[jeanandjones]

Hi, I am new to screen printing and had some questions. I am looking to start making my own screens and it feels very overwhelming and I am wondering where to start and what to buy to accomplish that?

I am looking to buy used but I want to know that I am not getting scammed on the exposure unit or other equipment first and if it's a better deal to just by new then I will do that.

I really appreciate any and all advice given!!

 

[gardenhillemb]

Unless you have enough experience to check out the equipment yourself (or have a friend who can), I would recommend buying new. You can get a fairly decent exposure unit for a few hundred bucks. Then, after getting experience, you can upgrade. You can also build your own if you're handy. There's lots of DIY stuff here on the forums. For screens, buy cheaper aluminum frames in a couple of mesh sizes on sale and a dip tank for reclaiming and emulsion. A cheap Epson 1430 printer works great on waterproof film to print positives. Good Luck!

 

[webtrekker]

Try researching plastisol transfers before shelling out on expensive screen printing equipment. They may be all you need. Also, consider whether screen printing offers any real advantage over HTV for your purposes.

 

[jeanandjones]

Oh wow, ok thank you so much! I am looking at an exposure unit on craigslist for 250$ and have no idea if that is a good deal or not. I know I have seen new ones for around that but I also know brands matter. This one is a brown or Lincoln and he owns a screen printing company. He said he attached a stronger vacuum because he wanted better results? I know that means he changed something on it so would that lower the value? He also said it has an analog timer and unit can fit up to 24 by 31 inch screen. It would be my first purchase to start making my own screens. I will do some more research on new units though. Thank you!

 

[jeanandjones]

My dad already purchased the equipment to do screen printing, but I don't have anything to make screens with. Like exposure unit, dark room, light box, screens, etc. So those are the next steps but thank you I will look up what plastisol transfers are!

 

[mikhael47]

I got started with a shop light and a decent emulsion. I took about a week to dial in the settings for that. Then I bought a $100 press and started doing shirts. Start cheap unless you are seriously into getting a business up and running... You learn a lot and it doesn't cost you as much. As you start to print, and get orders, then upgrade as you go.