How to Do Multicolor With a YUDU
Screen printing is an ancient printing technique that involves transfer of ink through a screen that has been stretched on a frame containing a stencil. The image depends on the stencil. The technique was first used by the Chinese about 2,000 years ago to print beautiful designs on silk and cotton fabrics. YUDU is a personal screen-printing system that can be used to print your own designs on a variety of products including apparel, home décor, posters and cards. It is a trademark of Utah-based Provo Craft. YUDU can print both single color and multicolor designs.
Instructions
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1
Place the YUDU screen on the lid of the machine, under the lip and on top of all the posts of the lid such that the back side of the screen is facing up. Wet the screen and stick the dull side of the emulsion sheet onto it. Remove the air bubbles between the screen and the emulsion sheet using a squeegee. Dry the screen for about 30 minutes in one of the drying racks of the YUDU machine.
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2
Print a design from your computer on a blank transparency sheet or draw a picture of your choice on the sheet. As you create the design on your computer using the software that comes with the YUDU machine, separate different colors of your design into different layers or sheets. Create registration marks on each layer exactly at the same spot. This will help you line up the layers easily.
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3
Press the light table button and place the first registration panel on the posts and stick it with a tape. Stack the images of the second design layer onto the second registration panel, ensuring that the first and second panels are aligned properly. Repeat the process for any other colors or panels you may have. When the design layers are secured to the respective registration panels, remove all the panels, except the first one.
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4
Remove the screen from the dryer and check for any wet spots. If it is completely dry, remove the plastic coating off the emulsion and stick that on the transparency on the glass lid of the YUDU machine. Place the foam side of the platen on top of the screen. Lower the lid and add extra weight on top of the lid for a crisp image. Repeat the process for each design layer.
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5
Set the timer on the machine for eight minutes and press the "Exposure" button, which looks like a sun. Remove the lid after eight minutes and check the image on each screen.
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6
Rinse the screens by wetting the back and the front of the screen with running cold tap water in a sink. This will remove the emulsion from the screens. Dry the screens again for about 20 minutes in the YUDU dryer.
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7
Place the fabric on the sticky side of the platen and spread it evenly. Place the platen on the platen posts and lower the lid.
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8
Remove the first screen from the drier and tape off the edges on the mesh side. Do not cover the holes or the image with the tape. Place the screen securely on the lid with the front side on the top.
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9
Apply a generous bead of the first ink on to the screen just above the design. The bead should at least be as wide as the design. Hold the lid at a 45-degrees angle and flood the screen with the ink by pulling it with the squeegee. Lower the lid and spread the ink.
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10
Change the screen and repeat the steps 8 and 9 for each design layer and color. Let the design dry before printing the next layer. Do not remove the fabric until you finish all the layers, otherwise you will lose your registration marks. Once the ink is dry, remove the garment, cover it with a paper and iron for three to four minutes.
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Tips & Warnings
Use the emulsion sheet as soon as you get it out of the black bag. It is photo-sensitive and may get damaged if you leave it out for long.
Make sure that the screen is clean and free of oil and dirt before starting the project.
The fabric should be completely secured to the platen.
References
- Photo Credit Ablestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
