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CURIOUS ABOUT SCREEN PRINTING?
Screen printing is basically a transfer process where an image is printed onto paper or fabric. The design is created by using a stencil attached to the outside of the screen. Inks are then pushed through the screen with a squeegee, using even pressure.
You can design your image on a thick piece of paper or special stencil paper, which will be cut into a stencil. Or you can design your image on a piece of paper that can be transferred to a stencil paper or masking film.
With stencils, the parts of the image which you cut away will allow ink through the screen and onto your final surface. The parts of the stencil which are not cut away will block out the ink and show the surface. Mask-Ease is a common two-part vinyl and adhesive stencil material for screen printing. Cut your stencil from the vinyl and apply the transfer sheet. Flip your stencil over to remove the transfer from the vinyl sheet, leaving an adhesive film on the vinyl. Now you can apply the vinyl to the outside of your screen.
For multiple colours, you can either block out areas on your stencil as you print, or you can prepare multiple screens with different stencils. To block out areas that you no longer wish to print, mask with tape or screen block fluid. Masking tape is used on the underside of the screen, and screen block fluid on top of the screen. Screen block fluid is harder to remove and if the screen is to be reused, you might want to stick with masking tape. If this is your first time screen printing, we suggest you choose a simple image which will use only one or two colours in the printing process.
Setting up your screen for printing
The normal procedure for printing on paper is to hinge your screen in one place at the top so that you can easily position your paper underneath, and create multiple prints. Normally fabric is secured as necessary, and then a handheld screen is positioned over it.
Place your ink across the bottom edge of your screen, closest to you. With the screen lifted slightly off the surface, use the squeegee to lightly pull the ink across the screen, in one stroke away from you. Next, lower the screen onto the paper or fabric and pull the squeegee at a forty-five degree angle toward you, this time with a firm single stroke. This will be your primary lay down of ink.
Make sure your stencil is adhered the right way. The correct orientation is extremely important with adhesive stencil paper, or letters and numbers.
Immediately after you pull your print, while the screen is lifted slightly, do another light flood stroke away from you, and pop the screen up. Using a flood stroke helps keep the ink from drying in the screen and blocking it.
When printing onto fabric, follow the manufacturer instructions for setting textile ink or paint. Some inks may need to be heat set. This will ensure that your image is wash-fast.
For more information about screen printing CLICK HERE, and then scroll down the page to "An Introduction to Screen Printing"
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