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How to Do Custom Screen Printing

Screen printing can be used to print endless varieties of images on everything from paper to T-shirts. While most screen printers are large automated machines, manually operated screen-printing sets exist that allow you to create custom screen prints in your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Manual screen-printing screen
  • Soft bristle cleaning brush
  • Dishwasher powder
  • Water-resistant masking tape
  • Custom stencil
  • Rubber cement
  • Butcher paper
  • Material to be printed on
  • Screen-printing ink
  • Screen-printing squeegee
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean both sides of the screen-printing screen with the soft bristled brush and a solution of water and dishwasher powder. Rinse the screen thoroughly and let it dry completely.

    • 2

      Tape the screen tightly to its frame with water-resistant masking tape. Position the tape so that it is halfway on the screen and halfway on the screen's frame, making for a tight screen. Flip the screen over and do the same for the other side.

    • 3

      Place your custom stencil against the screen and secure it in the desired location with the rubber cement.

    • 4

      Place a large piece of butcher paper over the work area to prevent the ink from staining anything other than the material being printed on. If you are printing on a piece of clothing, insert a piece of paper inside of the article at the print location to prevent the ink from bleeding through to the other side.

    • 5

      Lay the material being printed flat on the work space. Place the screen with the stencil attached over the material.

    • 6

      Lift the screen slightly from the base and, using the squeegee, apply an even coat of ink to the print area with a "flood stroke" (smooth and even at a slight angle away from you).

    • 7

      Lower the screen onto the material. Press the ink into the material with a "print stroke" by holding the squeegee at a 45-degree angle relative to the screen and pulling towards you.

    • 8

      Lift the screen from the print and set the printed material aside to dry.

    • 9

      Clean the screen and tools used with a brush and a mixture of water and dishwasher powder.

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