Screen printing is an exciting and profitable craft, whether you’re starting a small business or exploring a new hobby. However, having the right supplies is crucial for achieving high-quality prints and a smooth printing process. In this guide, we’ll cover the best screen printing supplies for beginners in 2024, from essential tools to must-have accessories.
Table of Contents
Essential Screen Printing Supplies for Beginners
To get started with screen printing, you need the right tools and materials. Below is a breakdown of the essential screen printing supplies every beginner should have:
Screen Printing Screens
Choosing between aluminum and wooden frames for screen printing must take into account such issues as, but not limited to, durability, price, weight, and tension retention. Below is a detailed comparison:
Durability & Longevity
- Aluminum Frames: More durable and resistant to warping, bending, and moisture. They last significantly longer with proper care.
- Wood Frames: Susceptible to warping, and more so in humid environments, and may degrade over time with washing.
- Winner: Aluminum
Tension Retention
- Aluminum Frames: Maintain screen tension better over time, providing consistent prints.
- Wood Frames: Lose strength progressively as it is stretched and compressed by the humidity of and the immersion in ink.
- Winner: Aluminum
Cost
- Aluminum Frames: An initial higher price but a longer life which results in saving money in the long term.
- Wood Frames: Cheaper upfront but require frequent replacements.
- Winner: Wood (for budget-conscious beginners); Aluminum (for long-term investment)
Weight
- Aluminum Frames: Lighter, making them easier to handle and store.
- Wood Frames: Heavier, with consequent pros for stability, but with respective dis and low cost for large scale production runs.
- Winner: Aluminum
Ink & Cleaning Resistance
- Aluminum Frames: Their greater resistance to ink penetration and chemical degradation makes them easier to clean beds.
- Wood Frames: Penetrate ink and cleaning materials over time, degrading.
- Winner: Aluminum
Best Uses
- Aluminum Frames: Ideal for high-volume production, professional work, and long-term use.
- Wood Frames: Appropriate for hobbyists, short runs, or people with a price constraint.
Final Verdict
In the case of screen printing, if you’re serious about screen printing and seeking consistency, long term performance and better tension management, aluminum frames are the optimal choice. But if you’re new to the craft, or budget-conscious, wood frames can be a practical and affordable way to learn.
Screen Printing Ink
Ink type impacts the feel and longevity of your prints. Popular choices include:
- Plastisol Ink – Thick, long-lasting, and vibrant, ideal for fabric printing.
- Water-Based Ink – Softer finish, eco-friendly, and great for detailed designs.
- Discharge Ink – Best for removing dye from dark fabrics for a soft-touch result.
When sourcing screen printing inks, it’s essential to select products that align with your specific printing needs and budget. Below is a curated list of reputable suppliers offering various types of screen printing inks along with their prices:
Atlas Screen Supply
Offers a wide range of inks, including Permaprint Premium, a 100% solvent-free, environmentally friendly ink suitable for various substrates. Prices start at $31.40 for a liter of Aquatone Black.
Screen Print Direct
Manufactures RAPIDCURE® and Ecotex® Plastisol Inks in the USA. An 8-ounce jar of Rapid Cure White Screen Printing Plastisol Ink is priced at $13.35.
Considerations When Purchasing:
- Ink Type: Ensure the ink is compatible with your printing substrate and desired finish.
- Quantity: Buying in bulk can offer cost savings but consider your storage capacity and usage rate.
- Shipping Costs: Some suppliers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount; factor this into your total cost.
- Location: Given your location in Fes, Morocco, check with suppliers regarding international shipping options and associated costs.
By evaluating these factors, you can select the most suitable screen printing inks for your projects.
Squeegees
A good squeegee ensures smooth ink application:
- Durometer Rating: Beginners should opt for a 70 durometer squeegee, which offers a balance between flexibility and firmness.
- Handle Type: Wooden handles provide a comfortable grip, while aluminum handles are durable and easier to clean.
Screen Printing Emulsion & Emulsion Remover
- Dual-Cure Emulsions work well for beginners as they are forgiving and durable.
- Photopolymer Emulsions cure faster but require precise exposure.
- Emulsion Remover helps clean screens for reuse, reducing waste.
Below is a curated list of reputable suppliers offering these products along with their prices:
Screen Print Direct
Offers the Ecotex® Screen Printing Emulsion Remover, a biodegradable and drain-safe solution. Available in various sizes:
- Pint (16 oz): $16.94
- Quart (32 oz): $20.94
- Gallon (128 oz): $40.94
- 5 Gallon: $159.99
Anthem Screen Printing
Provides a range of emulsion removers, including:
- CCI Dip N’ Strip Ink Cleaner and Emulsion Remover (1 Gallon): $62.99
- CCI EnviroStrip Emulsion Remover (1 Gallon): $49.99
- Franmar Chemicals – Strip-E-Doo (5 Gallon): $249.99
Exposure Unit or Light Source
A proper exposure unit ensures crisp stencil details:
- DIY Option: Beginners can use a 500W halogen work light or an LED UV exposure light.
- Professional Option: Dedicated UV exposure units provide better consistency and faster exposure times.
Selecting the appropriate exposure unit or light source is crucial for achieving precise and efficient screen exposures in screen printing.
Baselayr X2024 LED Exposure Unit
A compact and efficient LED exposure unit suitable for small to medium-sized screens. Features a 20×24-inch exposure area. Priced at $699.95.
Dorhui 50W LED Exposure Unit
A budget-friendly LED exposure light suitable for small-scale screen printing projects. Available on Amazon.
Printing Platens & T-Shirt Boards
- A standard platen helps stabilize garments for even printing.
- Rotating platens allow faster multi-color designs.
Heat Gun or Flash Dryer
- A heat gun is an affordable way to cure ink.
- A flash dryer speeds up the curing process, ensuring durability and wash resistance.
Cleaning & Reclaiming Supplies
Proper cleaning extends the lifespan of your screens:
Emulsion Stripper – Allows you to reuse screens by removing old emulsions.
Screen Degreaser – Cleans grease and dust before applying emulsion.
Ink Remover – Breaks down ink residue for easy cleanup.
Tape & Blockout Pens
- Screen tape prevents ink from leaking through open areas.
- Blockout pens help correct small mistakes on screens without re-burning.
Best Screen Printing Supplies Kits for Beginners in 2024
If you’re new to screen printing, investing in a beginner-friendly kit can save time and money. Here are some of the best screen printing kits available in 2024:
1. Speedball Beginner Screen Printing Kit
- Includes screens, water-based ink, squeegees, and an instructional guide.
- Ideal for t-shirt printing and small projects.
2. Merch Maker Starter Kit
- Offers professional-quality results with an easy-to-use exposure unit.
- Best for small business startups.
3. DIY Print Shop Kit
- Includes high-quality emulsions, screens, and eco-friendly inks.
- Great for those who want a complete setup with long-term use in mind.
Where to Buy Screen Printing Supplies Online
Finding reliable suppliers is essential for getting quality materials. Here are some top online stores for screen printing supplies in 2024:
- Amazon – Convenient for basic supplies and starter kits.
- Ryonet – Best for professional-quality tools and inks.
- ScreenPrinting.com – Offers beginner-friendly guides and high-end materials.
- Dick Blick Art Materials – Ideal for high-quality art supplies, including screen printing materials.
- Etsy – Great for finding unique screen printing tools and accessories.
Tips for Beginners to Improve Screen Printing Quality
1. Practice Proper Screen Preparation
- Clean and degrease screens before applying emulsion.
- Ensure even emulsion application to prevent weak spots.
2. Use the Right Ink for Your Project
- Plastisol ink is best for durability, while water-based ink is ideal for soft prints.
3. Perfect Your Squeegee Technique
- Hold the squeegee at a 45-degree angle and apply even pressure.
- Use a flood stroke before your first print to distribute ink evenly.
4. Master Exposure Times
- Underexposed screens break down quickly, while overexposed screens lose fine details.
- Perform exposure tests to find the ideal exposure time for your emulsion.
5. Cure Your Prints Correctly
- Plastisol ink requires curing at 320°F (160°C) for full durability.
- A heat gun works for small projects, but a flash dryer is best for larger batches.
Conclusion
Screen printing is an exciting and rewarding craft, and with the right supplies, beginners can achieve professional-quality results. Investing in high-quality screens, inks, squeegees, and exposure tools will help set the foundation for success. Whether you’re printing for fun, launching a clothing brand, or creating custom merchandise, using the best screen printing supplies will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.