly baked and fused with the ink, it becomes a chemically inert, dry, and stable film that is perfectly safe for normal daily contact and wear. Does not include any hazardous chemicals.https://graphictextilesupply.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Additive_Curable_Reducer_I109906.pdf
Direct to Garment
Direct to Garment is a garment decoration process where designs are applied to shirts without needing screens. This process requires inks, as well as pretreatment solution that prepares the garment to bond with the imprint. Below are links to inks and pretreatments we use.
Epson’s DTG inks hold the prestigious ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX certification. This means they have been independently analyzed and verified to be free of harmful substances and are safe for adults, children, and infants. Epson UltraChrome DG and DG2 Direct-to-Garment (DTG) inks are safe and generally considered to be compliant with California’s Proposition 65. When used and cured as directed, these water-based pigment inks do not require Prop 65 warning labels for the finished printed garments.
Light Garment Pretreatment Fire Bird
Epson DTG Inks
White Epson F2000/F2100 UltraChrome DG Ink – 600 ml. Item T725A0N
Black Epson F2000/F2100 UltraChrome DG 600 ml Ink Cartridge – Item T72510N
Magenta Epson F2000/F2100 UltraChrome DG 600 ml Ink Cartridge – Item T72530N
Yellow Epson F2000/F2100 UltraChrome DG 600 ml Ink Cartridge – Item T72540N
Cyan Epson F2000/F2100 UltraChrome DG Ink – 600 ml. Item T72520N
Epson F2000/F2100 Cleaning Cartridge – 700 ml – T7360
On the Press: Palate Adhesives and Adhesive Removers
When screen printing garments it is necessary to affix the garment to the palate to prevent shifting during the print process. If the garment is not stabilized it will move around during the print process and will cause registration issues resulting in poor quality prints. We choose to use Water Based High Viscosity Pallet Adhesive for the majority of our printing because it is applied by hand rather than sprayed through the air. From time to time, we carefully use a spray option on heavier garments like sweatshirts and challenging garments because heavier garments require a stronger level of adhesive to prevent shifting. The spray tack provides a higher level of adhesive for these types of garments during the print process. Our production area is very open with constant air flow and incorporates very strong ventilation from our dryer.
Tekbond TB-HV PROP 65 COMPLIANT is a Very high solids acrylic copolymer pressure sensitive adhesive composed of 63-68% acrylic copolymers and 32-37% Water. It is not considered to be a hazardous material for humans, animals or plant life when used for its’ intended purpose as a manually applied screen
printing table adhesive and is a highly beneficial option for companies who do not want to use aerosolized adhesives. https://www.advancedscreenprintsupply.com/NEW%20SITE-PDFS/TEKMAR%20BROCHURES/TB-HV%20Brochure.pdf
Sprayway Fast Tack 383 PROP 65 WARNING – Used only for printing fleece garments
is an industrial-grade, aerosol-based web pallet adhesive designed specifically for textile screen printers. It is ideal for heavy fabrics like fleece and sweatshirts, ensuring the material remains firmly in place during the flash-cure and printing processes. Web adhesive is safer in terms of reduced airborne particulates and inhalation risks, whereas mist adhesive atomizes easily into a fine, dangerous fog. Fast Tack 383 (often sold as Sprayway 383 Fast Tack) is not considered hazardous in its fully cured and dried state. Once the solvents have completely evaporated, the remaining adhesive residue is typically inert and safe for regular handling. https://www.scribd.com/document/509139655/SDS-Sprayway-Fast-Tack-383
The Sprayway Fast Tack 382 PROP 65 WARNING – Used rarely – Test print application
Premium Mist Pallet Adhesive is an economy mist-type spray specifically formulated for the textile screen printing industy. Fast Tack 382 (commonly produced by Sprayway) is not considered hazardous once it is thoroughly dry. While the wet aerosol is an extremely flammable and irritating product—primarily due to solvents like acetone and liquefied petroleum gases—the cured adhesive is generally safe and stable. https://www.freemansupply.com/MSDS/Combined/Adhesives/sprayway382_sds.pdf
The 3M Super 77 Multipurpose Spray Adhesive PROP 65 WARNING – Used only on certain fleece
is an industrial-strength, fast-drying spray glue ideal for bonding lightweight materials like foam, fabric, cardboard, and plastic. It is widely used for crafting, mounting, and light-duty repairs and is generally considered safe once dry. https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebserver?mwsId=SSSSSuUn_zu8l00x482xN8mvNv70k17zHvu9lxtD7SSSSSS–
Sprayway Silicone Spray SW945 PROP 65 WARNING is a heat-stable, waxless release agent used in screen printing to prevent ink buildup on the screen mesh, reduce friction, and lubricate moving press parts. Generally considered safe for humans when used properly in a well ventilated space. https://www.goldstartool.com/img/97_20220114121307SPRAYWAY%20SILICONE%20SPRAY%20SW945%20-%20SAFETY%20DATA%20SHEET.pdf
Tekmar TS-3 PROP 65 WARNING is a powerful, instant-drying, and non-flammable spot cleaning fluid used in the screen printing industry to remove cured plastisol inks, water-based inks, and adhesives from textiles. Formula TS-3 is generally safe to wear or handle after it has completely dried, but direct skin contact or inhalation while it is wet should be strictly avoided. https://tekmarltd.com/compliance/download-info/formula-ts-3-msds/
AlbaChem Citrus Screen Opener 1634 – PROP 65 COMPLIANT
Instantly unclogs any screen while still on the press. Dissolves most types of ink, fresh and old. It is made for use on photographic stencils or water soluble hand-cut film only. https://albachem.com/content/SDS/1634.pdf
Camie 480 PROP 65 WARNING works to unclog and loosen plastisol inks on screens. While this product is effective we have transitioned to AlbaChem 1634, however, we still have some remaining stock.
https://www.atlasscreensupply.com/Shared/SDS/SDS_CAMIE_480_OPENER.pdf
The AlbaChem PSR II Powdered Dry Cleaning Fluid Spray (12.5 oz) PROP 65 COMPLIANT is a professional-grade spot remover formulated to lift grease, oil, dirt, and food stains from delicate textiles and “Dry Clean Only” garments. Unlike standard liquid cleaners, this aerosol spray dries into an absorbent white powder that actively “absorbs” and draws the stain out of the fabric. Once completely dry, the powder can simply be brushed or vacuumed away without leaving rings or residue. AlbaChem PSR II Powdered Dry Cleaning Fluid is safe to touch and wear once it has completely dried and been brushed off. Because it does not contain chlorinated solvents, methylene chloride, or harsh toxic chemicals, it leaves behind no harmful toxic residue.
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/0244/0276/files/1060.pdf?v=1701811942
WD 40 PROP 65 COMPLIANT a highly effective, unexpected tool for breaking down stubborn adhesive and sticker residue. https://files.wd40.com/pdf/sds/mup/wd-40-multi-use-product-aerosol-low-voc-sds-us-ghs.pdf
Tekmar TB-Orange PROP 65 COMPLIANT is a powerful, natural citrus-based solvent and adhesive remover primarily used in the screen printing and commercial industries. It safely and quickly dissolves pallet adhesives, ink, grease, oil, and grime without leaving an oily residue.
https://www.onestrokeinks.com/images/custom/ToolsDownloads/downloads/compliance/SDS/Tekmar/sds_tekmar_tb_orange.pdf
Easiway Systems PlastiSolv 842 PROP 65 COMPLIANT is a fast-drying, 100% active, odor-free screen printing solvent specifically formulated to dissolve plastisol ink quickly. It is primarily used on the production floor for on-press color changes, screen opening, and cleaning shop tools.
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0411/6561/9363/files/SDS-PlastiSolv_842_On_Press_Cleaner_v10.1_English.pdf?v=1779467952
Screen Reclamation
In the screen printing process, mesh screens are used to hold inks. Each screen is coated with a liquid emulsion that dries on the screen. After the screens have dried they are ready for your art to be applied to the screen. We print transparencies with your art and expose the coated screens to each color your art/design requires. We then place each screen on our printing machine with the corresponding ink color. When we finish printing your order, the screens need to be cleaned so we can use them for other projects. We remove the majority of the ink manually, but the remaining ink, emulsion, and other production residuals are removed during the screen reclamation process. Below are the products we use for preparing screens and reclaiming screens.
Ulano Platinum PROP 65 WARNING is a premium, ready-to-use pure photopolymer direct emulsion designed for textile screen printing. Featuring SBQ (Styryl Quinolium) sensitizer, it delivers ultra-fast exposures, excellent durability against plastisol inks, and a unique gray color that prevents light scattering to hold fine details. Yes, thoroughly dried and fully exposed Ulano Platinum pure photopolymer (SBQ) direct emulsion is generally considered non-hazardous. When it is completely dry and successfully cross-linked (cured) by UV light, it forms an inert, water-resistant stencil that is safe to handle. https://www.ulano.com/direct-emulsion
EasiSolv 701 PROP 65 WARNING is a powerful, non-hazardous, and biodegradable screen wash engineered to safely dissolve various screen printing inks without the aggressive hazards of conventional solvents. It is non-flammable and has a low odor, making it a safer option for daily handling. The formula is marketed as a non-hazardous, non-caustic, and non-flammable cleaner compared to many conventional harsh solvents. It is generally compliant with Restricted Substances Lists (RSL) for major apparel brands when used properly. https://api-shop.spandex.com/medias/SDS-Easiway-EasiSolv-701N-Jan-2025-US.pdf?context=bWFzdGVyfHMzZG9jdW1lbnRzfDMyMzYzNnxhcHBsaWNhdGlvbi9wZGZ8YUdVd0wyZzBOQzh4TWpRd09EVTRNamM1T1RNNU1DOVRSRk5mUldGemFYZGhlVjlGWVhOcFUyOXNkbDgzTURGT1gwcGhibDh5TURJMVgxVlRMbkJrWmd8NmExYTBlNTgzZmEyM2IwNTZiZTg2MDg1NzVkOWYwOTM5NmIxY2JmMjEyMzg5ZTAyMmVlMDM5NjE5YzVkMTI4Mw
EasiStrip SUPRA PROP 65 COMPLIANT is an ultra-concentrated, one-step ink cleaner and emulsion remover designed primarily for screen printing dip tank systems. It allows screen printers to dissolve ink and remove emulsion simultaneously, saving significant labor and chemical costs. EasiStrip SUPRA is formulated and officially designated as a non-hazardous, zero-VOC, and odorless water-based concentrate. https://www.screenprintsupplies.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/EASISTRIP_SUPRA_MSDS.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOooaSaVkvUNnFRz6L0xjwzhASz_oyFQ0kaRGoEetU6Zyqc0PFzTI
Ulano Screen Degreaser Liquid No. 3 PROP 65 COMPLIANT is a ready-to-use, non-caustic chemical solution formulated to remove oils, dust, and sizing from new and used screen printing mesh. Degreasing ensures proper emulsion or stencil adhesion, which significantly reduces pin-holing and extends the life of your screen. https://www.easternct.edu/environmental-health-and-safety/_documents/Ulano_screen_degreaser.pdf
