Live screen printing is an exciting way to engage people and share the fun of creating custom t-shirts. Whether you’re at a festival, hosting a kids’ birthday party, or part of a community event, a live screen printing booth is sure to grab attention and leave a lasting impression. Watching someone print their own shirt for the first time is a moment filled with excitement and pride—and it’s something they’ll talk about long after the event ends.
If you’re thinking about taking your screen printing skills on the road, here’s an expanded guide to help you set up a mobile screen printing business and succeed at live events.
1. Stay Organized with Essential Cleaning Supplies
Screen printing can be a messy process, especially when beginners get involved. Be prepared with plenty of baby wipes and paper towels to clean up ink spills, smudges, and sticky hands. These items will help you maintain a tidy and professional station, ensuring a better experience for you and your participants.
2. Sort Blank T-Shirts by Size
Having an organized system for your blank t-shirts saves time and reduces stress during busy events. Group shirts by size and display them neatly. Cube organizers or labeled bins can make finding the right size a breeze. Consider having an assistant on hand to help fetch shirts or manage inventory while you focus on printing.
3. Use a Portable, Easy-to-Set-Up Screen Printing Press
Portability is key for live events. A compact, lightweight press like the Pigskins & Pigtails screen printing press is a great choice because it’s easy to transport and set up. Look for presses with suction cup feet or non-slip bases that don’t require extra tools for assembly. A sturdy table or a small cart—such as an IKEA utility cart—can serve as your workstation. Add shelves or hooks to hold your supplies, like ink, cleaning materials, and spare screens.
4. Choose the Right Ink for Your Setup
Selecting the right type of ink can make or break your live printing experience.
- Plastisol Ink: This is ideal for live events because it doesn’t air-dry. If you experience downtime between prints, the ink won’t dry on the screen, and you can leave it overnight without worry.
- Water-Based Ink: This is eco-friendly and provides a soft feel on shirts, but it can dry out quickly when exposed to heat or wind. To prevent clogging, mix an extender additive with the ink to slow down the drying process.
Pro Tip: Practice with your chosen ink before the event to get comfortable with its handling and curing process.
5. Set Up a Kid-Friendly Station
Kids love hands-on activities, and screen printing is no exception. Set up a lower table with a smaller platen for young participants. Bring a step stool so they can reach the press comfortably. At one event, a kids’ printing station became the highlight of the day, with children lining up to create their own unique shirts.
6. Plan for Power Needs in Advance
Check the venue’s power availability ahead of time. If outlets are limited or unavailable, consider alternative projects like printing on tote bags or signs, which don’t require heat curing. You can also bring portable curing tools like heat guns or a compact heat press.
7. Have a Convenient Way to Wash Screens
Cleaning screens at the end of the event can be tricky, especially if you’re working in a small space. A coin-operated car wash with a power washer can be a lifesaver. Alternatively, bring a spray bottle filled with a screen cleaning solution to pre-treat your screens. This makes them easier to clean thoroughly later.
8. Dry Shirts Efficiently
Curing printed shirts is one of the biggest challenges in a mobile setup. For quick results, use a heat gun immediately after printing, followed by a heat press or portable press like the Cricut EasyPress. These tools are compact and travel-friendly, making them perfect for live events.
9. Create Pre-Printed Samples
Display pre-printed samples to give customers an idea of your work and inspire them to try it themselves. Samples can also help during peak times when you’re too busy to explain the process in detail. Showcase a variety of designs to highlight what’s possible.
10. Use Vinyl for Durable Screens
For events with heavy printing activity, adhesive vinyl can be a reliable choice for screen designs. If you want even more durability, use iron-on vinyl, which adheres permanently to the mesh. This allows you to wipe the screen clean without worrying about losing the design, even after hundreds of prints.
Bonus Tip: Set Up a Photo Booth
Encourage participants to take pictures with their newly printed shirts by creating a fun photo booth area. Use props, a backdrop, or branded signage to make the experience memorable. These photos will not only delight your customers but also serve as great promotional material for your business.
Why Live Screen Printing Is Worth It
Live screen printing is more than just a fun event activity—it’s an excellent way to build your business and connect with the community. People love creating something unique, and the hands-on experience adds value that other activities can’t match.
With the right equipment, thoughtful planning, and a positive attitude, you’ll be ready to bring your mobile screen printing business to festivals, parties, and special events. Start small, refine your process, and watch your business grow as you share the joy of screen printing with others.
