We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Screen Printing Starter Kit 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Speedball Advanced All-In-One Screen Printing Kit, Includes LED UV Exposure Lamp

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,447
Inks
Emulsion and Emulsion Remover
Additional Tools and Accessories

Most important from
821 reviews

Inks
The provided emulsion and inks are sufficient for initial projects, though users may need additional supplies as they advance.
Emulsion and Emulsion Remover
Switching to the photo emulsion method with this kit offers excellent value and long-lasting results.
Additional Tools and Accessories
Despite the bulb's short lifespan, the kit provides everything needed to get started, including useful instructional materials.

The Speedball Advanced All-in-One Screen Printing Kit is an excellent choice for beginners looking to dive into screen printing using the Photo Emulsion method. One of its standout features is that it includes everything needed to get started, making it truly user-friendly. The kit comes with a range of essential tools, including a wooden screen frame, squeegee, and various fabric inks. The addition of an LED UV exposure lamp is a major plus; it allows users to expose screens safely at home without requiring a darkroom, which can be a barrier for many beginners.

The materials included are solid quality, which means you can create detailed images and prints right away. The kit caters well to those who enjoy crafting and want to bring their artistic ideas to life, thanks to the variety of inks and the instruction guide that simplifies the printing process.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The kit's screen size of 10”x14” might be limiting for those who want to print larger designs. Additionally, while the included instructions are helpful, beginners may still find the Photo Emulsion method a bit tricky and might require some practice to get the hang of it. Lastly, while the kit is comprehensive, some users might eventually find themselves needing additional tools or supplies as their skills and projects evolve. This kit is ideal for hobbyists or those new to screen printing, but more experienced printers might want to look for options that offer greater flexibility and advanced features.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,447
Inks
Emulsion and Emulsion Remover
Additional Tools and Accessories

Most important from
821 reviews

Inks
The provided emulsion and inks are sufficient for initial projects, though users may need additional supplies as they advance.
Emulsion and Emulsion Remover
Switching to the photo emulsion method with this kit offers excellent value and long-lasting results.
Additional Tools and Accessories
Despite the bulb's short lifespan, the kit provides everything needed to get started, including useful instructional materials.
#2

Caydo 54 Pieces Screen Printing Kit with 50W LED UV Exposure Screen Printing Light, 6 Color Screen Printing Ink, Screen Printing Photo Emulsion, Emulsion Scoop Coater, Instructions

Rating
9.8
Exposure Unit
Additional Tools and Accessories

Most important from
89 reviews

Exposure Unit
Almost everything in this kit was great except the light, which didn't work well for the emulsion screen.
Additional Tools and Accessories
Everything needed to get started is included.

The Caydo 54 Pieces Screen Printing Kit is designed to cater to beginners and hobbyists interested in screen printing, making it a great choice for those looking to create customized apparel or crafts at home. One of the standout features is its comprehensive inclusivity; it comes with everything from screen frames and inks to an exposure light and various tools, saving users the hassle of sourcing individual components. The inclusion of multiple screen sizes allows for flexibility in projects, while the 50W UV exposure light ensures effective curing of the emulsion, which can lead to clearer prints.

The kit's six vibrant fabric inks provide a broad color palette, suitable for use on various materials, including cotton and synthetic fabrics. This versatility is especially beneficial for those wanting to experiment with different types of projects. Additionally, the sturdy wooden frames are reusable, which is an added bonus for sustainability and long-term use.

There are considerations to keep in mind. The kit may be overwhelming for absolute beginners who might require more guidance than the included instructions provide. Moreover, while the squeegees included are functional, they might not be of the highest quality, potentially affecting the printing experience. Users will need to ensure they are comfortable with the setup and process, as mastering screen printing can take some practice. Lastly, the emulsion and inks have specific drying times and mixing processes that might require some trial and error.

Rating
9.8
Exposure Unit
Additional Tools and Accessories

Most important from
89 reviews

Exposure Unit
Almost everything in this kit was great except the light, which didn't work well for the emulsion screen.
Additional Tools and Accessories
Everything needed to get started is included.
#3

Ecoofor Screen Printing Kit – 53pcs All-in-One Set with 50W UV Exposure Lamp,3 Size Wood Screen Printing Frames, 6 Colors Screen Printing Ink, 15 A4 Size Inkjet Transparency Films

Rating
9.8
Screen Size
Inks
Squeegee

Most important from
16 reviews

Screen Size
The variety of frame sizes allows experimenting with different design scales, making it ideal for testing and creativity.
Inks
Inks are vibrant and ready to use, providing good color quality that supports mixing custom shades effortlessly.
Squeegee
Essential tools like the squeegee and scoop coater are included, though their build quality is average and better suited for hobby use rather than heavy volume printing.
Exposure Unit
Getting the screen to cure properly takes some practice, but the included 50W UV exposure lamp helps speed up the process effectively.
Emulsion and Emulsion Remover
The wooden frames and included emulsion tools work well for beginners but may wear out faster with frequent use compared to professional-grade materials.
Additional Tools and Accessories
Convenient extras such as paint pickers, mixing jars, transparency films, and gloves add real value for newcomers starting their screen printing journey.

The Ecoofor Screen Printing Kit offers a comprehensive all-in-one solution for beginners looking to start screen printing. It includes three wooden frames in different sizes, ideal for experimenting with various designs. The kit also comes with six vibrant ink colors—black, white, red, blue, yellow, and green—that can be mixed to create custom shades, providing creative flexibility.

A notable feature is the 50W UV exposure lamp, which helps accelerate the image curing process on the screens, a convenient addition not found in every starter kit. Along with the photo emulsion and remover, these essential materials allow efficient transfer of designs. The included squeegee and scoop coater are key tools for achieving even ink application, thoughtfully provided for ease of use.

Additional accessories such as transparency films, measuring cups, gloves, and mixing sticks add convenience and cover most basics for small craft projects. The detailed guide helps beginners get started smoothly. The wooden frames, while suitable for hobby use, may wear out faster than metal or aluminum alternatives with frequent use. This kit is well-suited for hobbyists and beginners who want a variety of tools and colors in one package without a large upfront investment, especially for printing on T-shirts, bags, and other fabric items. It offers a quick setup with versatile color options and effective exposure equipment, though it may not meet the needs of professional screen printers seeking more advanced mesh specifications or heavy-duty materials.

Rating
9.8
Screen Size
Inks
Squeegee

Most important from
16 reviews

Screen Size
The variety of frame sizes allows experimenting with different design scales, making it ideal for testing and creativity.
Inks
Inks are vibrant and ready to use, providing good color quality that supports mixing custom shades effortlessly.
Squeegee
Essential tools like the squeegee and scoop coater are included, though their build quality is average and better suited for hobby use rather than heavy volume printing.
Exposure Unit
Getting the screen to cure properly takes some practice, but the included 50W UV exposure lamp helps speed up the process effectively.
Emulsion and Emulsion Remover
The wooden frames and included emulsion tools work well for beginners but may wear out faster with frequent use compared to professional-grade materials.
Additional Tools and Accessories
Convenient extras such as paint pickers, mixing jars, transparency films, and gloves add real value for newcomers starting their screen printing journey.

Buying Guide for the Best Screen Printing Starter Kit

Choosing the right screen-printing starter kit can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you're new to the craft. The key is to understand the essential components and specifications that will best suit your needs. A good starter kit should include all the basic tools and materials you need to get started, and it should be easy to use and understand. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a screen-printing starter kit.
Screen SizeThe screen size refers to the dimensions of the screen used for printing. This is important because it determines the maximum size of the design you can print. Screen sizes typically range from small (around 8x10 inches) to large (up to 20x24 inches or more). If you plan to print smaller items like t-shirts or tote bags, a smaller screen may be sufficient. For larger prints, such as posters or large fabric pieces, a larger screen will be necessary. Consider the types of projects you want to work on and choose a screen size that matches your needs.
Mesh CountMesh count refers to the number of threads per inch in the screen mesh. This affects the level of detail and the type of ink you can use. Lower mesh counts (around 110-160) are suitable for thicker inks and larger, less detailed designs. Higher mesh counts (200 and above) are better for finer details and thinner inks. If you're just starting out, a medium mesh count (around 160) is a good versatile option that can handle a variety of projects.
InksInks are a crucial part of screen printing, and different kits come with different types of inks. The most common types are water-based and plastisol inks. Water-based inks are easier to clean up and are more environmentally friendly, but they can be more challenging to work with on dark fabrics. Plastisol inks are more durable and vibrant, especially on dark fabrics, but they require more equipment for curing. Consider the type of fabric you'll be printing on and your preference for ease of use versus durability when choosing your inks.
SqueegeeThe squeegee is used to push the ink through the screen onto the printing surface. The size and hardness of the squeegee can affect the quality of your print. Squeegees come in different sizes, typically ranging from 6 to 18 inches. A smaller squeegee is easier to handle for detailed work, while a larger squeegee is better for covering larger areas quickly. The hardness of the squeegee blade (measured in durometers) also matters; softer blades (around 60 durometers) are better for delicate prints, while harder blades (70-80 durometers) are more durable and better for thicker inks.
Exposure UnitAn exposure unit is used to transfer your design onto the screen by exposing it to light. This is an important step in the screen-printing process, as it determines the clarity and detail of your print. Some starter kits come with a basic exposure unit, while others may require you to purchase one separately. If you're just starting out, a simple exposure unit with a UV light source should be sufficient. More advanced units offer better control and faster exposure times, but they can be more expensive.
Emulsion and Emulsion RemoverEmulsion is a light-sensitive substance that you apply to the screen to create your stencil. The quality of the emulsion can affect the durability and detail of your stencil. Emulsion removers are used to clean the screen after printing, allowing you to reuse it for new designs. Look for a kit that includes a good quality emulsion and an effective remover. If you're new to screen printing, a pre-sensitized emulsion can be easier to work with, as it doesn't require mixing.
Additional Tools and AccessoriesA good starter kit should include all the basic tools you need to get started, such as a scoop coater for applying emulsion, a washout booth or area for cleaning screens, and a drying rack for drying screens and prints. Some kits also include additional accessories like tape, spatulas, and cleaning brushes. Make sure the kit you choose has all the essential tools and consider any additional accessories that might make your screen-printing process easier and more efficient.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now