Establishing a Screen Printing Workshop – Introduction, Basics, and Goals

Establishing a Screen Printing Workshop

Screen printing, with its durable print quality, color intensity, and versatility, remains one of the most popular printing methods for both small workshops and professional production facilities.
By 2025, although digital printing systems will have rapidly advanced, to set up a screen printing workshop It still stands out as one of the most sensible investments for low-cost entrepreneurs. Its wide range of applications, especially on textile, wood, glass, metal, plexiglass, and PVC surfaces, makes this system profitable.

What does it mean to set up a screen printing workshop?

A screen printing workshop is a production area consisting of manual or semi-automatic equipment that enables printing on various surfaces (T-shirts, bags, glass, wood, metal, plexiglass, etc.).
The following processes are typically carried out in this workshop:

• Design preparation (film exposure or digital transfer),
• Mold preparation (emulsion, exposure, washing),
• Printing (using a vacuum table or manual screen printing press),
• Kurutma (Rayk gibi raf sistemleriyle),
• Cleaning and preparation for reuse.

One of the most important details that those who want to set up a workshop should know is, mechanical equipment and paint compatibility.. Choosing the right machine directly affects production quality. At this point... OkanGökhan Screen Printing Machines Local manufacturers like these stand out with their advantages in both spare parts and service.

Establishing a Screen Printing Workshop

Why is 2025 the Right Time to Establish a Screen Printing Workshop?

Three key trends stand out in the screen printing industry by 2025:

1. Increase in small-scale production: Designer brands and boutique textile startups are opting for manual systems for small-volume printing.
2. E-commerce growth: Demand for personalized printed products is rapidly increasing on platforms like Etsy, Trendyol, and Shopify.
3. Cost advantage of local production: As exchange rates rise, imported machinery has become more expensive, while machinery from domestic manufacturers has become much more advantageous.

These factors mean both low investment costs and a short payback period for entrepreneurs who want to set up a screen printing workshop.
Another advantage is, the ability to expand the workshop in a modular way imkânı. Yani önce tek baskı masasıyla başlar, sonrasında drying rack ve ek istasyonlarla kapasiteni artırabilirsin.

Establishing a Screen Printing Workshop

Who can set up a screen printing workshop?

Screen printing can be used not only by textile companies but also in various other sectors. Therefore, there are no specific training requirements to set up a workshop. However, the following groups can easily get into this business:

• Graphic design students and graduates
• Advertising agencies and promotional companies
• SME-level producers
• E-commerce entrepreneurs who offer personalized printing services.
• University art departments and workshops

What is important for these groups is, the right combination of equipment It is about choosing. For example, for a textile manufacturer. vacuum table And Rayk drying rack While indispensable, for those who print on plexiglass, metal or glass. metal mold And special paint systems are required.

Key Considerations When Establishing a Screen Printing Workshop

Many startups experience inefficiency in the first six months due to a lack of proper planning.
Here are 5 key criteria to consider to prevent this:

1. Area Planning: A minimum area of 15–20 m² is sufficient for starters. Separate areas should be allocated for the exposure unit, printing table, and drying rack.
2. Ventilation: A powerful extractor fan is needed to remove paint and solvent odors.
3. Lighting: Yellow light should be used during the plate exposure process, while white light should be used in the printing area.
4. Energy Efficiency: If electric drying systems are used, the power supply must be suitable.
5. Material Stock: Consumables such as paint, emulsion, and squeegee must be fully and continuously available.

Basic Sections of a Screen Printing Workshop

A professional workshop consists of three main parts:

• Mold Making Area: Here, the emulsion is applied, followed by exposure and washing.
• Printing Area: Vacuum cleaners, squeegees, and paint are used in this area.
• Drying Area: With Rayk racking systems, prints are left to dry.

Bu bölümler arasında düzgün iş akışı sağlamak, zaman kaybını %30’a kadar azaltır.

Establishing a Screen Printing Workshop

Advantages of Establishing a Screen Printing Workshop

• Low investment – high profit margin: By 2025, a small workshop can be established with a capital of 70-90 thousand TL.
• Support for domestically produced equipment: Manufacturers like OkanGökhan provide direct support for both machinery and spare parts.
• Wide range of applications: Besides textiles, it can also be used on plexiglass, glass, metal, PVC, and wood surfaces.
• Easy to learn: Printing can be done with 1-2 weeks of practice, without requiring any technical knowledge.
• Opportunity for gradual growth: As demand increases, the number of shelves, table size, or number of pieces of equipment can be increased.

Small Workshop or Professional System?

For beginners single table manual system That might be enough.
However, if production volume increases, multi-station or semi-automatic machines should be preferred.
For example:

• Beginner level: Desktop Printing Apparatus + 50-shelf Rayk drying rack
• Intermediate level: 700x100 vacuum printing machine + 4 heads 1 station printing press
• Professional level: Multi-station semi-automatic printing line – Semi-automatic screen printing machines

These options should be determined based on both budget and production targets.

• OkanGökhan Rayk Drying Rack
• Vacuum Printing Table
• Wikipedia – Screen Printing

Equipment, Setup Space, and Technical Requirements for Establishing a Screen Printing Workshop

When setting up a screen printing workshop, the most important thing is determining what equipment you actually need and how that equipment can be integrated with each other.
The screen printing system is a production chain consisting of interconnected stages. Each part of this chain—from the plate to the drying rack—directly affects the print quality.
Therefore, making the right choices prevents both time and material waste.

Establishing a Screen Printing Workshop

1. Mold Preparation and Exposure Equipment

The heart of screen printing is the "mold". To properly transfer the design to the surface, exposure is performed onto an emulsion-coated screen printing mesh. The following equipment is needed for this process:

a. Mold (Frame + Mesh)

• Material: Aluminum or wooden frame
• Mesh type: Polyester (most common), metal, or nylon.
• Ideal for textiles with a pore size between 90T and 120T.
  The quality of the plate determines the print clarity. 120T mesh is preferred for high-resolution printing.

b. Emulsion and Squeegee

The emulsion is applied to the plate to define the exposure area.
The paint should be applied to the surface evenly using a squeegee (or spatula). The most important point to remember at this stage is that the environment must be dust-free. Dust or dirt can create holes and stains in the print.

c. Exposure Unit

It is a device that enables the transfer of a design onto a mold using light.

• Light type: Usually UV or LED
• Exposure time: 60–120 seconds
  50×70 cm exposure units are sufficient for small workshops.
  For large print areas, a size of 60×110 cm is preferred.

💡 Clue: The surface of the exposure glass must always be clean. Dirty glass scatters light and leads to a loss of detail.

Establishing a Screen Printing Workshop

2. Printing Area and Printing Machines

Once the mold is prepared, the printing stage follows. The most critical device at this stage is..., It is a vacuum screen printing table.

a. Vacuum Screen Printing Table

This table secures the material to be printed, preventing it from slipping.
Vacuum system, It holds the material firmly by drawing air to the surface. This allows:

• Color bleeding is prevented.,
• Clearer and sharper prints are obtained.,
• Mass production accelerates.

Technical specifications (example 50×70 cm model):

• Adjustable height
• MDF printing surface
• Vacuum fixation system
• Metal legs and frame
• Manual lifting lever

👉 Suggested internal link:
OkanGökhan Vacuum Printing Table

This table is essential equipment for workshops that want to print on surfaces such as textiles, plexiglass, wood, metal, or glass.
For professional users, switching to multi-station systems is possible.

Establishing a Screen Printing Workshop

b. Squeegee (Printing Wiper)

A squeegee transfers the paint from the mold to the surface.

• Material: Polyurethane or silicone
• Hardness: 65–75 shore (ideal for medium hardness prints)
• Tip type: Straight or angled
  To prevent color bleeding, the squeegee should be cleaned after each print.

c. Paints and Auxiliary Chemicals

The main types of inks used in screen printing are:

• Plastisol paint: It is the most common and brightest type for textiles.
• Water-based paint: For eco-friendly, fine-textured prints.
• Solvent-based paint: Suitable for glass, metal, and plexiglass.

In addition;

• Thinner / Cleaner: To clean paint residue,
• Emulsion remover: To reuse the molds,
• Delaying the institution: It provides drying control in outdoor printing.

• What is Screen Printing Paint? Types and Applications
• Establishing a Screen Printing Workshop

3. Drying and Racking Systems

After printing is complete, the most critical process is drying.
Errors in the drying time can lead to color bleeding or sticking.

a. Rayk Screen Printing Drying Rack

Standing out as a domestically produced product in Türkiye Rayk Shelving Systems, Its durability and practical use make it a preferred choice in many workshops.

Key features:

• 50 or 60 rack systems
• 60×110 cm dimensions (custom production also available)
• Spring system: Allows shelves to be easily opened and closed with one hand.
• Oven-painted steel body
• Wheeled design: Easy transport within the workshop.

This rack allows for natural drying through airflow and also enables prints to be stacked without damage.

Rayk Screen Printing Drying Rack – 50-Shelf Professional System

4. Auxiliary Equipment and Consumables

In a screen printing workshop, not only the machines but also the auxiliary equipment increases productivity:

5. Workshop Setup Area and Layout

Serigrafi üretiminde düzenli bir alan, üretim hızını %30’a kadar artırabilir.
When choosing an installation location, the following layout is recommended:

1. Mold Area: Work should be done in darkness or under yellow light.
2. Printing Area: The vacuum table should be in a central position.
3. Drying Area: Rack systems should be placed close to airflow.
4. Cleaning Area: There must be a water line and drainage system.
5. Storage Area: Paints, emulsions, and chemicals should be kept in closed cabinets.

💡 Clue: Avoid sloping surfaces; the printing table must always be level.

6. Electrical and Ventilation Requirements

In the screen printing workshop energy infrastructure This is just as important as machine selection.

• Vacuum cleaner motor: Average 300–600 watts
• Drying oven: 2000–2500 watts
• Exposure unit: 150–200 watts

A powerful extractor fan or air filter system is recommended for ventilation.
A closed-loop fan system should be used in areas where solvent-based paint is applied.

Establishing a Screen Printing Workshop

7. Safety and Work Ergonomics

Protective equipment is essential because chemicals are involved in the work:

• Mask, gloves, goggles
• Lighting protector
• Fire extinguisher
• Insulated sockets

For ergonomic reasons, the height of the printing table should be between 90–100 cm.
Shelving systems should be positioned at a height that does not exceed shoulder height.

Establishing a Screen Printing Workshop

Establishing a Screen Printing Workshop

8. Starter Kit – 2025 Mini Screen Printing Package (Sample Set)

💡 Notes: Prices are based on the average price of domestically produced equipment in the Turkish market in 2025.

2025 Screen Printing Workshop Cost Calculations, Profitability, Recommendations, and FAQs

When setting up a screen printing workshop, the first question that usually comes to everyone's mind is the same:
👉 “"How much capital is needed in total, and how long will it take for this investment to pay off?"”
The answer to this question depends on the type of equipment selected, the production capacity, and the target market.
However, as of 2025, there will be small and medium-sized enterprises in Türkiye. screen printing workshop setup cost It can be analyzed clearly.

Establishing a Screen Printing Workshop

Establishing a Screen Printing Workshop

Establishing a Screen Printing Workshop

1. Screen Printing Workshop Setup Cost (2025 Updated Table)

The table below shows the average setup costs for three different workshop levels:

💡 Notes: These costs do not include rent, electricity, and staff expenses.
However, domestically produced machines (for example Rayk Shelving Systems manufactured by OkanGökhan.) kullanıldığında, ithal ekipmanlara göre %30–40 oranında tasarruf sağlanır.

2. Monthly Expenses and Production Capacity

Once the setup is complete, it's necessary to plan for monthly fixed expenses to ensure the workshop's sustainability. Average expense items can be calculated as follows:

A small workshop can produce an average of 30–40 t-shirts or plexiglass prints per day.
This translates to 1000–1200 units of product per month.
Average per product profit margin 30–50 TL when between these ranges, monthly net income 30,000 – 50,000 TL It can reach that range.

In this case, the payback period is reduced to as little as 3–5 months — a very advantageous turnover rate in the printing industry.

3. 5 Practical Ways to Increase Profitability

Increasing profitability in screen printing workshops is possible not only by increasing production but also by optimizing processes.
Here are 5 effective methods used by professionals:

1. Paint Management and Color Mixing

Measuring the required amount of ink before each print run prevents waste and ensures color consistency.
Unused paints should be stored in airtight containers.

2. Mold Reuse

Plates cleaned with emulsion remover can be re-exposed.
This results in monthly energy savings of up to 1,000 TL.

3. Energy Efficiency

Like Rayk drying racks natural air circulation systems, elektrikli fırınlara göre %70 enerji tasarrufu sunar.

4. Modular Systems

Instead of making your vacuum table bigger, adding a second one would be more efficient.
This doubles production capacity while keeping investment costs to a minimum.

5. Digital Marketing Support

A screen printing workshop grows not only through physical production but also through digital visibility.
On Instagram, Etsy, Trendyol, or your own e-commerce site (for example okangokhan.comYou can attract customers by displaying sample prints.

4. Common Mistakes When Setting Up a Screen Printing Workshop

Yeni başlayanların %60’ı ilk altı ayda şu hatalardan bir veya birkaçını yapar:

• Using a cheap but unstable table → print shifts
• Inadequate ventilation → paint drying, decreased work efficiency.
• Setting the exposure time by rote → loss of detail in the pattern.
• Failing to clean the squeegee during color transitions → shadowing
• Reducing the number of shelves → piling up during drying time.

To prevent these problems, planning should definitely be done before installation, and if possible... support for local producers should be taken.

5. 2025 Trends: New Technologies in Screen Printing

The screen printing world, just like the digital printing industry, is evolving through innovation.
Here are some of the prominent trends for 2025:

• LED exposure systems: Lower energy consumption, longer lifespan.
• Semi-automatic table systems: Vacuum + servo motor combination
• Hybrid printing: Combination of digital printing and screen printing (especially in textiles)
• Eco-friendly paints: Water-based and solvent-free formulas
• Modular shelving systems: Portable structure with spare parts.

These developments enable even small workshops to produce at a professional level.

6. Professional Advice (From Okan Gökhan's Experience)

1. Choose the right size: If you're mainly going to print on t-shirts, 50x70 cm will be sufficient. If you're working with plexiglass or glass, 60x110 cm would be more suitable.
2. Keep the number of shelves low: Choosing 50 shelves instead of 25 will significantly increase production speed in the long run.
3. Cover the workshop floor with epoxy or linoleum: It provides ease of cleaning and paint protection.
4. Divide the lighting: The exposure area should be illuminated with yellow light, and the printing area with white light.
5. Choose a local supplier: Buying machines from local manufacturers like OkanGökhan shortens service times and makes parts access easier.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is it possible to set up a screen printing workshop at home?
Yes. Even a 10-12 m² room is sufficient for beginner-level production.
You can start with a small vacuum table, a mini Rayk rack, and an exposure box.

2. What is the average return on investment period?
With regular production, it pays for itself in 3 to 6 months.
When contract printing is used, this time is shortened even further.

3. Which surfaces can be printed on?
A wide range of surfaces are possible, including t-shirts, tote bags, plexiglass, glass, wood, metal, PVC, and even ceramic.

4. Which type of paint is more durable?
Plastisol dye is the longest-lasting dye in textiles.
Solvent-based paints should be preferred for glass and plexiglass.

5. What is the difference between screen printing and digital printing?
Screen printing offers permanent, embossed, and vibrant colors.
Digital printing is fast in low quantities but weak in terms of surface durability.