Whether you want to start a full-fledged screen printing business for full-time income or just a gig on the side, it’s important to know just how to get started. Many newbies to the industry have some cool ideas, and a lot of passion, but aren’t quite sure how to make their dream a reality.
Here at Printavo, we’ve met screen printers from all walks of life and all over the country. Some have huge teams of people working for them while others are a one-man shop. Whether your dream is to create a huge business or stay small with a side hustle, we wanted to help you learn just how to get started in the screen printing business. Check out these commonly asked questions below to learn more about becoming the best screen printer in your area.
What is screen printing anyway?
In a sentence, screen printing is using a mesh screen that has an image “burned” onto it then forcing ink through the screen onto a t-shirt or other garment.
Why do I want to screen print?
The most important question that you can ask yourself when starting a screen printing business is why you want to do it. It could be that you want to share your art with the world or create some cool shirts that no one else is making. Your “why” could be that you want to own your own business and be your own boss. Your “why” could also be that you want to make a little money during nights and weekends to help your wallet. No matter what your “why” is, it is imperative that you define it and keep it at the forefront of your mind as you start your business.
We recommend writing your “why” down: on a sign, on a sheet of paper, on a napkin, whatever! Just get it down in writing. Put your “why” somewhere in your workshop or office where you will see it on a daily basis to remind you of the reason behind the business.
What are the basic components of screen printing?
As in any industry, there are a few key things that you’ll need in order to get started with a screen printing business:
- Screen Printing Machine: This is the workhorse of your entire operation. A screen printing machine is where all of your equipment is used and the printing happens. A wide variety of screen presses are available including stand-alone one item presses up through automated multi-screen presses. We recommend the Ryonet Silver Press for those starting out in the industry.
- Screens: Nylon mesh screens that have the artwork burned into them. There are several types and styles available depending on your screen printing machine.
- Emulsion: This is a light-sensitive chemical that is used to create a stencil of an image on the nylon mesh screen. It burns the image of the artwork onto the screen and then the extra emulsion is washed out.
- Screen Printing Ink: Water-based or plastisol screen printing inks are available that color the print on the garment. Screen printing Inks are quite durable and can last a lifetime if the garment is cured properly.
- Squeegee: A print screener’s best friend. Screen printing is all about using this ultimate tool to move the ink through the screen and onto the garment.
- Heat Curing: While some shirts can be air dried, you will most likely need some sort of heat curing tool to help speed along your drying time. Flash cure units are a good place to start while larger textile dryers are for more advanced businesses.
For more information, check out this video about the basics of screen printing:
Where should I learn to screen print?
We admit that there are screen printers out there who just jumped into the screen printing world with no education and a lot of trial and error. However, there are so many different options and ways that you can easily educate yourself in the screen printing world. These opportunities are priceless in saving you a lot of time and a ton of money. Education is key to starting your screen printing business off on the right foot. Check out these educational opportunities that will help get your business off the ground:
Ryonet Screen Print Experience
As one of the best resources in screen printing, Ryonet offers classes all over the country for those wanting to learn how to screen print. They’ve been teaching classes for over 10 years and now have classes in multiple metro areas. The Ryonet Screen Print Experience allows you to attend a 2-day class in the city of your choice. The classes are scheduled months in advance and require a ticket to be purchased online to attend. Classes start around $400.00 for one person and there is a discount when purchasing 3 or more tickets for the same class.
The on-site classes include a wide range of knowledge about how to properly set up a screen printing site as well as all of the steps to printing correctly. Every class is taught by a professional screen printer who is happy to answer questions and teach you all that you need to know about screen printing. The classes come highly recommended from past students who have attended. Ryonet also offers a few online classes to learn certain skills like water-based printing.
T&J Print University
This 2-day event is offered at the M&R Training Facility located in Roselle, Illinois. Classes run from 9am-4pm each day with lunch included in the $100 class fee. You’ll learn hands-on information about every step in the screen printing process from mesh selection to reclaiming screens. The class is a great option for those in the Midwest or willing to travel to learn more about screen printing.
(LUKE, DO YOU HAVE A LINK FOR THIS? I HAD A HARD TIME FINDING THEIR CLASS INFORMATION ONLINE)
Mind’s Eye Graphics
Another screen printing leader, Mind’s Eye Graphics, offers workshops throughout the year for those wanting to learn more about screen printing. They have a computer-to-screen workshop held at their location in Decatur, Indiana. They also offer hands-on technical training for those interested.
SGIA
Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) is a trade association in the garment and textile printing industry. They offer free webinars on their site that are quite informative. They also offer workshops across the country that specialize in advanced technologies. Certification courses are also available. SGIA Workshops start at $800 for a 3-day class with plenty of speakers and a well-organized agenda that can be located online.
Trade Shows
You’ll find screen printing trade shows all over the country throughout the year. Trade shows are a great way to network with suppliers as well as meet other screen printers who are just like you. You’ll learn about new screen printing machine technology as well as different ways to run your screen printing business.
Blogs
Many manufacturers, suppliers, and those involved in the screen printing industry have their own blog on their website. These blogs are a great way to learn more about the industry as well as get useful tools and information for your business. We are partial to this blog but there are many others out there that are great free resources for those starting just starting out.
Books
Reading about screen printing is a great way to educate yourself at your own pace. There are plenty of books out on the subject but here are our favorites:
PrintHustlers Guide To: Growing A Successful Screen Printing
By Bruce Ackerman, Steven Farag, and Adam Cook
Made to Make It: A Guide to Business Success in Screen Printing
by Ryan Moor, founder of Ryonet
(ADD MORE BOOKS HERE)
What types of inks are there?
Plastisol:
This is the most common screen printing ink used in print shops. Plastisol inks come in a wide variety of colors and are known for their longevity and brightness. They are made up of plastic, though, which requires heat curing to make sure that the ink stays on the garment. Plastisol inks sit on top of the garment instead of soaking into the fabric. There are very little garment restrictions with this kind of ink as well.
Water-Based:
This type of ink is less commonly used but needed in some applications. Water-based inks are thinner and are easier to dispense onto a garment. The ink soaks into the garment fiber making for a softer feel. This type of screen printing ink can cure without the need for heat; however, a heat cure does speed up the production process.
Discharge:
This type of screen printing ink takes away the color of the garment fabric itself. It is similar to bleaching but doesn’t harm the fabric. Many screen printers use discharge ink when wanting to print onto dark garments with a soft finish.
Learn more about these inks here:
What shirts should I print on?
This all depends on your customers and your choice of ink. 100% cotton garments are a great way to start. The major distributors are AlphaBroder, S&S, and SanMar. Everyone has their own brand preference, but the best ones include:
- Allmade
- American Apparel
- Bella + Canvas
- Gildan
- Hanes
- Next Level
- Tultex
There’s also tri-blends and polyester garments. Tri-bends utilize a mix of 50% polyester, 25% cotton and 25% Rayon. They’re durable and friendly for printing. Polyester garments are typically for athletic events.
Check out all of the different styles of t-shirts available:
Do I really need a business plan?
Screen printing as a hobby won’t require a business plan but if you want to actually make some serious cash, you’ll need to know what you’re doing. A screen printing business is still a business at the core. Creating a business plan will help you understand the financial aspects of running a business as well as other items to consider like your company name, logos, marketing, and packaging. A business plan will also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses so that you can do what you are good at and hire out to complete the rest.
How much do I need to spend to get started?
This totally depends on your comfort level. It’s not unreasonable to start with $10,000 and be very frugal. Some shops start small and work their way up to acquiring more and more gear (recommended) versus others that take a big risk and put their money into a lot of equipment. But no matter what, sales and marketing come before your equipment. As with any business, you must have customers and a solid business plan to be successful in screen printing.
How much money can I make screen printing?
It’s all up to you! Many print shops quickly scale to $1M annual revenue. Shops that exceed $5M revenue tend to be masters of efficiency, scaling, or very focused on a specific niche. Screen printing isn’t just for garments like t-shirts and hoodies. It has industrial applications, such as printing electronic circuitry. Lots of people have become wealthy thanks to screen printing, but without a solid business plan and a salesman’s spirit, screen printing can just be an expensive hobby.
Should I try to print my first t-shirts or let a print shop do it for me?
If you don’t want to make a large investment, you can subcontract your jobs to a print shop. To find a print shop to contract with, search for local screen printers and ask if they do contract work. Be sure to communicate clearly and openly with the shop about your expectations, their prices, etc. Many shops start by contracting out work until they build up a clientele and can support equipment and property leases.
Should I buy used or new screen printing equipment?
This all depends on your budget. Used screen printing equipment is a great way to start, but it may not be backed with a warranty or offer support. If you’re handy and willing to learn, buying used screen printing equipment is a great way to save some cash in the beginning. If you want to get around the hassle of fixing things yourself or simply want more robust support, new equipment is the way to go. There’s the added benefit of new equipment being easily available, while you may have to scour the web for a while to get good deals on used gear.
Do I need a new location to start my screen printing business?
No! Many screen printers started out their businesses in their garage. You don’t need a fancy location to start churning out product. However, you will need to have a plan on a different location should you need it. Screen printing businesses that grow quickly don’t necessarily need a storefront. It’s okay to start small with your location but understand that you may need to scale to a new spot as your business grows.
No matter where you are in deciding if screen printing is right for you, we hope that we have answered a few of the common questions regarding the screen printing industry. So make a plan and get started with your very own screen printing business today!
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