How to Start a Print Shop in 2026... Don’t Start With Screen Printing… Do This Instead - Video

If I had to start over in 2026 with $5,000 and zero equipment, this is exactly how I would build a print shop today.

The apparel decoration industry has changed a lot since I started in 2013. Back then, you had to jump straight into screen printing equipment. Exposure units. Washout booths. Flash dryers. Conveyor dryers. Big upfront investment.

Today, there’s a smarter way to get started.

In this video, I walk through:
• Why I would NOT start with full screen printing equipment
• Why DTF is the fastest way to generate revenue
• How to use DTF to fund your screen printing setup
• When to transition into manual screen printing
• The exact equipment I’d buy with a $5K budget

I still believe screen printing is the gold standard for durability and scalability. It’s my preferred method. But if your goal is to start making money fast and build confidence without overwhelming complexity, DTF gives you a powerful entry point.

The key is using the right tool at the right stage of your business.

If you’re considering the xTool Apparel Printer, I’ve been using it professionally in my shop and have been very pleased with the results. It’s helped me move faster, add flexibility, and increase profitability.

Drop a comment and let me know:
Are you starting with DTF?
Going straight into screen printing?
Or planning to use both?

I’d love to hear where you are in your journey.

???? Check out the xTool Apparel Printer using the link below if you’re considering one. I’ve been genuinely impressed with it and it’s already paid for itself in my shop.

If you’ve found other DTF tricks or settings that work well, drop them in the comments. I’m always happy to share what the community is learning.

Join the Discord community at www.theprintcrew.com

If you want to dive deeper, I hosted a full webinar for xTool that walks through how DTF is helping small shops scale faster. You can watch the replay on my page here:
???? https://go.startupscreenprinting.com/xtool

Buy the printer here: https://ssp.ink/xtoolap

Here's the humidifier I'm using: https://amzn.to/4r70XYi