Looking to DIY a bunch of can koozies in a row for a wedding, gift, or event? Can koozies are small, fast, and perfect for batch printing with Ikonart reusable mesh stencils. This guide walks you through the exact workstation setup and workflow that Amanda with Thistle Wild Reads (formerly Vintage Autumn) uses to create clean, repeatable prints on koozies and similar small blanks.
NOTE: This blog post covers how to screen print multiple can koozies using a screen print frame setup for batch printing in bulk. However, if you only want to do a few koozies, you don't need a frame setup. You can just add a piece of cardboard or tacky mat inside your koozie and screen print each one individually without a frame.
WATCH VIDEO: How To Screen Print Koozies with Ikonart Stencils
Supply List for DIY Can Koozies
- Artwork or design
- Ikonart Custom Stencil Kit (to make your reusable Ikonart stencil)
- Screen printing hinge clamps
- A flat wood board to mount your clamp and frame
- Screen frame with mesh (110 mesh works well)
- Painter’s tape, about 1 inch wide
- Small squeegee for fabric ink
- Fabric ink suitable for textiles
- Quality can koozies that fold completely flat
Pro tip: Choose koozies that fold flat and have a true 4 in by 4 in print window. Avoid styles with a sewn bottom that cannot lay flat or cheap koozies that are not folded on the seam.
How To Setup Your Workstation for DIY Can Koozies
- Mount the hinge clamp to a board. Use a scrap board that is thick enough that the screws do not poke through.
- Clamp in your frame. Tighten the hinge clamp so the frame swings down and stays aligned. Amanda used Speedball Hinge Frame
- Create a placement box. Lay one koozie on the board where you want to print. Center it under the frame, then trace around it with a marker. This outline becomes your drop and print guide for perfect placement every time.
Why this works: The placement box removes guesswork. You can stack 50 blanks at your side and hit the same location with every print.
How To Make an Ikonart Stencil
Making your reusable Ikonart stencil is as easy as print, expose, washout. There is no cutting or weeding vinyl. Just create or choose a design and use your Ikonart Custom Stencil Kit to do the rest. We use the purple Ikonart Textile Film for fabric and can koozies.
- Create & Print Artwork
Use one of our free SVG designs, find a design online, or create your own artwork using a program like Vectr. Then print your artwork as dark as possible. The darker the print, the easier washout will be. - Expose
Cut Ikonart Textile Film to size. Place film on the stand with the textured side up. Put artwork on top so you can read it, then add a clear cover sheet and rub out air gaps. Turn on the light and expose for 35 seconds with inkjet film or 30 seconds with laser film. - Washout
Soak the stencil in lukewarm water for about 45 to 60 seconds. Clip to a board and spray out the image, making sure all mesh openings are clear. Use warm water and a sprayer with good pressure. Normal washout time is around 30 seconds to a minute. - Dry and Post-Expose
Blot excess water and dry the stencil flat. Once fully dry, place it back under the light for 2 minutes to harden the coating and improve durability.
LEARN MORE: How To Make Your First Ikonart Stencil
Mount the Stencil to the Screen
- With the frame lowered, center your Ikonart stencil over the print area. Press it down firmly so there are no bubbles.
- Tape the stencil to the screen: top first, then bottom, then both sides. Press tape edges down hard to seal.
Pro tip: After taping the top, press the stencil again to ensure even tension. A smooth, bubble free bond prevents edge bleed.
Print the Koozies
- Load the blank. Place the koozie inside the traced box so it is perfectly aligned.
- Flood once. Add a generous bead of fabric ink and make one light pass to flood the stencil opening.
- Make the print stroke. Set the squeegee at about 45 degrees. Apply firm, even pressure and pull once. Return excess ink to the container.
- Lift. Raise the frame. If the koozie sticks to the screen, peel it off carefully and set it aside to dry.
- Repeat. Drop the next koozie into the placement box and continue.
Throughput tip: You do not need to wash the stencil between impressions during a run. Keep steady pressure on the frame so the mesh stays in contact with the surface. If you see any edge haze, pause and press down your tape and stencil edges.
Get the Height Right for Crisp Prints
Most hinge setups have a small gap under the frame. Your screen should meet the printing surface with light contact during the stroke.
- Thin items like cards or tags: Place a thin shim board under the print area to raise the surface to the screen.
- Thicker items like framed canvas: Add spacer strips under the hinge hardware to raise the entire frame so it sits level when closed.
Check contact: Lower the frame with no ink and press lightly where you will print. You should feel consistent contact across the artwork.
Design and Artwork Tips for Koozies
- Keep it bold. Use simple shapes and clear type for the textured neoprene surface.
- Size with intention. Most flat koozies support around 4 in by 4 in. Print a paper mockup to confirm scale.
- Solid blacks and fills: Plan enough open area between elements to prevent ink pooling and smudging.
- Registration: If you plan two colors, separate with a slight trap and allow the first layer to dry or heat set before the second.
Ink Selection and Curing
- Use fabric ink or acrylic mixed with a fabric medium. You want flexibility so the print will not crack when stretched.
- Test prints are your friend. Use a spare koozie or scrap fabric to check coverage and pressure.
- Dry and set. Follow the ink maker’s instructions. Many fabric inks benefit from a short heat set with an iron through parchment or a brief press in a heat press.
Pro tip: If you notice texture from the neoprene peeking through, increase squeegee pressure slightly or make a second print stroke with minimal additional ink.
Quality of Blanks Matters
Koozies vary. Look for:
- True flat fold construction
- Even seams that do not twist the panel
- A smooth, printable face without kinks or permanent bends
Low quality blanks can bow or refuse to lay square, which makes straight prints difficult.
Batch Production Workflow
- Pre tape your stencil and stage your inks and squeegee.
- Stack blanks within easy reach.
- Use the placement box for each print.
- Flood, print, lift, and move the finished piece to a drying area.
- If you see any edge bleed, pause to reseal tape edges and check pressure.
Time saver: You can gang small items on one larger stencil. For example, print multiple gift tags at once, then trim and finish.
Clean Up and Stencil Care
- Peel tape and wash the stencil with warm water and mild soap as soon as you finish.
- Rinse the frame to remove ink residue. Staining is normal and does not harm performance.
- Dry the stencil flat, then store it on its plastic backer.
- Store stencils flat and out of heat or direct sunlight to extend life.
Troubleshooting Tips for DIY Can Koozies
- Edge bleed: Reseat tape and press the stencil down firmly. Verify full contact and do a single, confident print stroke.
- Light coverage: Add a bit more ink on the flood or increase pressure slightly.
- Stencil lifts with the frame: Hold the frame down at the hinge side during the stroke so the mesh stays in contact.
- Ghost image between runs: Wash and dry the stencil, then remount with fresh tape.
Bonus Ideas for Batch Printing with Ikonart
Once your hinge station is set, you can print more than koozies. Try holiday cards or custom folders with a board under the print area. Print wooden tags and ornaments in batches by ganging multiple designs on a single stencil. For fabric items like canvas pouches or tees, use Ikonart Textile Film and fabric ink, then heat set for wash durability.
Ready to Make Your Own Can Koozies?
Create your stencil with the Ikonart Custom Stencil Kit, mount it to a mesh screen, set up a simple hinge station, and use the placement box method for quick alignment. Start with a bold one color design and a dozen quality koozies. After a short practice run you will be flying.
If you want more beginner tips, check out Ikonart 101 page. Have questions about films, frames, or ink choices? Post in the Ikonart Crafters Group on Facebook or contact Ikonart and we will help you dial in your setup.