The Ultimate Screen Printing Bucket List for Startup Shops

Starting a screen printing shop is an exciting venture—but success begins with the right tools. This screen printing bucket list outlines everything a startup print shop needs to produce high-quality prints from day one. Whether you’re printing t-shirts, hoodies, or custom transfers, this list is your blueprint for a professional setup.

Build Your Print Shop on a Strong Foundation

Every great print begins with reliable equipment. For startups, consider investing in:

Vastex manual screen printing press
Vastex Flash dryer for curing prints
CobraFlex Heat press, especially for DTF transfers or heat-applied vinyl
Easiway Washout booth and dip tank for reclaiming screens

Browse Buckets of Ink’s equipment section for industry-trusted gear designed to grow with your shop.

Essential Supplies Every Screen Printer Needs

No screen printing bucket list is complete without daily-use consumables. Stock up on:

WM Plastics or Avient Wilflex Inks – Vibrant plastisol inks in quarts and gallons
Chromaline & Ulano emulsions – Like Easiway’s dual-cure and SBQ emulsions
Squeegees and mesh screens – Critical for quality control
Easiway Reclaiming chemicals – EasiStrip and EasiSolv help keep screens clean
Tapes, scoop coaters, and ink spatulas

These items keep your workflow smooth and your prints sharp.

Direct to Film (DTF) Must-Haves for Modern Printing

For shops running hybrid or DTF workflows, this tech-forward list includes:

CobraFlex DTF Printer – Print high-resolution transfers fast
DuPont Artistri P1600 DTF ink – Brilliant color and durability
DTF powder and film – Matte and hot peel options available
CobarFlex Powder shaker dryer unit – For consistent film production

DTF printing opens the door to low-run customization and full-color imaging without burning screens.

Shop Smarter with Buckets of Ink

Buckets of Ink provides more than just supplies—we offer expert advice, fast shipping, and curated starter kits. We proudly serve screen printers in Tempe, AZ, and across the U.S., including fast fulfillment to Los Angeles, Ontario, CA 91761, and all major printing cities.

Get everything on your startup’s bucket list in one place. Whether you need plastisol ink, embroidering backings, heat presses, or pre-burned screens, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to launch your print shop? Shop Buckets of Ink online and check off every item on your list—confidently.

Bucket List: What You Need for a Complete DTF Printing Environment

Setting up a professional DTF printing environment requires more than just a printer. To get clean, consistent, and profitable transfers, your space should be equipped with the right tools and consumables. Here’s your DTF bucket list—the essential items every serious shop needs.

Start with a high-quality DTF printer like the CobraFlex DTF System, designed for vivid output, reliability, and speed. Pair it with DuPont Artistri P1600 DTF inks for rich, durable colors that bond cleanly to garments of all types.

You’ll need DTF transfer film—available in hot peel or cold peel—and DTF adhesive powder, which helps the ink fuse to fabric during curing. For consistent results, a powder shaker/dryer unit is a must. This ensures even powder distribution and proper curing for long-lasting prints.

Don’t forget a reliable heat press. It’s critical for finishing your transfers, pressing them onto t-shirts, hoodies, or bags with the correct temperature and pressure.

Lastly, maintain your print environment with cleaning solutions, storage buckets, and proper ventilation to keep machines running smoothly and your workspace safe.

At Buckets of Ink, we supply everything on your DTF bucket list—with fast shipping and expert support. Set up your print shop for success and produce transfers that impress.