If you're looking for the best screen printing press for beginners, you’ve probably realized there’s no shortage of options. Whether you’re transitioning from heat transfers or jumping into apparel decoration for the first time, your choice of press will shape your screen printing experience from day one.
To help you decide, we tested and compared three popular starter screen printing presses: the Pigskins & Pigtails Starter Press, the Riley Hopkins 150, and a generic low-cost press from Amazon. Each was evaluated for setup ease, build quality, multi-color registration, and beginner friendliness.
Pigskins & Pigtails Starter Press: Best for DIY Beginners
The Pigskins & Pigtails Press is compact, beginner-friendly, and great for crafters working in small spaces. Assembly took about 36 minutes with standard tools, and the instructions were clear and easy to follow.
It’s a one-screen press, which means you’ll manually swap screens between colors. But for single-color prints or simple two-color jobs, it performs reliably and helps you learn the fundamentals of registration, off-contact, and ink control.
- Affordable Entry plus payment plan options
- Fast, frustration-free setup
- Portable and easy to store
- Manual screen swaps for each color
If you're wondering how to start screen printing at home, this is a fantastic entry point especially for hobbyists or educators.
RELATED: Vinyl Cutter Hacks for Fast and Easy Screen Printing with Pigskins and Pigtails
Riley Hopkins 150: Best Overall Starter Press
The Riley Hopkins 150 is a rugged, four-color press made for beginners who plan to grow their skills and production. While assembly took a bit longer (about 69 minutes), the process was straightforward thanks to clearly labeled hardware and a solid manual.
This press really shines when it comes to multi-color printing. Once you register your screens, you’re ready to knock out consistent prints run after run. The steel frame reduces vibration, the print heads stay in place, and the off-contact adjustments help ensure smooth ink transfer.
- Holds multi-color registration with ease
- Sturdy steel build, made in the USA
- Higher initial cost (payment plans available)
- Takes up more space than ultra-compact options
If you want the best screen printing press for beginners who are serious about printing at scale, the Riley 150 is built to last and built to grow with you.
RELATED: Your Brand Starts Here with the Riley Hopkins 150 Press
Amazon Off-Brand Press: Budget-Friendly, But Know What You're Getting
For beginners looking to try screen printing without a big upfront cost, an off-brand press from Amazon can feel like an easy entry point. In our test, this press was the most affordable of the three and arrived quickly thanks to Prime shipping. Setup took about 90 minutes, and while it came with basic tools, more advanced tools made the process smoother.
The build quality reflected the price. Lighter materials made the press easy to move, but also led to a few challenges. The print arm had some play, and the springs required extra tightening to hold up the screen correctly. Registration held up for single-color prints, but multi-color designs needed more adjustments between prints.
- Affordable and accessible for trying out the craft
- Lightweight, offers up to 4 colors
- Not as stable for multi-color printing
- Requires more manual effort to maintain alignment
Bottom line: If you're curious about screen printing and want to test the waters, this press can help you get started. Just be prepared for a bit more tinkering. For casual or one-color projects, it works. But if your goal is long-term growth or high-quality, consistent prints, you may find yourself upgrading sooner than later.
Beginner Screen Printing Press Comparison
| Press | Best For | Multi-Color Friendly | Setup Time | Price Range | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pigskins & Pigtails | DIYers & hobbyists | Manual screen swaps | ~36 minutes | $$ |
Pros: Easy to assemble, compact, affordable Cons: Not ideal for complex or high-volume jobs |
| Riley Hopkins 150 | Startup shops & side hustles | Yes, 4 colors | ~69 minutes | $$$ |
Pros: Durable, holds registration, scalable Cons: Requires more space and setup time |
| Amazon Off-Brand | First-timers testing the waters | Yes, 4 Colors | ~90 minutes | $ |
Pros: Budget-friendly Cons: Less stable, may require upgrades sooner |
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Start Strong with the Right Press
Your first press can shape your printing experience. If you're just getting started and need something simple and effective, go with the Pigskins & Pigtails press. But if you’re looking to print consistently, grow your brand, or start a legit business, the Riley Hopkins 150 is the clear winner in this lineup.
Choosing the right starter screen printing equipment doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Check out our blogs, explore our free education, or connect with our team to get personalized recommendations.
Your creativity deserves the right tools. Let’s build something amazing together.