The Essentials for Starting a Screen Printing Business

So you want to start a screen printing business. That's great! There are a lot of things you'll need to get started, but don't worry, we're here to help. In this blog post, we'll go over the essential equipment you'll need to start your very own screen printing business.

Screen Printing Machine

The most important piece of equipment you'll need in your screen print shop, of course, a screen printing machine. There are a variety of machines on the market, so it's important to do your research and find one that's right for you and your business. We recommend starting with a small machine if you're just getting started; you can always upgrade later as your business grows.

Inkjet Printer

An inkjet printer is necessary for creating the stencils that will be used in the screen printing process. A high-quality inkjet printer will produce crisp, clear stencils that will make your screen printing jobs look professional. Again, there are a variety of printers on the market, so it's important to find one that fits your needs and budget.

Film positive

Film positives are used to create the stencils for your screens. They're basically transparent sheets of film that you can print your design onto. You'll need to purchase a film positive that's compatible with your inkjet printer.

Emulsion

Emulsion is a light-sensitive liquid that's applied to screens to create the stencils. It comes in two parts that must be mixed together before use. Emulsion is exposed to light, which hardens it and allows it to act as a stencil for your design. Once the emulsion is dry, it can be washed out with water, leaving behind your stencil.

Screens

Screens are essentially stretchy fabrics that tension is applied to. They come in different sizes and thread densities, so you'll need to find the right type of screens for your project. Screens must be coated with emulsion before use; after they've been used, they can be cleaned and re-used multiple times.

Squeegee

A squeegee is used to pull ink across the screen and onto the substrate (the material being printed on). Squeegees come in different sizes and shapes; finding the right one for your project will take some trial and error. In general, soft squeegees work well for flexible substrates like t-shirts, while harder squeegees are better for rigid substrates like posters.

Wrap up!

Now that you know what equipment you need to start a screen printing business, it's time to get started! We wish you all the best in your new venture—we know you'll be successful!