Hey screen printing enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a fast, easy method to start screen printing at home, Jennifer from Pigskins and Pigtails has the perfect solution: screen printing with a vinyl cutter. Whether you're low on space, on a budget, or simply new to screen printing, this method allows you to create custom designs without needing a full-blown screen printing setup. Let’s look into Jennifer's process to see how you can get started!
STEP 1: SETTING UP YOUR DESIGN FOR CUTTING
First things first—you’ll need your design ready to go! Jennifer uses Leonardo Design Studio to import her artwork, but any software that works with SVG files will do. The cool thing about Leonardo (and other design programs) is that it's pretty intuitive. You can import your design, add a weeding box around it (which helps during alignment), and mirror your design.
PRO TIP:
If you’re planning on printing multiple shirts or items, mirroring the design is crucial. Jennifer suggests placing the vinyl on the back of the screen to protect it during long print runs. This helps avoid damage to the vinyl when using the squeegee over and over again.
STEP 2: CUTTING THE VINYL
Once your design is mirrored and ready, it’s time to send it to your vinyl cutter. Jennifer uses a Siser cutting machine, which is quick and efficient—perfect for batching multiple projects. You can load sheets or rolls of vinyl, making it versatile for all kinds of projects.
BATCH PROCESSING:
If you’re working on a large order, this machine makes it easy to batch projects together. You can cut multiple designs from one roll of vinyl, speeding up your workflow significantly.
RELATED: SHOULD I SCREEN PRINT OR DECORATE WITH VINYL?
STEP 3: WEEDING THE VINYL
Next comes the weeding step. Using a weeding tool, remove the parts of the vinyl where the ink will pass through the screen. Jennifer emphasizes that even intricate designs are possible with vinyl as long as your cutter is precise and you’re patient with the weeding process.
STEP 4: TRANSFERRING THE VINYL TO THE SCREEN
After weeding, it’s time to transfer the vinyl to your screen printing frame. Here’s how Jennifer does it:
- Use transfer tape to lift the vinyl from the backing paper.
- Smooth it out to avoid bubbles, using a scraper tool to press out any air pockets.
- Carefully peel off the backing, leaving your vinyl ready to transfer.
CENTERING HACK:
Jennifer folds the vinyl in half to create a crease. This helps her line up the design with the center of the palette, making it easy to achieve perfect alignment every time.
STEP 5: APPLYING THE VINYL TO THE SCREEN
Now it’s time to attach the vinyl to the screen. Simply place your screen printing frame over the vinyl (sticky side up) and press it down. Smooth out any remaining bubbles, ensuring a tight bond between the vinyl and the screen.
If you're using a screen printing press, like Jennifer, you’ll want to make sure everything is lined up. Remember those crease marks? They’ll help guide you in keeping your design centered on the palette.
STEP 6: SCREEN PRINTING YOUR DESIGN
With the vinyl now on the screen, you're ready to print! Load your screen into the press and add ink. Using a squeegee, spread the ink across your design. Then, press the ink through the open areas of the vinyl, and voilà—your shirt is screen printed!
DURABILITY TIP:
Jennifer’s printed over 200 shirts with vinyl on the screen, showing that the vinyl method holds up for long print runs if properly cared for. Keep an even coat of ink, avoid oversaturation, and your vinyl screen will last.
WHY USE VINYL FOR SCREEN PRINTING?
This method is perfect if:
- You're just starting out and don’t want to mess with emulsion.
- You need a quick setup for live printing at events.
- You’re testing new designs without going through a long drying process.
With vinyl, you can have a screen ready in minutes, making it great for both beginners and seasoned pros looking for a shortcut.
RELATED: TOP 5 BEST USES OF VINYL IN A SCREEN PRINTING SHOP
READY TO START SCREEN PRINTING WITH VINYL?
Jennifer’s method is ideal if you want professional-quality prints without the time-consuming setup. Whether you’re working from a small home studio or printing live at events, this process gives you fast, consistent results.