What do I need to start up a screen printing shop?Updated 3 hours ago
Please check out this blog to learn more about the essential supplies and equipment needed to get your screen print business off the ground.
Starting a screen printing shop? Use this checklist to make sure you have the essential equipment and supplies to get up and running. As your business grows, you can always upgrade and expand your setup.
Pro Tip: If purchasing everything individually feels overwhelming, consider a complete screen printing shop package. Starter kits often include the core equipment needed to begin printing and can save both time and money while ensuring all components work well together. Give us a call at 800-314-6390 to speak to our Sales Team to see about which package would be the best fit for your new shop!
🖨️ Essential Equipment
☐ Manual screen printing press
☐ Flash dryer (for flashing between colors)
☐ Curing equipment (flash dryer, heat press, or conveyor dryer)
☐ Exposure unit (LED recommended)
☐ Washout booth or designated washout area
☐ Film output printer (or source for printed film positives)
🖥️ Design & Artwork
☐ Graphic design software (Adobe Illustrator®, Photoshop®, etc.)
☐ Film printing software (if printing your own films)
☐ Separation software (recommended for halftones and complex artwork)
🖼️ Screens & Printing Supplies
☐ Aluminum or wood screens
☐ Variety of mesh counts (110, 156, 200, 230, 280, 305)
☐ Squeegees
☐ Scoop coater
☐ Screen tape
☐ Platen tape
☐ Platen adhesive
☐ Ink spatulas/scoops
☐ Laser thermometer
🎨 Inks & Screen Prep
☐ Plastisol or water-based ink
☐ Emulsion
☐ Film positives
☐ Emulsion remover/stripper
☐ Degreaser
☐ Ink remover
☐ Screen wash
☐ Haze remover (as needed)
🧽 Shop Supplies
☐ Scrub brushes
☐ Spray bottles
☐ Cleaning rags/shop towels
☐ Gloves
☐ Storage for screens and inks
👕 Printing Materials
☐ Blank garments or substrates
☐ Test pellons or test shirts
☐ Packaging materials for finished orders
💡 Nice-to-Have Upgrades
☐ Conveyor dryer
☐ Professional washout booth
☐ Power washer (for reclaiming screens)
☐ Screen drying rack
☐ Color mixing system
☐ Additional platens and accessories
✅ Before You Start Printing
☐ Light-safe area for coating and exposing screens
☐ Proper ventilation
☐ Adequate electrical service for your equipment
☐ Organized workflow from artwork → exposure → printing → curing → reclaiming
☐ Safety supplies and proper chemical storage