How to organize a screen printing workshop

A screen printing workshop runs smoothly when design checks, material preparation and workstation setup happen in the right order. Confirm the workspace and date first, then collect registrations, dietary requirements and participant designs. Before the day, prepare frames, stencils, transparencies, textiles and ink colors so participants can start without waiting. Allow time for a short demonstration, a guided first print run and a safe drying area. Coffee, tea and snacks are easiest to manage once the practical setup is complete.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Reserve workspace
2
Confirm the workshop date
3
Send invitations
4
Process registrations
5
Collect dietary requirements
6
Update participant list
7
Collect designs
8
Check designs
9
Prepare screen printing frames
2 people
10
Make stencils and transparencies
2 people
11
Inventory textile sizes
12
Purchase materials
2 people
13
Do the shopping
2 people
14
Sort textiles
2 people
15
Prepare ink colors
2 people
16
Print handouts

Event

17
Demonstrate the technology
18
Receive participants
2 people
19
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
20
Explain the designs
2 people
21
Assign workstations
2 people
22
Distribute ink and squeegees
2 people
23
Guide first print run
3 people
24
Let textiles dry
2 people
25
Serve snacks and drinks
2 people
26
Refill drinks
27
Support the second print run
3 people
28
Check printouts
2 people
29
Pack prints
2 people
30
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

31
Wipe down work tables
3 people
32
Clean screen printing frames
2 people
33
Wash tools
2 people
34
Collect waste
2 people
35
Sweep and mop the room
2 people
36
Inventory materials
37
Store textile remnants
38
Return materials

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Work tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 30
Clothes racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 4

Equipment

Screen printing framesqty 12
Screen-printing scissorsqty 12
Ink spatulasqty 12
Drying racksqty 4
Heat gunsqty 3
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6
Work lightsqty 3
Scalesqty 2

Kitchen

Mixing bowlsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 4
Scissorsqty 8
Cutting matsqty 4
Utility knivesqty 4
Parchment paperqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 30
Platesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30
Serving plattersqty 6

Cleaning

Sink basinsqty 6
Spongesqty 12
Cleaning clothsqty 24
Rubber glovesqty 12
Protective apronsqty 30
Safety gogglesqty 30

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set a design deadline at least 7 days before the workshop. Check every file for size, contrast and technical suitability before making stencils or transparencies.
Plan one workstation per small group rather than one per person. Put the frame, squeegee, ink and protective apron at each station before participants arrive.
Prepare textiles by size and type, and keep a simple inventory. Ordering or sorting too late can leave someone without a suitable shirt or other item to print on.
Build in a drying stage after the first print run. Drying racks, heat guns, work lights and extension cords need a safe layout with cables kept away from wet textiles and walkways.
Keep cleaning supplies beside the work area, not in another room. Set out waste bins, sink basins, sponges, cloths, rubber gloves and protective goggles before the demonstration starts.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organize a screen printing workshop?: Start planning 4 to 6 weeks ahead if you need to reserve a workspace and invite participants. Set the design submission deadline about 7 days before the workshop so there is time to check files and prepare stencils.
How many people can take part in a screen printing workshop?: For hands-on guidance, plan for roughly 4 to 6 participants per workstation. A group of 12 people therefore needs about 2 to 3 active stations and enough drying space for each print run.
How long does a screen printing workshop take?: Allow 3 to 4 hours for receiving participants, explaining the designs, demonstrating the technique, printing and drying textiles. Add at least 30 minutes for setup and another 30 minutes for cleaning.
What should I prepare the day before a screen printing workshop?: Prepare the frames, stencils, transparencies, textile sizes and ink colors the day before. Also print the handouts, arrange work tables and chairs, test power access and place safety equipment at the workstations.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.