Basic Equipment for Making Homemade Graphic Tee Shirts

 

When making a graphic tee from home, it is important that you have the essential equipment set up and ready to go when you begin the process. If you are not sure that you have the right equipment, the following list may help you as you gather the basics.

 

Computer Design Program

 

When creating your graphic tee design, it is common to start with a computer design program for graphic precision and easy printing. While you may think a fancy computer program is necessary in designing your graphic, some of the most common graphic design programs on the market will work just fine for creating your image. The following three programs are some of the most commonly used for creating unique images for homemade tee shirts:

 

  • Photoshop
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Corel Draw

 

Screen Printing Supplies

 

Transparency Film- After creating your design, you can use your home inkjet printer to print the color layers onto transparency film.

 

Emulsion Solution- A proper emulsion will be necessary in developing your film and eventually transferring your graphic onto your print screen.

 

Ink Applicators- After completing the emulsion, light exposure, and rinsing processes, you will need to use a firm squeegee and the proper ink to transfer your design from the screens to your t-shirt.

 

Heat Gun or Flash Dryer- For graphic designs which have several layers of color, using a heat gun or flash dryer between each layer will seal the colors to create one cohesive final image.

 

To learn more about the equipment and supplies needed in home t-shirt making, reference the infographic below.

Please include attribution to ShirtSpace.com with this graphic

Screen Printing Instructions Infographic

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