Screen printing 101: How to make a screen print

 

Hey there sports fans!  Screen printing is not for the faint of heart, its for the pure of heart!  That makes no sense.  Anyhow this is a blog post about screen printing.  If you have any questions let me know! 

 

Screen printing is a popular printmaking technique that allows you to create unique and high-quality prints on a variety of surfaces, including paper, fabric, and even wood. It's a versatile process that can be used to create everything from fine art prints to custom t-shirts and posters.

Here's a step-by-step guide to the screen printing process for beginners:

Step 1: Design your artwork The first step in screen printing is to create your design or artwork. This can be done either by hand or digitally. Once you have your design, you'll need to transfer it onto a transparent film, using opaque ink or toner.

Step 2: Prepare your screen The next step is to prepare your screen. You'll need a screen made of a mesh material, typically silk or polyester, stretched over a wooden or metal frame. To create your stencil, you'll need to coat the screen with a light-sensitive emulsion, and then place the transparent film with your design on top of the screen. Expose the screen to light, and the emulsion will harden where the light hits it, leaving your design visible.

Step 3: Print your design Once your screen is prepared, it's time to print your design onto your chosen surface. This is typically done using a squeegee to push ink through the mesh and onto the surface below. Make sure to use the right type of ink for your chosen surface.

Step 4: Cure your print After you've printed your design, you'll need to cure it to ensure the ink sets properly. This can be done either by allowing it to air dry, or by using a heat gun or oven to speed up the process.

Step 5: Clean up Once you've finished printing, you'll need to clean up your screen and equipment. Use a screen cleaner or degreaser to remove any excess ink, and make sure to store your screen in a cool, dry place.

And that's it! With a little practice, you'll be able to create beautiful and unique prints using the screen printing process.