Pre-Press  

A computer with design software - usually AI or CorelDraw for vector based graphics.  

Printer and transparency film - To make stencils on your screens, you will print the graphics you’ve created onto clear film. You need a printer that will lay down an opaque black ink that will totally block out UV light when you expose your screens.  

Screens. Variety of different mesh types, I'd start with something for general use. Finer mesh depending on halftones in the graphics.  

Emulsion. Screens are coated with a special emulsion that hardens when exposed to UV light to create a stencil.  

Exposure unit. Emulsion-coated screens are placed in a special exposure unit that provides the UV needed to cure the stencils.  

Washout station and water source. A washout station gives you a place to rinse the stenciled area out of the screen after exposure and to reclaim screens after press runs. You can use either a regular garden hose or a pressure washer as a water source in your washout station.  

Press Equipment  

A press. Of course, the press is the heart of every print shop. Most shops start with a manual machine and upgrade to an automatic as they grow. While presses come in many configurations, it’s wise to start with a six-color press, which will allow you to print nearly any job.  

Ink. You will have to choose from traditional plastisol or water-based and discharge inks. As you start, you can purchase a basic ink mixing pack, along with some regular colors — such as black, white and local school colors — that you know you’ll use often. You also will want plastic containers and ink scoops to help you handle your ink. Some shops also use scales and mixers to help prepare their inks.  

Squeegees. Squeegees are used to pull ink across the screen and lay down the print. Like screens, there are many different types of squeegees, and you will want to stock a few basics to see you through your usual print jobs.  

Substrates. You will need whatever object you’re going to be laying your prints down on, whether it’s T-shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags or banners.  

Flash cure unit. Not all shops start with a flash cure unit, but it is a valued piece of equipment on most screen-printing floors. A flash cure unit allows you to partially cure or “gel” your inks so you can print white underbases or overlapping colors.  

Post Press Equipment  

Conveyor Dryer - heat your ink to the curing temperature so that your prints will last without fading or cracking