How to Screen Print a Poster

Screen printing is a form of print making. Andy Warhol made this art popular in the '60s. Screen printing is most commonly used to decorate t-shirts and make posters. Follow these steps to create your own unique screen-print poster.

Things You'll Need

• Ink
• Ink extender
• Ink retardant
• Screen
• Screen filler
• Stencil
• Paper or posterboard
• Tape
• Clamps
• Squeegee

Instructions

1. Get your image ready for screen printing. This can be accomplished with a stencil or screen filler. Use a stencil to create letters and numbers. Use screen filler for images. Paint directly on the screen to create your image.

2. Prepare the ink. The best kind of ink for screen printing is water-based because it is non-toxic. Mix the ink with an extender and a retardant. These will allow the ink to move faster and more fluidly without drying up.

3. Place the screen on the surface. Use masking or packing tape to seal off all edges of the screen. Clamp the screen on the table so that it cannot move.

4. Apply ink along one side of the stencil. Make it extend from the top to the bottom of the image. Be conservative with the amount of ink.

5. Flood the screen. Lift the screen from the surface area, use the squeegee to pull the ink across the stencil in one movement, and then push the ink back the other way.

6. Put the paper or poster board beneath the screen. Lower the screen, and make sure the paper is square beneath it. Use a lot of pressure to pull the ink across the stencil again, and then push it back up. Lift the screen, and remove the first poster.