How to Create a Silk Screen Machine at Home

Make custom shirts using a homemade silk screen machine.

Screen printing is a process used to create customized items such as shirts, hats or mugs. While websites, local businesses and major retailers may offer screen printing services, building your own silk screen machine will allow you customize the items yourself. You can build the silk screen machine to fit the requirements of a particular design, or use the silk screen machine with numerous designs.

Things You'll Need

• Wood
• Wood glue
• Screen fabric
• Staple gun
• Tape measure
• Paintbrush
• Varnish
• Saw
• Pencil
• Protractor
• Clamps
• Scissors
• Hammer
• Duct tape

Instructions

1. Measure your frame boards and mark the cut line with a pencil. For an easy-to-handle frame, your wood pieces should be roughly 1 inch wide and 1/2 inch thick. Use a saw to cut all four pieces of your frame. The size of your frame depends on the size of your design. Your frame should be a minimum of 2 inches wider and taller than your design.

2. Measure a 45-degree angle at the bottom of each frame piece using the protractor. Cut each piece along the angle to form connecting joints. For your frame to fit together properly, it is important you cut each angle accurately.

3. Piece the frame together to ensure all pieces fit properly. Apply wood glue to the side and bottom frame pieces and fit them together. Clamp the pieces and allow them to dry. Repeat this process with the remaining frame pieces.

4. Roll out the screen fabric on a flat surface. Place the frame in the middle of the fabric and cut the fabric around the frame, leaving 3 to 4 inches of excess fabric along each side. Turn the frame over and center the fabric over the top of the frame.

5. Insert one staple in the middle of the bottom frame piece. Rotate the frame vertically and pull the fabric tight. With the fabric held tight, insert a staple into the middle of the top frame piece. Rotate the frame and insert a staple into the middle of the left frame piece. Pull the fabric tight to the right side and insert another staple. Continue this process by pulling the fabric tight to each corner and inserting a staple. Add additional staples to the frame, spacing them 1/2 inch apart around the frame.

6. Hammer down all of the staples until they are flush with the frame. Cut off the excess screen fabric around the edges of the frame. Brush varnish over the top of the staples for a final seal. Finish the silk screen frame by applying a piece of duct tape over each frame piece. The tape will help prevent the fabric from tearing along the edges.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not want to build your own frame, you can use a picture frame.

• Wear safety goggles while operating the saw and staple gun.

References

• So You Wanna: Make Your Own Silk Screen Frame
• Print Cut Sew: Quick and Easy! Build a Screen Print Frame From An Old Picture Frame