Manual Starter Kit – Screen Printing Setup for Beginners

The Manual Starter Kit is the ultimate solution for achieving ultra-smooth prints on a manual screen printing press. Designed to eliminate fibrillation and enhance print detail, this kit includes a Manual Roller Squeegee and a 23" x 31" Smoothing Frame—both essential tools for flattening garment fibers after flashing, creating a hard, smooth surface for superior ink adhesion and crisp color application.

When printing an underbase, the mesh lifts fabric fibers, causing a rough texture that reduces print resolution and smoothness. By using the Manual Roller Squeegee after the flash, you effectively matte down fibers, allowing colors to sit cleanly on a hardened surface, dramatically improving the final print's detail, opacity, and hand feel.

This manual-friendly kit is the perfect companion for manual screen printers looking to maximize print quality without upgrading to automatic equipment. The included PTFE-coated smoothing screen mimics the effect of a heat press on the press, ensuring uniform, professional-grade results with every print.

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Included in the Manual Starter Kit:

✔ 1 x 23" x 31" Smoothing Frame – Professionally installed PTFE-coated surface for consistent, even fiber compression.
✔ 1 x 14" Manual Roller Squeegee (a.k.a. The BadAss Manual Roller Squeegee) – Flattens garment fibers after flashing, preventing fibrillation and improving ink application.

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Key Features & Benefits:

✔ Eliminates Fibrillation – Prevents fibers from lifting after underbase application, resulting in crisper, more vibrant prints.
✔ Enhances Print Smoothness – Creates a flat, consistent print surface for better ink adhesion and detailed color layers.
✔ PTFE-Coated Smoothing Screen – Provides even heat distribution, mimicking a heat press effect on your machine.
✔ Improves Ink Coverage & Opacity – Ensures better color payoff and precision, reducing the need for additional layers.
✔ Easy to Use for Manual Printers – No additional equipment required, perfect for small shops and growing print operations.

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Recommended Applications:

✔ Screen Printing Underbases & Multicolor Prints – Smooths fibrillated fibers for better color adhesion.
✔ Cotton, Polyester, & Blended Garments – Works on a wide variety of textiles.
✔ Manual Print Shops – Enhances print consistency without requiring an automatic press.
✔ Shops Using Laser Transfer Paper – Creates a soft, uniform hand feel on the final product.

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How to Use the Manual Starter Kit:

1. Print the underbase layer onto the garment.
2. Flash cure the print to partially dry the ink.
3. Use the Manual Roller Squeegee over the flashed area to matte down fibers and create a smooth surface.
4. Print the top colors onto the now flat and uniform surface.
5. Cure the final print as usual.

For a step-by-step demonstration, check out our instructional video on YouTube!

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Why Choose the Manual Starter Kit?

✔ Achieve high-end print quality without automation.
✔ Reduces fibrillation for sharper, more professional-looking prints.
✔ Economical solution for manual screen printers looking to improve print consistency.
✔ Easy setup and seamless integration into existing manual printing workflows.
✔ Ideal for shops that want to enhance production without investing in new equipment.