Screen printing, also known as silkscreening, might sound intimidating, but it’s surprisingly accessible to do right in your own home. Forget complicated setups and expensive equipment; with a few basic materials and a little know-how, you can start creating custom-printed t-shirts, tote bags, posters, and more. If you’re ready to boost your DIY skills and dive into the world of fabric and surface design, Screen Printing At Home is the perfect place to begin.
Karen Bertelsen showcases a tea towel printed with a cleaver design, demonstrating home screen printing.
Thinking about trying screen printing but unsure where to start? You might be surprised at how straightforward it is. Don’t worry if you imagine needing a professional studio – that’s a myth.
Let’s be clear, you won’t need a high-voltage generator or any counterfeit equipment! However, you will need a few key items like a screen printing frame, fabric ink, and photo emulsion. Don’t let that list scare you; it’s all part of the fun and creative process, and we’ll guide you through each step.
Over the years, I’ve personally screen printed on everything from tee shirt blanks and flour sack tea towels to even wood surfaces. And trust me, if I can do it, you absolutely can too.
Your Guide to Home Screen Printing
A tattooed individual models a white t-shirt featuring a pine tree silhouette, highlighting screen printing on apparel.
This comprehensive guide will break down the process of screen printing at home into easy-to-follow steps. We’ll cover everything you need to know to get started, including:
- Crafting Your Own Screen Printing Frame: Learn how to build a simple frame if you’re feeling extra DIY, or discover budget-friendly pre-made options.
- Burning Your Design onto the Screen: Demystify the process of transferring your chosen image onto the screen using photo emulsion and light.
- Screen Printing on Fabric and Beyond: Master the technique of applying ink through your prepared screen to create vibrant prints on various materials.
Understanding the Basics of Screen Printing
Screen printing is essentially a stencil method of printmaking. It involves these core stages:
- Image Selection: Choosing the design you want to print. This could be anything from simple shapes and lettering to more intricate graphics.
- Screen Preparation (Burning the Image): This crucial step uses light-sensitive photo emulsion to transfer your design onto a mesh screen stretched over a frame. The areas of the screen you want to print through remain open, while the rest are blocked.
- The Printing Process: The exciting part! Ink is pushed across the screen using a squeegee. The ink passes through the open areas of the stencil and onto the material beneath, creating your printed design.
The beauty of screen printing is its versatility. You can tailor the process to your DIY comfort level. While this tutorial includes instructions for making your own frame, purchasing pre-made screens can simplify things, especially when you’re just starting.
Gathering Your Screen Printing Materials
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather all the necessary materials. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Close-up of a screen printing frame with the words "How to screen print at home" visible within the mesh, emphasizing DIY aspect.
For your convenience, we’ve included links to purchase items online. At the end of this guide, you’ll also find links to complete screen printing kits, which are often the most cost-effective way to begin experimenting with this rewarding hobby.
Step 1: Choosing and Preparing Your Image
These are the fundamental steps for preparing your image for screen printing. We’ll provide a detailed walkthrough below.
A white paper printout displaying a solid pine tree silhouette, ready for image transfer in screen printing.
1. Select Your Design: Start by choosing a simple image for your first screen printing project. Silhouettes and single-color designs, like the tree image we’re using or basic lettering, are ideal for beginners. They make the process easier to learn and master.
A paper cutout of a black pine tree silhouette, demonstrating image preparation for screen printing.
2. Print and Cut Your Image: Print your chosen design or letters onto regular printer paper. While transparency paper is an option, it’s not essential for simpler designs. For now, standard paper will work perfectly. Carefully cut out your image using a precision knife like an Exacto knife, creating a stencil.
Pro Tip:
For more complex designs in the future, investing in transparency paper will be beneficial. You can find it on platforms like Amazon or at office supply stores. The key is that your printed image needs to be completely opaque to effectively block light during the screen exposure process.
To check the opacity of your printed image, hold it up to a light source. If light shines through, it’s not opaque enough. To fix this, you can either print another copy and layer it on top or darken the image further by coloring it in with a black marker. This ensures a crisp and clear stencil for screen printing.
Step 2: Crafting Your Screen Printing Frame
Next, you’ll need a screen printing frame. This is traditionally a wood or metal frame stretched tightly with mesh, often referred to as “silk,” though it’s actually made of polyester. While pre-made frames are readily available and convenient, you can build your own for a more hands-on DIY experience. For beginners, purchasing a pre-made frame is generally recommended.
However, if you’re feeling crafty, you can create your own frame by stretching “110” polyester mesh over a wooden frame and stapling it securely. “110” mesh is a good all-purpose mesh count for beginners.
You can purchase 110 polyester mesh on Amazon or at most craft and art supply stores.
Two wooden frame pieces being assembled with screws, illustrating the DIY frame construction process.
- To construct your own screen printing frame, screw together 2×2 inch wooden pieces to form a square or rectangular frame. Accuracy isn’t paramount, but ensure the frame is sturdy and relatively flat. Avoid using warped wood for this project.
Polyester mesh being stapled onto a wooden frame, showcasing screen mesh attachment for DIY frames.
- Using a staple gun, attach your polyester mesh to the wooden frame, pulling it taut as you go. The mesh needs to be stretched tightly, similar to a drum, but be careful not to pull so hard that it rips through the staples. Folding the edge of the mesh under before stapling can provide extra reinforcement and prevent tearing.
Ensure all staples are fully hammered in, as the screen needs to lie flat when flipped. Protruding staples can cause the screen to wobble during printing, affecting print quality.
A completed DIY screen printing frame with trimmed mesh edges, ready for taping and emulsion coating.
- Once the mesh is securely stapled, trim any excess mesh around the edges of the frame for a clean finish.
Painter's tape being applied to the inside edge of a screen printing frame, sealing edges for emulsion preparation.
- Seal both the inside and outside edges of the mesh to the frame with tape. This prevents ink from seeping through the edges during printing. Painter’s tape is the recommended choice as it’s easy to remove and doesn’t leave residue. While duct tape can be used in a pinch, as shown in the original image, painter’s tape is a better option for clean results.
Want to save this guide for later?
We can email you this helpful post so you can easily refer back to it whenever you need it!
Step 3: Preparing and Burning Your Screen with Photo Emulsion
Preparing your screen with photo emulsion and “burning” your image onto it involves a four-step process. This light-sensitive emulsion is what creates your stencil on the screen.
- Coating with Emulsion: In complete darkness, apply photo emulsion to your screen and let it dry for a few hours. This light-sensitive liquid will form the stencil.
- Image Placement: Once the emulsion is dry, position your paper stencil (or transparency) onto the coated screen.
- Light Exposure (Burning): Expose the screen to a bright light source. The light cures the emulsion, hardening the areas exposed to light. The emulsion under your stencil remains unexposed and washable.
- Washing Out the Image: After exposure, wash the screen to remove the unexposed emulsion, revealing your stencil image.
Mixing photo emulsion in a container, preparing for screen coating in a darkroom setting.
- Gather your screen, squeegee, and mix your photo emulsion according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Photo emulsion typically comes in two parts: the emulsion itself and a sensitizer or activator. Mix these in a darkroom or dimly lit area.
Applying a bead of photo emulsion across the top of a screen printing frame in preparation for coating.
- Working in a completely dark room, apply a bead of emulsion along the top edge of your screen. Note that while the photos here are taken in a bright room for clarity, this step must be done in darkness to prevent premature curing of the emulsion.
Using a squeegee to spread photo emulsion evenly across a screen printing frame in a darkroom environment.
- Use your squeegee to spread the emulsion evenly over the entire screen on both sides. Aim for the thinnest possible coat while ensuring complete coverage. Work quickly to apply a smooth, even layer on one side, then flip the screen and repeat on the other side. Immediately after coating, move the screen to a completely dark area to dry.
Working swiftly is crucial if there’s any ambient light present, as the emulsion can begin to cure prematurely. Once coated, promptly place the screen in a dark room for drying.
Warning: A completely dark room is essential for drying your screen. A closet without windows works well; you can further block light by hanging a towel over the door to seal any cracks.
- Position the frame horizontally, not vertically, in your dark drying space. Drying time depends on the thickness of the emulsion layer and humidity levels, typically taking 1-3 hours.
(Update: Advanced screen printing techniques suggest using a fan on a low setting, directed at the screen, to significantly reduce drying time to around half an hour.)
Step 4: Exposing Your Screen to Light (Burning the Image)
Once the emulsion on your screen is fully dry, you’re ready to transfer your image onto it through light exposure. Many tutorials recommend using expensive lightboxes for this step, but a simple 150-watt light bulb is perfectly adequate for beginners.
A 150-watt incandescent bulb or a 20-watt LED equivalent will work effectively.
A photography light with a reflector shining down onto a chalkboard, representing a DIY exposure setup.
Refer to your photo emulsion’s instructions for the recommended exposure time based on your screen size and the distance from your light source. These instructions are usually found on the emulsion jar or bottle.
The example setup uses a photography light with a reflector to focus the light. The reflector helps direct the light onto the screen, minimizing light spill. If you don’t have a reflector, you can improvise one using aluminum foil or a tin pie plate, or simply increase the exposure time by about 3 minutes to compensate for the dispersed light.
You’ll also need a matte black surface to place underneath your screen during exposure. An old chalkboard, black cardboard, or bristol board are all suitable options for absorbing stray light.
1. Set up your light source: Position a lamp with a 150-watt incandescent or 20-watt LED bulb to shine directly down onto a matte black surface, like bristol board.
2. Prepare your screen for exposure: Carefully carry your emulsion-coated screen to your light setup. Keep it covered with a towel or in a light-proof bag until you’re ready to expose it to prevent accidental curing.
3. Position the screen: Place the prepared screen on your matte black surface with the “back” of the screen (the non-recessed side) facing upwards.
4. Place your stencil image: Position your cut-out paper stencil (or transparency print) in reverse onto the screen’s mesh.
Tip:
To ensure correct image orientation, visualize how you want the design to appear on your final printed item. Hold your stencil facing you, then flip it over and place it directly onto the screen.
5. Secure the stencil: Place a clean piece of glass over your stencil to press it firmly and flat against the screen. This ensures sharp image transfer by preventing light from seeping under the edges of the stencil.
6. Expose to light: Turn on your light source and expose the screen for the time recommended in your photo emulsion instructions.
Diagram illustrating exposure setup with a 150-watt bulb positioned 18 inches above a screen printing frame.
In the example shown, the tree stencil appears white because it’s flipped, with the dark, opaque portion now in contact with the screen.
For a screen and stencil of similar size, an exposure time of 35 minutes at an 18-inch distance from a 150-watt bulb is a good starting point. Your optimal time may vary, so always consult your emulsion’s instructions.
Once you’ve started the exposure, leave it undisturbed. Avoid bumping or moving the setup. Set a timer and let the light do its work.
After the timer goes off, remove the glass and stencil. You should see a faint outline of your image on the screen.
The emulsion around your stencil, exposed to the light, is now hardened and permanent. The emulsion underneath your stencil remained unexposed and will be washed away in the next step, creating your open stencil area.
A newly burned screen printing frame showing a faint pine tree silhouette, indicating successful image transfer.
7. Wash out your image: Take your exposed screen to a sink or outdoor hose with a high-pressure water source. A showerhead or garden hose nozzle works well. Spray the screen with lukewarm water, focusing on the image area. Use lukewarm water – not hot, not cold.
Continue spraying, and you’ll see your image gradually appear as the unexposed emulsion washes away from the areas protected by your stencil. Congratulations, you’ve just created your first silkscreen stencil! Time for a celebratory treat.
Washing away emulsion from a screen printing frame at a kitchen sink, revealing the stencil image.
Step 5: Screen Printing – The Fun Part!
NOW for the most rewarding part – actually screen printing! You’re about to print your design onto your chosen material, whether it’s a t-shirt or anything else you’ve prepared.
Video Demonstration
Since this might be your first attempt, and perfecting the technique takes practice, it’s wise to do a few test prints first. Practice on scrap fabric or an old t-shirt until you feel comfortable with the process. Once you’re confident, you can move on to your final piece.
Smoothing out a t-shirt on a flat surface, preparing for screen printing application.
- Lay your t-shirt (or chosen item) flat on a smooth, even surface. Smooth out any wrinkles to ensure a clean print.
Positioning a screen printing frame over a t-shirt, aligning for ink application.
- Place your newly prepared silkscreen stencil over your t-shirt, positioning it where you want the design to be printed. Ensure the recessed side of the screen frame is facing upwards.
You might notice tape on the inside of the screen in the image. This inner taping is generally not necessary for commercially bought screens. It was done here to cover minor gaps in a DIY frame.
Important Tip – Taping Your Screen for Pinholes
Before you start printing, hold your screen up to a light source and inspect it carefully. If you see any tiny pinholes where the emulsion is missing from areas that should be blocked, cover these with small pieces of tape. These pinholes can allow ink to bleed through and create unwanted spots on your print.
Applying a bead of fabric ink to the top of a screen printing frame, ready for squeegee application.
-
Apply a line of fabric ink across the top of your screen, above your design area. For this example, a mix of black and white ink was used to create a dark grey. Remember that fabric ink typically dries much darker than it appears when wet.
-
Flood the image: Using your squeegee, drag the ink lightly across your design area without applying pressure. This is called flooding the image and ensures the entire stencil is covered in ink before printing.
-
Print the image: Now, going in the same direction as your flood stroke, drag the squeegee firmly over the image again, applying even pressure. This pushes the ink through the open areas of your stencil and onto the fabric beneath.
Dragging a squeegee across a screen printing frame to transfer ink onto fabric below.
6. Reveal your print! Carefully lift the screen straight up and away from the t-shirt. It might stick slightly to the fabric.
7. Air dry: Hang your printed item to air dry completely.
8. Clean your screen immediately: As soon as you finish printing, wash your screen thoroughly with cool water to remove all remaining ink. This prevents the ink from drying in the screen and clogging your stencil.
9. Heat set the ink: Once the ink is completely dry, heat-set the print to make it permanent and washable. Place a piece of paper or cloth over the printed design and iron it with a dry iron according to the fabric paint instructions.
A freshly screen-printed t-shirt laid flat to dry, showcasing the completed DIY screen printing project.
A close-up of a screen-printed design on fabric, demonstrating print quality and detail.
If your initial print appears faded or uneven, as shown above, apply more pressure with the squeegee in your next print. Increased squeegee pressure ensures more ink is pushed through the screen, resulting in a bolder, more solid image.
A newly screen-printed t-shirt hanging on a clothesline to dry, displaying a successful home screen printing outcome.
Here’s a video summarizing the process: (Video link would be embedded here if available)
And that’s it! How to screen print at home in a manageable number of steps. It’s truly not as complicated as it might seem, and the creative satisfaction you get back far outweighs the effort involved.
It’s a bit like the fun of dodgeball… or maybe the slightly more questionable fun of playfully teasing a friend.
Materials Checklist:
- Squeegee – Around $9
- Photo Emulsion – Approximately $10 (enough for numerous screens)
- Fabric Ink – About $8.00 (sufficient for many t-shirts)
- Pre-made Screen Printing Frame – Around $20
- 150-watt Light Bulb – Roughly $3
- T-shirt Blanks – $5 each
Quick Instructions:
SELECTING YOUR IMAGE
- Choose a design. Simple silhouettes or single-color images are best for beginners.
- Print your design on regular paper and carefully cut it out to create a stencil.
- Prepare your screen printing frame. You can buy a pre-made frame or construct your own.
DIY FRAME ASSEMBLY (Optional)
- Build a frame using 2×2 inch wood pieces, ensuring it’s solid and flat.
- Staple polyester mesh tightly over the frame.
- Trim excess mesh.
- Tape the edges of the mesh to the frame with painter’s tape.
APPLYING PHOTO EMULSION
- Mix the two parts of photo emulsion in a darkroom.
- Apply a bead of emulsion along the top of your screen in darkness.
- Squeegee emulsion evenly over both sides of the screen in a thin coat.
- Dry the coated screen horizontally in a completely dark room for 1-3 hours.
EXPOSING YOUR SCREEN
- Set up a 150-watt light bulb shining onto a matte black surface.
- Bring your dried, emulsion-coated screen to the light setup, keeping it shielded from light until ready.
- Place the screen on the black surface with the back side up.
- Position your reversed stencil image onto the screen.
- Cover with glass to ensure stencil contact.
- Expose to light for the recommended time (refer to emulsion instructions).
- Wash out the unexposed emulsion with lukewarm, high-pressure water to reveal your stencil.
PRINTING PROCESS
- Lay your t-shirt flat and smooth.
- Position your screen stencil over the t-shirt.
- Apply a line of fabric ink above your design on the screen.
- Flood the image by dragging the squeegee lightly across the design.
- Print the image by dragging the squeegee firmly across the design with pressure.
- Carefully remove the screen to reveal your print.
- Hang the printed item to dry.
- Clean your screen immediately with cool water.
- Heat set the dried ink with a dry iron.
Important Notes:
- For detailed images, use transparency paper for your stencil to ensure opacity. If using paper, ensure it’s fully opaque by layering prints or darkening with a marker.
- When purchasing a screen printing frame, consider aluminum frames. They are more durable and worth the slight extra cost. Here’s a recommended inexpensive starter aluminum frame.
- If your prints are faded, apply more pressure with the squeegee during printing.
This guide provides a solid foundation in basic screen printing techniques. As you gain experience, you can explore more advanced methods like using a screen printing press and halftone printing for grayscale images. If DIY screen printing seems like too much to begin with, consider purchasing a complete screen printing starter kit, which includes all essential supplies like screens, emulsion, inks, and a squeegee.
The easiest and most economical way to start is with a screen printing kit.
Explore starter screen printing kits on Amazon US.
Check out starter screen printing kits on Amazon Canada.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask! While a direct response isn’t guaranteed, perhaps a playful lima bean might find its way to you in jest!
→ Follow us on Instagram for more creative DIY inspiration! ←
Screen Printing at Home – Pinterest Pin Image
