Screen Printing Supplies

There are many screen printing supplies that you can buy to make some high-quality prints and shirts at home at a very low cost. This list should give you a general idea of what you need to get printing.

Getting started

You need to have an image to print. If you do not have a scanner, you can have it photocopied onto a transparency sheet at the maximum darkness level for a small amount of money. The image requires the maximum darkness setting so that the image can transfer to the screen without any light getting through to it. In addition, you can make a cut-out with dark construction paper, paint or draw with white-out on a transparent piece of plastic or lay a flat object onto a screen. Other tools you can use for screen printing include wooden picture frames, curtains or dark fabric.

Other supplies you need

In order to make sure the image stays on the frame, you need a staple gun and staples. Make sure the staples are not so long that they might poke out of the frame. In addition, you need photosensitive goo and activator, an art squeegee, screen printing ink, masking tape, old cereal boxes or other scrap cardboard, old newspaper to protect your work surface, an old rag and a garden hose.

Where to find it

You can find some of this stuff around the house; finding scrap cardboard and old newspaper should not prove difficult. Most art stores are sure to have goo and activator, squeegees and screen printing ink. If you do not have them already, masking tape and staple guns are available at most hardware and discount stores.

Screen printing is a fun and exciting way to create beautiful and unique works of art that you can hang up and enjoy for years to come. All it takes are these simple tools and some dedication and creativity.