DIY Manual Screenprinting Press

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 1Part 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?

  1. 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.
  2. What about frame sizes? The board fits up to A3 screens. Larger screens? Just swap the board. Easy. Smaller frames work perfectly too.
  3. 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.

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