How to Make Your Own Screenprinting

Make custom screenprinted art with a homemade screenprinting machine.

Creating a custom graphic design can be a challenge and rewarding since you can show off the results. You can easily print a design on a number of different items with a simple screenprinting machine. These machines are most commonly used to print t-shirts, but can also print on wood, glass, leather and a variety of other materials; allowing you to really show your designs. Build a simple screenprinting machine with basic materials, and you can create your own fashion.

Things You'll Need

• 18-by-24-inch plywood sheet
• Measuring tape
• Marker
• 2 screen print hinges
• Wood screws
• Drill
• Phillips head screwdriver
• 16-by-20 or 18-by-24-inch picture frame
• Sheer fabric
• Stapler
• 2 large g-shaped clamps

Instructions

1. Measure along the long side of the plywood sheet and locate its center point; mark above this location two inches.

2. Measure and mark the second marker six inches from the first measurement. Do this on both sides of the plywood.

3. Center the hinges over the mark and trace the shape of the hinges onto the wood. Mark where the holes of the hinges will need to be placed on the plywood sheet.

4. Drill shallow starter holes in each of the places that you marked for hinge holes to get the screws started.

5. Place the hinges over the holes and screw wood screws into the holes to attach the hinges securely to the plywood sheet.

6. Remove any glass, backing or hardware that is attached to the picture frame and stretch sheer material, such as nylon over the frame. Staple the fabric down to the flat undecorated back side of the frame to build a screen printing frame. Attach the frame screen-side down to the other end of the hinges, lock it into place when not in use with a large g-shaped clamp.

References

• Screen Printing Tee Shirts: Screen Printing Press Plans
• SGIA: Screenprinting Tips