What you need for a screen printing workshop

A screen printing workshop needs more than frames and ink. Set up one complete workstation per small group, with cutting tools, mixing equipment, protective clothing and a clear place for prints to dry. Check textile sizes before shopping, and collect designs early enough to make stencils and transparencies. You will also need extension leads, lighting and cleaning supplies, plus cups, plates and simple refreshments for participants.

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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
- Cotton T-shirts - 35 pieces
- Cotton bags - 35 pieces
- Black textile ink - 2 jars
- White textile ink - 2 pots
- Red textile ink - 1 jar
- Blue textile ink - 1 jar
- Yellow textile ink - 1 jar
- Transparent textile binder - 1 jar
- Screen printing emulsion - 2 jars
- Degreaser - 2 bottles
- Screen cleaner - 2 bottles
- Adhesive tape - 8 rolls
- Painter's tape - 8 rolls
- Transparent film sheets - 50 sheets
- Pencils - 30 pieces
- Waterproof markers - 20 pieces
- Mixing cups - 50 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 100 pieces
- Nitrile gloves - 2 boxes
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 5 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Cola - 3 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 2 cartons
- Orange juice - 2 cartons
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Tortilla chips - 3 bags
- Hummus - 3 tubs
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Carrots - 2 bags
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 trays
- Grapes - 3 trays
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Mini wraps - 4 packs
- Cheese slices - 2 packs
- Hummus wraps - 30 pieces
- Napkins - 3 packs
- Toilet paper - 2 packs

Tips

Prepare one screen printing frame, squeegee, ink spatula, apron and pair of safety goggles for each workstation. Keeping these sets together makes it easier to start the first print run on time.
Buy or bring extra textile sizes after checking the participant list. A practical buffer is 10–15% above the number of registered participants, especially when people may make a test print.
Allow at least one drying rack or clearly marked drying area for every 10–12 prints. Prints need space between them, so do not leave drying until the tables are already full.
Use separate containers for each ink colour and label them before the workshop starts. Mixing bowls, measuring cups and scales should be ready before participants begin choosing colours.
Protect the workspace before ink is opened: place parchment paper on work surfaces, put waste bins at each station and keep cleaning cloths, sponges, rubber gloves and sink basins nearby.

Frequently asked questions

How much screen printing ink do I need per person?: For a small workshop, allow roughly 30–50 g of ink per participant for one or two prints, depending on the design and textile size. Buy extra if participants will print multiple colours or make test prints.
How many screen printing stations do I need?: Plan for one station for every 2–3 participants. For 12 people, prepare 4–6 stations with tables, frames, squeegees, ink tools and protective equipment.
How many textiles should I buy for a screen printing workshop?: Start with one textile per registered participant and add 10–15% extra for mistakes, test prints or size changes. Sort the textiles by size before the workshop so distribution does not delay printing.
When should I prepare the designs and stencils?: Collect designs at least 7 days before the workshop. Check them and make the stencils and transparencies several days in advance, leaving time to correct unsuitable details or missing files.

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