As someone who's just dipped their toes into screen printing, this kit has been a game-changer. The first time I tried the photo emulsion process, I'll admit - I messed up. The emulsion looked like a gloopy mess, and I panicked. But after watching a few YouTube tutorials (not included, but essential), I got the hang of mixing the diazo sensitizer properly. Pro tip: add water slowly and shake like you're making a cocktail!

The included 110 mesh screen works okay for bold designs, but I quickly learned why veterans recommend higher mesh counts. My first attempts at detailed prints came out looking like Rorschach tests - the ink bled everywhere. The soft squeegee doesn't help either; it deposits ink like a butter knife spreads peanut butter - way too thick.

Where this kit shines is in the emulsion system. Once I nailed the exposure time (about 12 minutes under the included bulb), the stencils came out crisp. I've reclaimed and reused my screen four times already - something impossible with vinyl or drawing fluid methods. The emulsion remover works like magic... unless you let it dry (learned that the hard way).

The wooden frame feels sturdy, though I never used the base - my kitchen table became my 'studio'. The inks are surprisingly vibrant, especially the blue. Just be warned: the white needs heat setting unless you want cracked designs after one wash (ask my ruined 'I ♡ Screen Printing' shirt).

Is it perfect? No. The lamp's cord developed a short after three uses, and the emulsion bottle leaked in transit. But for under $100, it's the best starter kit I've found. Just budget extra for a scoop coater and better squeegee - your future prints will thank you.