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How to Start a Small Printing Business (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Erin MacNab
- Apr 19
- 4 min read
“Big dreams, bold designs, and a bit of ink—welcome to your new creative hustle.”
Want to turn your creativity into a product-based business you can run from your kitchen table (or studio nook)? A small printing business might be your perfect start. Whether you’re designing t-shirts, printing stickers, or selling digital art as physical products, this guide will walk you through how to start a small printing business—step-by-step.
Let’s break it down.
Key Takeaways
🖨️ A small printing business is a low-barrier, high-potential creative business
🧵 You can start with t-shirts, stickers, wall art, or custom goods
🧰 Equipment needs vary, but many tools are affordable and home-friendly 🛒 You can sell on Etsy, Shopify, or use print-on-demand to stay lean
📚 Expand your knowledge with tools, books, and supportive creative resources
Is Starting a Small Printing Business Right for You?
Starting a small printing business is one of the most flexible, creative, and scalable businesses for makers and solopreneurs.
You might love it if:
You enjoy working with your hands and tools
You’re drawn to design, typography, or art
You want to sell products without a huge upfront investment
You’re excited about making physical things people can hold
And thanks to tools like print-on-demand platforms and home-friendly equipment, it’s more doable than ever.
Print-On-Demand Business Ideas to Get You Inspired
Before investing in gear, decide what kind of products you want to create. Here are a few print-on-demand business ideas to spark your direction:
T-shirts + Apparel – The most popular route. Create your own clothing line, niche tees, or art merch.
Stickers + Decals – Easy to ship, fun to design, and low-cost to produce.
Posters + Wall Prints – Sell motivational quotes, art prints, or kid room decor.
Journals + Stationery – Great for those who love paper goods or wellness-based products.
Tote Bags + Mugs – Fun for gifting, custom branding, or limited edition drops.
Not ready to print yourself? Start with services like Printful, Printify, or Gooten to test ideas.
Essential Equipment for a Small Printing Business
If you're going beyond print-on-demand and want to print at home, here's what you’ll need:
T-Shirt Printing Machine for Small Business
Heat Press Machine – Needed for applying vinyl, sublimation, or transfers
Cricut or Silhouette Cutter – Cuts designs from vinyl or transfer paper
DTG Printer (optional) – For full-color, high-end prints (expensive, but pro-quality)
Sticker Printing Machine for Small Business
Inkjet Printer (pigment-based) – For bright, smudge-resistant stickers
Laminator – Protects stickers from wear
Cutting Machine (like Cricut) – For precision-cutting sticker sheets or die cuts
At-Home Screen Printing Setup
Screen printing is a classic and hands-on way to print high-volume, long-lasting designs. Great for t-shirts, posters, tote bags, and more.
Basic screen printing gear includes:
Screens + Frames – Pre-stretched or DIY mesh screens
Emulsion & Scoop Coater – Used to coat the screen before exposing your design
UV Light Source or Exposure Unit – To “burn” your design into the screen
Squeegee – For pulling ink across the screen
Screen Printing Inks – Water-based or plastisol depending on your setup
Drying Rack or Heat Source – You’ll need to cure the ink (a heat gun or flash dryer can work for beginners)
Optional but helpful:
Screen printing press (1-color or 4-color rotary)
Washout booth or pressure washer for cleaning screens
🖐️ Screen printing is messier but more satisfying if you love tactile creativity!
How to Start a T-Shirt Business (The Fun, Focused Way)
If t-shirts are your jam, here's a quick roadmap:
Design Your First Collection - Choose a niche (funny quotes, niche fandoms, spiritual messages, etc.)
Choose Your Printing Method
Heat transfer
Vinyl
Sublimation
DTG or screen printing
Source Blank Apparel
Try Bella+Canvas, Gildan, or Next Level for soft, quality shirts
Set Up Your Shop
Etsy, Shopify, or even Instagram shops
Use Printful or Printify if you want to outsource production
Start Small, Test OftenTry 5–10 designs, post on social, and get feedback before scaling
How to Sell Digital Prints (As Physical Products)
If you’re a digital artist or designer, selling printed versions of your work is a great bridge between the online and physical worlds.
Here’s how:
Digital-to-print works great for:
Art prints
Affirmation cards
Journaling pages
Planners & templates
Best Books for Starting a Small Business
Want to dive deeper into the mindset, structure, and strategy of starting small? Here are a few standout reads:
The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
Company of One by Paul Jarvis
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (especially for creatives!)
Start With Why by Simon Sinek
Or, check out The Molecule Project's small business guides designed for soulful entrepreneurs.
PLEASE BE SURE TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE IF POSSIBLE XO
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a massive shop, thousands in startup cash, or a team of pros. You just need an idea, a printer (maybe), and the courage to take that first step.
A small printing business gives you the freedom to start simple, scale smart, and build a brand that reflects your creativity. Whether you're making stickers in your living room or printing shirts with purpose, there's room for you in this space.
Now go print something magical. ✨
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