How to Prepare a Silk Screen for Printing

Remember - oil and water don't mix. This is why you need to prep your silk screen - essentially, degrease it - before applying your stencil.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Silk Screens (framed And Stretched)
• Spray Bottles
• Old Clothes
• Shop Aprons
• Sponges
• Water Sources
• Latex Gloves
• Buckets
• Sponges
• liquid bleach or Mr. Clean detergent or screen degreasing solution such as Screen Prep

1. Mix one part household bleach to three parts water or a strong solution of Mr. Clean detergent in a plastic spray bottle or bucket. (You can also use a commercial screen-degreasing liquid for this step, but it's more expensive.)

2. Sponge or spray onto both sides of the silk screen.

3. Rinse well with clear water.

4. Allow to dry fully.

Tips & Warnings

• Bleach and detergent are hard on your skin. Wear old clothes and gloves.

on 11/22/2005 Screens tend to build up a lot of static, and as a result, they attract little bits of junk. Before printing, hold your screen up to the light to check for any small particles of dirt that might be clinging to your screen.