Screen Exposure Unit Finance

Q: Can I finance a screen exposure unit alongside other screen printing equipment?

Yes, most lenders are happy to include an exposure unit on the same agreement as a printing press, dryer or heat press, provided each item is listed with its own value on the supplier quote. Setting up a full screen printing workflow in one go and financing it together typically means a single application and one monthly payment rather than several separate agreements.

Q: Is it worth financing a used screen exposure unit?

It can be for a business on a tighter budget, since these units have few moving parts and used equipment from a reputable screen printing supplier often works reliably for years. Most lenders will finance used units, though for lower value items like this some lenders set a minimum finance amount, so a very low-cost entry-level unit may be more practical to buy outright rather than finance.

Q: Can a new screen printing business get exposure unit finance?

Yes, this is one of the more accessible items to finance for a new print business given the relatively modest cost involved. A newly trading business may be asked for a personal guarantee or a modest deposit, and evidence of orders or an existing print shop presence helps support the application, with approval for smaller amounts often possible within a day.

Q: How quickly can I get screen exposure unit finance?

Most applications are approved within 24 hours, and for amounts under a few thousand pounds same-day approval is common, since the lender is assessing a single, low-complexity piece of equipment. Where the exposure unit is part of a larger print shop equipment order, allow a little extra time while the lender reviews the combined specification.

Spread the cost of a screen printing exposure unit from £300 to £4,000+ with flexible finance options. HP, lease, or refinance, compare rates from 40+ lenders.

Can you finance a screen exposure unit?

Yes, screen exposure units are financed as a standard asset purchase, usually on hire purchase or a lease, with the machine itself acting as the security. UK prices typically run £300 to £4,000, and most deals are written over 12–60 months with a deposit of around 10–20%. Decisions typically take 24 hours. Used machines are financeable too, usually with a shorter term.

Typical Cost

£300 – £4k

Approval Speed

24 hours

Same-day for < £4k

Rates From

5.7% APR

What would a screen exposure unit cost per month?

Screen Exposure Unit price (ex VAT) £1,200

Deposit 10%

Agreement term 60 months

Annual interest rate 9%

Balloon payment £0

Your estimate

Indicative only. Not a quote and not an offer of finance.

Pre-filled with a typical screen exposure unit price. Indicative only, not a quote.

Finance options

Hire Purchase (HP)

Rate: From 6.2% APR
Term: 12–60 months
Deposit: 10–20%
Ownership: Yours at the end
Best for: Print shops wanting to own the unit outright

Finance Lease

Rate: From 5.7% APR
Term: 12–60 months
Deposit: None required
Ownership: Return or buy (balloon payment)
Best for: Tax efficient; claim 100% of payments against profit

Operating Lease

Rate: From 6.5% APR
Term: 24–48 months
Deposit: None required
Ownership: Return at end
Best for: Refresh equipment on a shorter cycle. Off balance sheet.

Representative example

On a purchase price of £1,200: a 10% deposit of £120, then 48 monthly payments of £25 at 5.9% APR representative (fixed). Total amount payable £1,320, including the deposit. The rate you are offered depends on your business and the asset.

What buyers actually specify

Guide prices for sizing a finance agreement, not quotes. Manufacturers in this market mostly price on application, so where a current UK list price could not be confirmed the row describes a specification class rather than naming a model. Your supplier quote is what the agreement is written against.

Machine or specification	Guide price	Type
Entry-Level Metal Halide Exposure Unit	£300 – £900	Metal Halide Unit
LED Exposure Unit with Vacuum Frame	£900 – £2,200	LED Vacuum Frame
Large-Format Production Exposure Unit	£2,200 – £4,000	Large-Format Unit

Tax benefits

A screen exposure unit is moveable equipment and generally qualifies for Annual Investment Allowance, letting the cost be deducted from taxable profits in the year of purchase. HP agreements let you claim capital allowances directly, while lease payments are deducted as a running cost, which suits smaller screen printing businesses wanting predictable monthly outgoings.

Market context

Screen exposure units are bought by screen printers producing garments, signage and promotional items, ranging from small independent print studios to larger production print shops, with the choice of unit driven by screen size and daily throughput rather than sector. A basic metal halide unit suits lower volumes and a tighter budget, while an LED vacuum frame unit is chosen by busier operations wanting faster exposure times and more consistent results across a working day. These units have few moving parts and typically run for many years, with replacement usually prompted by a business moving to larger format screens or wanting LED technology rather than the unit failing outright.

Bad credit?

Several of our 200+ lenders specialise in businesses with imperfect credit histories. You may need a larger deposit or personal guarantee, but options exist. Checking your options here does not affect your credit score, because we do not run a credit search to match you. A lender will run their own checks only if you decide to apply.

Frequently asked questions

Can I finance a screen exposure unit alongside other screen printing equipment?