How to Build a Shirt Silk Screening Press

Build a shirt silk screening press using simple materials.

If you want to make custom T-shirts in the comfort of your own home, you'll need a shirt silk screening press. However, these can be quite expensive to purchase. So, to save some cash and take an even more active role in the creation of your shirts, you can make your own shirt silk screening press using cheap materials. Plus, it will be small enough to carry around with you, if need be.

Things You'll Need

• Picture frame
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Staple gun

Instructions

1. Buy a wood picture frame that's at least 8.50 inches by 11 inches in size, but 6 inches larger than the image you will print. Inexpensive frames can be found easily at framing shops, craft stores and yard sales. Find a simple frame that is shallow or about 2 inches deep and lacks any odd designs. A plain, square frame is the best.

2. Measure the height and width of the frame and add 2 inches to each measurement. Use the measurements to cut a sheet of silk screen fabric. If the frame is 11 inches by 11 inches, add your 2 inches to get 13 inches by 13 inches. This will be the size of sheet you cut.

3. Staple one side of the fabric to the under edge of the wood frame. Pull the fabric tight across the opening of the wood frame and staple it to the underside of that edge. Pull the fabric tight and staple the two loose edges, folding the fabric corners down on the wood frame. Staple any loose edges in place.

4. Wash the silk screen with cool water after using it and allow it to drip dry, preferably in the sun. Wash the screen after every print to extend its life. Store it in a cool dry area in your workshop.

References

• Screen-Printing-T-Shirts.com: Making Screen Printing Frames