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Screen Printing Techniques for a Metal Sheet

There are four primary screen printing techniques. You can print on metal using any of the techniques below. The simplest technique to try at home is the stencil technique. To print on metal, you will need a gloss enamel printing ink. This type of ink is designed to stick to smooth surfaces, such as metal or glass.
  1. Stencil Technique

    • Select an image and trace or draw it onto a piece of acetate. Cut out the pieces of the design that you want to print. This creates a stencil. Place the stencil on top of the metal sheet. Adjust the stencil until it is in the desired print location. Place the screen on top of the stencil. Put ink on top of the screen. Pull the ink down the screen with a squeegee. Hold the squeegee at a 45-degree angle for the best print. Lift the screen from the metal sheet from left to right to reveal the print.

    Screen Filler/Negative Technique

    • Draw or print the chosen design. Trace this design onto the top side of the screen with a pencil. Stir the screen filler until it forms a smooth, even consistency. Raise the screen so it is not touching the work surface. Paint the screen filler onto the screen in the areas that you do not want to print. Let the screen dry in a horizontal position. Place the screen on top of the metal sheet in the desired print location and print as described above.

    Drawing Fluid/Positive Technique

    • Place the screen in a raised position so that the mesh does not touch anything. Trace the chosen design onto the screen with a pencil. Cover the areas of the design that you want to print in drawing fluid. Leave the screen to dry in a horizontal position. Stir the screen filler. Cover the screen in an even layer of screen filler. Let the screen dry. Place the screen on the metal sheet and print as described above.

    Photographic Emulsion Technique

    • Mix the photographic emulsion as described in the instructions on the packet. Cover both sides of the screen in a thin, even layer of emulsion. Place the screen in a raised, horizontal position in a dark location. Leave the screen to dry. Print the image in black ink onto acetate. Put a piece of black paper directly under the exposure lamp. Place the screen with the stencil placed on top of this paper. Turn the lamp on. Follow the packet directions for recommended light exposure times. Wash the screen with water to remove the photographic emulsion. Let the screen dry. Place the screen on the metal sheet and print as described above.

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