T-Shirt Screen Printing
Print custom designs on t-shirts using the screen printing method.
Materials & Tools Needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Your Design
Create or print your design as a solid black image on transparent film. Simple, bold designs work best for beginners. Mirror image if needed for text.
💡 Pro Tip
High-contrast designs with clean edges produce the best results.
Coat Screen with Emulsion
In dim light, apply photo emulsion evenly to both sides of your clean, stretched screen. Use a coating tool or edge of cardboard. Let dry completely in darkness.
Expose the Screen
Place your design transparency on the dry emulsion-coated screen. Expose to bright light source (sunlight or UV lamp) for 15-45 minutes depending on emulsion type.
Wash Out Screen
Gently spray water on both sides of screen to wash away unexposed emulsion. Your design should appear as open mesh. Let screen dry completely before printing.
💡 Pro Tip
If emulsion doesn't wash out easily, it was over-exposed. If design washes away, it was under-exposed.
Set Up Printing Station
Place cardboard inside t-shirt to prevent ink bleeding through. Position screen on shirt exactly where you want the design. Secure if possible.
Apply and Print
Place a line of fabric ink above your design area. Hold screen firmly and pull squeegee across at 45-degree angle with firm, even pressure in one smooth motion.
Cure the Ink
Carefully lift screen straight up. Let ink air dry for 1 hour, then heat-set by ironing inside-out on high heat for 3-5 minutes or using a heat press at 350°F for 30 seconds.