How to Pick Colors for Screen Printing

Screen printing is a process that can be easily used by crafters. The most common application is using a sheer nylon or polyester fabric screen to print patterns on textiles such as T-shirts. Most inks used for the process are now low or no-VOC inks and paints. After you have designed and screened your art, the only choice you need to make is what colors you're going to use on your finished piece. Read on to learn how to pick colors for screen printing.

Things You'll Need

• T-shirt or fabric to be screened
• Screen or screens with designs
• Screen printing inks
• Squeegee
• Flat surface

Instructions

1. What color are you printing on? If it's a light color, try to print in a dark color and vice versa. A color that is too close to the background won't be visible from further away than a few feet.

2. Decide what kind of color scheme you want. Complementary color schemes feature colors across from each other on the color wheel, like purple and yellow, red and green and blue and orange. They provide a lot of contrast because they each draw attention to the other color. A primary scheme features only the bright, basic colors of red, yellow and blue. A secondary scheme uses combinations of primary colors (orange, green, purple). A monochromatic scheme uses different shades of the same color. Remember to consider the color of your fabric and the subject you are screening when choosing your color scheme.

3. Certain colors, like red and black stand out on a white back ground. Some, like yellow and white, stand out on a dark background. If you want to use a light color on a light background, say, for a team jersey, outline the color with a dark color like the pros do. Remember, in working with a number of colors where one or more either touch or overlap, a background color must be applied first and allowed to dry completely before applying a second color.

4. Colors have emotional value. Dark, muddy colors carry a certain message. Pastels and bright primary colors carry quite another. Decide what you want your underlying message to be and what effect you want your art to have on the viewer before committing to a color or colors that might send a different message.

5. Try different colors out together before printing, if possible. Ask friends and family what they think. If you plan to sell your work or use it as a "team" brand, it's good to know what the public thinks beforehand.