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How to Apply Silk-Screen Emulsion

Making your own silk screens is a great way to customize clothing, make your own posters, decorate canvas bags, and create other decorative items. Using photographic emulsion is the most versatile way to create silk screens because it offers the widest range of artistic possibilities such as creating fine line drawings.

Things You'll Need

  • Newspaper/scrap paper
  • Silk screen make with polyester screen fabric
  • Photographic emulsion solution
  • Push pins
  • Squeegee
  • Cardboard box (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1
      Grab some paper from your recycle bin.

      Cover your work area with newspaper or scrap paper.

    • 2

      Mix your photo emulsion solution following the instructions on the package.

    • 3

      Place your screen bottom side up on your table. The bottom is the side that will be touching the item you plan to silk screen.

    • 4
      Use push pins to raise the flat side of the screen off the table.

      Push one push pin into each corner of the silk screen frame on the bottom side. The push pins will elevate the screen slightly off the table for drying.

    • 5

      Pour a bead of the photo emulsion solution on one end of your screen.

    • 6

      Use your squeegee to spread a thin and even coat of emulsion over the entire screen.

    • 7

      Flip the screen over and repeat steps five and six. You want to create an even, smooth coating on both sides of the screen fabric.

    • 8

      Dry your screen bottom side down, resting on the push pins, in an area away from light and heat such as an empty drawer, closet floor, or under a cardboard box.

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