How to Use the Print Gocco PG-5

A Sample of What the PG-5 Can Do

Screen printing is a hobby that is usually cost-prohibitive for many. Print Gocco makes screen printing much more accessible with its simple-to-use tabletop machine that doesn't cost an arm and a leg to get started. Originally marketed towards Japanese families to make small runs of cards and invitations, the accompanying instructions are still mostly in Japanese. My instructions will get you started right out of the box and on your way to making the most of your Print Gocco PG-5.

Things You'll Need

• PG-5 machine
• 2 AA batteries
• Lamp Housing
• B6 HiMesh Masters
• Blue filter
• Carbon-ink pen
• Clip art and design books
• Scissors
• Photocopier or laser printer
• Glue stick or tape
• Print lamps
• Ink blocking foam
• Hi-Mesh inks
• Master cleaner
• Drying rack
• Card stock

Instructions

1. 

   Prepare the machine by inserting the 2 AA batteries into the housing on the inside of the lid, removing the piece of card stock from the inside of the glass and peeling away the protective film from the gray, gridded print table. This exposes a sticky surface which helps keep your paper in place for printing, but for now, cover it with a piece of card stock.

2. 

   Create your art for reproductions. The master reacts to carbon in the ink to burn through the coating to let ink pass. You can find carbon ink in some specialty stores, carbon pencils, the pen that came with your kit or in the toner from most photocopiers and laser printers. For the best results, paste-up your clip art or draw your designs (or any combination thereof) and make a photocopy of it for use in the next step.

3. 

   Place the prepared artwork onto the card stock on the print table. Insert the blue filter and a HiMesh Master through the grooves on the inside of the machine's lid until they are as far down as possible. There should be a little give in the bottom of the slot that allows you to tuck the top of the filter and master into the top edge of the lid.

4. 

   Load the light bulbs into the lamp housing by lining up the little nubs on each side of the bulb with the slots inside the lamp housing. Press gently and rotate the bulbs clockwise to secure them. Lining up the arrows on the lamp housing and lid, gently press the housing into place.

5. 

   Press down firmly with both hands on either side of the machine's lid until the bulbs flash. Hold in place 2 to 3 seconds longer or until the bulbs stop crackling; then remove the lamp housing and set it aside, face up, to cool.

6. 

   Lift the lid of the machine and carefully remove the blue filter and the master. The original artwork should be stuck to the blue side of the master. Set the filter aside and peel back the clear cover from the master and tuck the free end out of the way for inking.

7. 

   Apply ink directly from the tube onto the master, using the original art as a guide. Ink blocking foam can be placed between sections to allow you to load multiple colors in one go. Once inked, lay the clear plastic cover back over the ink and reload the master into the PG-5.

8. 

   Remove the place-holding piece of card stock from the print table and position your paper to print on. Lower the lid and apply gentle pressure to push the ink through the screen and onto the paper. Replace the paper and repeat until you have made the copies you want.

9. Store the masters in a cool, dry place between printings after cleaning the remaining ink from the film.

Tips & Warnings

• Though specific to the PG-5, these instructions should work for most Gocco models.

• Each bulb is only good for a single exposure, so order plenty of extras.