3 Live Screen Printing Tips for Successful Events
Live screen printing gives people a front-row seat to the making of their next favorite tee. Behind every great event print is a printer who picked the right blanks, dialed in the equipment, and remembered to pack the essentials.
Screen printer Zach Achorn, aka The Can of Corn, has spent years live screen printing at a variety of events. His advice for a smoother experience comes down to three things: start with quality shirts, use equipment that helps you stay consistent, and prepare for more than you expect.
Watch Zach share his three live screen printing tips.
1. Start with Quality Blanks from Allmade
A great print starts with a great canvas, and Zach’s pick is Allmade. His first tip for live screen printing is to choose quality blank T-shirts that are worth the print going on them.
For event screen printing, the shirt is part of the experience. Guests get to watch it being printed, take it home, and wear it long after the event ends. Give the garment as much consideration as the artwork going on it.
When choosing your screen printing blanks, think about how the shirt feels, how it fits, and how it works with your planned decoration. Test your chosen garment and print combination before event day so you arrive knowing what to expect.
That’s the experience we want every Allmade tee to be part of: a shirt people are excited to pick up and keep reaching for.
2. Try the Rudy Press for Consistent Event Prints
Printing live means keeping your quality consistent while the event keeps moving. Zach’s second tip is to try the Rudy Press.
After years of live printing, Zach says this setup has made the process especially easy for him. What stands out is his ability to maintain consistency and great print quality with minimal effort.
That’s a useful priority when planning your live screen printing setup. Choose equipment you can operate confidently, and give yourself time to practice before taking it on site. A busy event is a much better place to show off your process than to learn it.
If you’re exploring ways to make your manual printing workflow easier, Ryonet's Rudy Press is worth a look based on Zach’s experience.
3. Overpack and Overplan Before Your Screen Printing Event
Zach’s final tip is simple: come prepared. Overpack. Overplan.
The last thing you want is to arrive on site and discover that something you need is still back at the shop. Once guests are waiting for shirts, even a small missing item can become a big interruption.
Turn that advice into a packing checklist tailored to your event. Think through your entire workflow, from setup and test prints to printing, curing, handing off finished shirts, and cleanup. Include extra blanks for testing and unexpected demand, along with backup supplies for the tasks you’ll be doing.
Confirm the venue details ahead of time, too. Knowing your available space, power access, setup window, and expected attendance helps you plan a live printing experience you can actually deliver.
A little extra preparation gives you more room to enjoy the event and connect with the people watching you print.
Make Your Next Live Screen Printing Event a Good One
Quality blanks. A consistent printing setup. A plan that covers the details.
Zach’s three tips give you a practical starting point for live screen printing at events. Start with a canvas you’re proud to hand someone, get comfortable with your equipment, and pack like your shop won’t be around the corner.
Planning your next event? Shop Allmade and start with a canvas Zach recommends.
