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Step-by-Step Silk Screening

Silk screen printing is named after the silk screens on which the pattern is applied before the color is transferred to the cloth. It was originally used in China about 1,000 years ago as an art technique and is still used this way today. Industrially it used to be used to print logos on clothes, but this practice has been replaced by automated processes. Screen printing is not especially difficult, but requires a lot of space and some specialized kits.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer with design package
  • Printer
  • Transparencies
  • Screen degreaser
  • Scoop coater
  • UV sensitive emulation
  • 150W bulb
  • Black paper
  • Clear tape
  • Masking tape
  • Cloth to print onto
  • Squeegee
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Instructions

  1. The Design

    • 1

      Use a computer design package to make a design you want to print. This could also be scanned into the computer.

    • 2

      Separate the different colors of the design into different files so that the design is in several pieces, depending on color.

    • 3

      Print out all of the elements of the designs onto transparencies.

    The Screen

    • 4

      Apply screen degreaser and water to the silk screen and remove the degreaser with a brush. Allow the screen to dry before continuing.

    • 5

      Paint the entire screen on both sides in UV sensitive emulsion using the scoop coater. Do this is in a darkened room so as not to damage the emulsion.

    • 6

      Leave the emulsion to dry as per manufacturer guidelines.

    Preparing for Printing

    • 7

      Attach the first transparency to the screen with sticky tape so the design is back to front and upside down.

    • 8

      Place the screen under a 150-watt bulb and on top of a black sheet of paper. Leave for between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the size of the design. The larger the design, the longer it should be left out. There is no indication for when the design is ready, so it is best to leave it for longer than needed.

    • 9

      Wash off the emulsion with water and leave to dry. Depending on the conditions, the screen should take about an hour to dry completely.

    • 10

      Prepare the other screens for the other elements of the design in the same way.

    Printing

    • 11

      Fit the screen into the press so that it is about 1/8 inch above the cloth you are printing onto. The cloth should be on a flat surface.

    • 12

      Attach sticky tape around the edge of the screen to prevent the paint from seeping through.

    • 13

      Pour a generous amount of paint into the screen below the design and drag the paint across the design using the squeegee.

    • 14

      Leave the first paint color to dry and repeat for the remaining elements of the design on the other screens. The paint should take at least two or three hours to dry, but check the paint manufacturer's guidelines for accurate time frames.

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