Tutorial: Screenprinting on Webbing

Screenprinting on Webbing: A Step-by-Step Guide for Bold, Lasting Prints

Screenprinting on webbing might seem tricky at first — but with the right setup and a bit of patience, the results are incredibly rewarding. Whether you're printing on bag straps, belts, or custom accessories, this guide will help you achieve crisp, professional-looking prints with ease.

Let’s walk through the essentials—one step at a time - you can also use the pictures pasted at the bottom of this article.

Step 1: Choose the Right Color

When printing on textured surfaces like webbing, you often only get one smooth pull with the squeegee. That makes your color choice extra important.

• Go for contrast: Dark webbing pairs well with opaque, high-contrast inks.
• Test opacity: Not all inks cover equally—test your color on a scrap piece of webbing before committing.

Step 2: Prepare the Webbing

Keeping your material in place is half the battle.

• Create a guide: Use paper and tape to mark where the webbing should go on your printing press.
• Stay steady: Tape or clamp the webbing to prevent shifting while printing.

Step 3: Positioning Is Key

Clean placement leads to clean results.

• Secure the webbing: Lay it flat and hold it in place with tape.
• Align the stencil: Place it exactly where you want the design to appear.
• Lower the frame carefully, align precisely, and secure everything before printing.

Step 4: Mix and Test Your Ink

Ink consistency matters—a lot.

• Test first: Use a small piece of webbing to check coverage and drying.
• Mix thoughtfully: Aim for a creamy texture (not too runny) to help the ink sit well on textured surfaces.
• Repeat tests: Don’t hesitate to print a few trials until it feels right.

Step 5: Apply the Right Pressure

The webbing’s texture demands firm, even pressure.

• Use consistent force: Press down firmly with your squeegee to push ink through evenly.
• Stabilize with your fingers: Supporting the squeegee helps prevent uneven prints.

Step 6: Repeat and Keep Things Aligned

Want to print a series or create a pattern? Here's how:

• Mark the spacing: Use painter’s tape to guide where to place the webbing for the next print.
• Dry between prints: Use a hairdryer or heat gun to gently dry each design before moving on.

Step 7: Heat Set the Ink

To make your design last: Fix the print: and use a heat press, iron, or heat gun to set the ink permanently.

Tips for Success

• Always test first: Set aside extra webbing for trials.
• Adjust to the material: Every type of webbing has its quirks.
• Take notes: Keep track of your ink mix, pressure, and setup for future reference.

For more real-life examples and creative inspiration, check out our projects on Instagram or Pinterest.

Or check out this reel on instagram, where I am printing the webbing.

By the Way 

• Also other material is an option. Others have successfully printed on wider elastic band.
• and once the webbing is dry you can go ahead and print on the other side :)