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How to Use a Silk Screen Printing Press

Silk screen printing has changed very little since its introduction in the late 19th Century. The process of applying photo emulsion to a fabric or metal mesh, burning an image into the emulsion, and using the burnt image as a stencil remains the essential technology behind screen printing. Whether printing art or words on paper, fabric or other surfaces, you can use a silk screen printing press with the right technique and materials.

Things You'll Need

  • Silk screen printing press
  • Silk screen
  • Printing material
  • Silk screen ink
  • Squeegee
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Instructions

    • 1

      Open one of the clamps of a silk screen printing press by turning the knobs counter clockwise.

    • 2

      Insert a silk screen head-first into the clamps so the final image is facing upwards.

    • 3

      Tighten the clamps by turning their knobs clockwise.

    • 4

      Lay the material you wish to print on over the printing platform beneath the screen.

    • 5

      Pull down the screen to ensure it lays over the material in the desired fashion.

    • 6

      Apply approximately 1/2 cup of screen printing ink in a line along the top of the silk screen surface.

    • 7

      Spread the ink across the screen with light pressure using a squeegee in one smooth stroke.

    • 8

      Return the squeegee to the top of the silk screen surface and drag it firmly across the surface of the screen at a 60-degree angle in one smooth stroke.

    • 9

      Lift the screen off the now-printed material and set the material aside to dry.

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