T-Shirt Screen Printing – Equipment & Supplies

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Quick answer: T-shirt screen printing (also called silk screen T-shirt printing) pushes plastisol ink through a mesh stencil onto the shirt, one screen per color, then cures the ink with heat. To do it you need a press, screens, emulsion and a way to expose them, ink, squeegees and a dryer. It is the lowest cost per shirt for runs of a few dozen and up, and the prints last as long as the shirt.

What you need to screen print T-shirts

Item	What it does	Shop / learn
Screen printing press	Holds the screens in register over the shirt	Manual presses · 4-color presses · Automatic presses · All machines
Screens (mesh on a frame)	Carry the stencil; one per color	Pre-stretched aluminum screens · Mesh count chart
Emulsion + film positives	Make the stencil	Emulsion guide · Waterproof inkjet film · Stencil types
Exposure unit	Hardens the emulsion around your design	Exposure units · Exposure times
Plastisol ink	The color on the shirt	Plastisol ink · White ink · Best ink by job
Squeegees	Push ink through the mesh	Squeegees and blades
Flash and/or conveyor dryer	Cures the ink so it lasts	Flash dryers · Conveyor dryers
Pallet adhesive, tape, cleaners	Hold shirts flat; block out and clean up	Tapes and adhesives · Chemicals

Just starting? A screen printing kit bundles the basics, and our how to start screen printing guide walks you through a first setup.

The T-shirt screen printing process

Art and separations — one film positive per color (see simulated process for photo-real prints on darks).
Coat, dry and expose the screens — then wash out the stencil (how to make a screen).
Set up and register each screen on the press (registration guide).
Load the shirt on the platen with pallet adhesive. Place the design using a print size guide.
Print — white underbase and flash on dark shirts, then the top colors.
Cure — run through the dryer to full cure (cure chart), then stretch-test.
Reclaim screens for the next job (cleaning guide).

Full step-by-step instructions: how to screen print T-shirts · how to screen print at home.

When screen printing is the best choice for T-shirts

Job	Best fit	Why
24+ shirts, 1–4 spot colors	Screen printing	Lowest cost per shirt once screens are made
Team, event and uniform orders	Screen printing	Fast on press, durable, bright on darks
One-offs and full-color photos in small runs	DTF	No screens to make
All-over prints on white polyester	Sublimation	Dye goes into the fiber

Work out your numbers with the screen printing cost per shirt calculator. Prints last the life of the shirt when cured right — see how long screen printing lasts.

Starter packages

Ask about a T-shirt screen printing package built around the press you choose: screens, emulsion, film, ink starter colors, squeegees, tape, pallet adhesive, chemicals and a dryer, plus setup help from our Tempe showroom. Package pricing is quoted per order.

Equipment is quoted; ask about financing.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to screen print T-shirts?

A press, screens, emulsion and film positives, an exposure unit, plastisol ink, squeegees, a flash or conveyor dryer, pallet adhesive, tape and cleaning chemicals.

Is silk screen T-shirt printing the same as screen printing?

Yes. Screens were once made of silk; today they use polyester mesh, but "silk screen" and "screen printing" mean the same process.

How many shirts make screen printing worth it?

Screen printing gets cheaper per shirt as the run grows. For a few dozen shirts or more in a few spot colors it is usually the lowest-cost method. Try our cost per shirt calculator.

What ink is used for T-shirt screen printing?

Most shops use plastisol ink for its opacity, easy handling and durability. Use low-bleed or poly inks on polyester blends.

Can I screen print T-shirts at home?

Yes, with a small one- or four-color press, a few screens, emulsion and a flash or heat source that fully cures the ink. See our at-home guide and kits.

Does Buckets of Ink print shirts?

We are a supply house and equipment dealer: we sell the equipment and supplies and help you set up. Visit our Tempe, AZ showroom or call 480-229-7806.

Ask about a T-shirt screen printing package
Buckets of Ink is a screen printing supply house and equipment dealer in Tempe, Arizona. Ask about our discounts, starter packages and great financing on equipment — we'll help you get into your next machine.
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Call 480-229-7806 · Showroom & pickup: 906 S Priest Dr, Suite 101, Tempe AZ 85281 · In-stock orders placed by 2:30 PM Arizona time ship the same day · Free ground shipping on orders over $500 (equipment excluded; see shipping and returns).