DIY Manual Screenprinting Press
How We Built Our DIY Manual Screenprinting Press
Ever wanted a real screenprinting press—but without the price tag? We built our own at home, and it works surprisingly well! You’ll find a video of the build on Instagram, and this article gives you the exact measurements, tools, and answers to common questions to help you recreate it.
Instagram Reel Part 1 & Part 2
Materials Used
- Screen clamps
- Screenprint board (1.4 cm thick, 47×35 cm)
- Wing bolts + carriage bolts (~8 cm depending on your wood)
- Wood strips:
2.4 cm thick x 9.5 cm wide x 1.5 cm high, cut into 4 pieces (4×60 cm) - Square timber: 4.2×4.2 cm, 4 pieces at 30 cm
- Cross bars: 4.5×2.3 cm, 2×30 cm (or 40 cm if more wiggle room is needed)
- Fixing strips: ~2×1 cm wood strips to attach the screen board
- Washers (if needed to adjust for unevenness)
- Screws: 16 pieces, 4 cm long
- 4× connector screws: 7 cm long to join the square timbers
- Nails: 2 cm
- Total cost: approx. €40 for wood and screws (as of Nov 2022)
Upper slats are needed to fix the screenprint board on top; while the lower slats are placed apart to allow for stabilisation.
The shown cross can be used to fix the board in a portrait or landscape way, as shown below
Screws help to fine-adjust the placement of the screen. The elevated surface allows you to print various items (hoodies, sweaters etc.) on even surface.
Why This Construction?
- Why the raised design? This lets you pull finished garments—like hoodies with hoods—over the board for a flat surface under the screen. Just like on a “real” press.
- What about frame sizes? The board fits up to A3 screens. Larger screens? Just swap the board. Easy. Smaller frames work perfectly too.
-
Are the clamps height-adjustable?
Yes. The screen is tightened using screws in the clamps. Most standard screen frame heights work. To increase the height, simply insert a shim (like a coaster) under the frame.
Summary
If you want a press that’s affordable, space-saving, and effective—this one does the trick.
Watch the build reel on Instagram, and don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions!
Got questions? Message me on Instagram or leave a comment.
