Frames and Accessories

Starting a Business in Screen Printing
Starting a business in screen printing can be a great challenge. It offers many personal and financial benefits when done properly. Garment printing is a common area of screen printing. With some research, desire and dedication, individuals must decide on a method for garment printing. Some of the most popular methods are dye sublimation, digital ink jet or embroidery. Each technique requires some learning. Investment will vary a considerable amount according to the needs and strategies of marketing.

Garment Printing Machines		Hinge Clamps		Screen Fabrics and Accessories		Screen Printing Frames
Screen Printing Tapes

This Week's Featured Products in Frames and Accessories

	AWT Hinge Clamps Each sturdy case, positive locking hinge clamp holds a screen up to 2" thick. It adjusts easily for precision work. A loose pin permits quick screen removal. Set of 2.
	Speedball Screen Printing Fabric This pre-cut, multifilament polyester fabric is large enough to replace the screen in a 10" × 14" frame. Each package contains six 12" × 16" sheets of 12xx mesh fabric. Speedball Screen Printing Fabric is also available in 5 yard lengths and in various widths and meshes for creating custom-sized frames.
	AWT Sidekick The Sidekick's spring-action lift elevates your frame while screen printing, then holds it there until you're ready to lower it again. Heavy-duty steel clamps affix easily to either side of frames up to 2" thick, on hand tables or one-man vacuum tables. The Sidekick is available in two sizes for small or large frames.

In the following, individuals will find some suggestions and tips for getting started into a career of this nature.

• Any business venture must have a plan. Prepare a garment printing business plan that details the operation. Individuals can seek some assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration. They and other organizations offer free help to those starting businesses.
• To identify the business, individuals will need an EIN or employer identification number. This can be obtained through the IRS and used for tax returns and documents of financial and contractual manners.
• Individuals will need to apply for a business permit, state tax license and permits that are necessary in their home state. If a business is being structured as a corporation, individuals will need to check with the secretary of state office for proper forms and other permits required.
• A lot of research should be done about the possible methods of printing garments that are available. Sources, such as manufacturers, suppliers and trade associations of garment printing, should be contacted for further information. Once a decision has been made, individuals should comparison shop in order to get the best price on equipment and supplies.
• Always make sure that garment printing shop is adequately proportioned to hold the equipment that is being purchased. There should be enough space to move freely and comfortably around all machines and other equipment.
• Be sure to have adequate electrical outlets and ventilation to meet the demands of all equipment that will be implemented.
• Establish an account with various wholesale suppliers for items such as blank garments. These suppliers will need company information and a state tax license number in order to sell to you.