If there are folds or wrinkles in your shirt, this may negatively affect the transfer of the design onto the shirt. Iron the shirt as needed until the fabric is smooth.

As you become more experienced, try to integrate more complex black-and-white designs. For example, incorporate a paint splatter or a motorcycle into your T-shirt design. If you find an image online that you want to use that is not black-and-white, then use a program, like Photoshop, Microsoft Word, or Microsoft PowerPoint, to alter it. If you draw the image by hand, outline it with a thick black marker and scan it to your computer.

Depending on your printer, you may need to change the paper settings so your printer knows that it is using something other than paper. Consult your printer’s manual or the manufacturer’s website on how to do this. While screen-printing is a bit more labor intensive than ordering a print-by-demand T-shirt online, it gives better design results and lasts longer over time.

If you do not have enough newspaper to cover your workstation, use an old sheet or tarp.

Wear rubber gloves at all times while working with these chemicals. [7] X Research source Use a disposable utensil, like a plastic spoon or a chopstick, to stir the mixture. You can purchase emulsion and sensitizer at a local photography or print shop, or you can order it online through major retailers.

This will allow you to fill the well of the frame with the emulsion you just mixed. Don’t worry about putting push pins on the side of the silkscreen with the well, as that side is already elevated enough so the mesh does not touch the surface you are working on. You can purchase a silkscreen frame at a local art supply store, or order it online through major retailers. If your selected design is small enough, you can also use an embroidery hoop fastened with a thin mesh material to use as a quick DIY alternative. The process of using the embroidery hoop is the same as a standard silkscreen frame, but just on a much smaller scale. [9] X Research source

If needed, add small amounts of emulsion onto the screen until it is completely coated. Just be careful not to use too much emulsion; otherwise, it may drip off the screen and put bumps in your coating.

The flat side of the screen will most likely take about half as much emulsion to coat it. If you notice any drip marks on either side of the coated screen, use the squeegee to smooth them out. It is important for the emulsion coating to be smooth; otherwise, the imperfections with transfer onto your T-shirt design.

Speed up the drying process by placing a fan near the screen. Cover the frame with a thick, dark fabric if you have to transport it through areas that contain UV light.

If your image is not symmetrical, lay the transparency sheet onto the screen so the image appears backward. This is incredibly important for text-based images. Otherwise, the image will print backward onto your shirt. Instead of purchasing a special sheet of glass, use the glass from an old picture frame. To help speed up the exposure process later, spread out a piece of thick, dark fabric underneath the screen. The dark fabric will absorb UV rays and reduce reflection.

The exposure process can also be quickly accomplished by placing the frame outside in the sun. If you are planning on transporting the frame outside, make sure to completely cover the emulsion and the silkscreen frame with an opaque object, like a thick piece of cardboard or dense fabric. [16] X Research source

It can take anywhere from 1 minute to 1 hour for the emulsion to harden. Generally, the emulsion will have a darkened-appearance when it is fully hardened.

If you need to take the silkscreen frame outside to hose it down, try to have the hose set up ahead of time. This way, the sunlight does not harden the wet emulsion that needs to be removed.

If you want the image on the back of your T-shirt, then rest the flat side of the screen against the back of your shirt instead. Look down inside the well of the silkscreen frame. Any text or non-symmetrical designs should be facing the correct way.

Purchase screen printing ink at a local craft store or print shop, or online with major retailers.

For larger designs, add more ink if needed. Just be careful not to oversaturate your fabric with ink, as it might begin to bleed outside of the stencil.

Generally, the ink will take 30-60 minutes to dry.

Reuse the silkscreen frame to print the design onto other T-shirts or fabrics or get a new silkscreen frame to make new designs.