How to Screen Print on Fabric

While everyone is familiar with screen-printed T-shirts and band posters, the fact is that the technology can be used to create multiple images on diverse materials. Screen printing on fabric is a great way to create an art piece or decorate bags, drapes, pillow cases, table cloths and many other items. It is possible to get started with a few simple tools and materials.

Things You'll Need

• Wood (or metal) frame with screen mesh Piece of foam rubber Screen printing ink Squeegee Light-sensitive emulsion Light source such as a halide work light Sheet of glass Weights Artwork printed on a transparency or film Fabric

Instructions

The basics of screen printing on fabric

1. Clean the stretched wooden or metal frame with mild soap. Rinse the screen and let it dry. Cover both sides of the screen with light-sensitive emulsion, referring to the instructions for the appropriate light conditions. Wipe away the excess emulsion and let the screen dry overnight. Buy a pre-stretched screen, or attach your screen mesh onto the wooden frame tightly enough that you could bounce a coin on it. If you attach the screen with a staple gun, be careful not to rip the mesh.

2. Create a design for printing. You can do a freehand illustration with India ink on translucent vellum. You can also print the design onto vellum using a laser printer, but not an inkjet printer, as it typically does not print with enough opacity. You can also send an art file to a film output service bureau. They will create a film positive appropriate for use for screen printing on fabric.

3. Consult your emulsion with regard to exposure time. Set up your screen in a dark room. Put foam rubber on a table or on the floor and place the coated screen frame over it. Leave the flat side of the frame pointing upward. Set your transparency upside down on top of the surface of the screen. Set a sheet of glass over the transparency and weigh down the glass with heavy objects. Hang a work light about 18 inches over the screen. Leave the light on for the recommended exposure time.

4. Develop the screen by spraying it with warm water. Spray the screen until the area with the image has no more emulsion. If the image does not develop correctly, use more water pressure. Blot both sides of the screen with newspaper. If the emulsion runs off easily and ruins the image, you need to increase the exposure time.

5. Dry the screen and prepare to print. Place the fabric on which you wish to screen print on the work surface. Apply ink to one side of the screen, creating an ink reservoir. Use one hand to hold the screen frame down while you use the squeegee to pull two or three strokes across the screen. Lift the screen and check the quality of the print. For large pieces of fabric, it is possible to create a design that will print multiple times until the fabric is covered. It is also possible to hinge the frame on one side and pull the squeegee with both hands. Clean the screen immediately when finished. You can do multiple prints. If your print smudges, try a finer screen mesh. If insufficient ink gets on the fabric, use thinner ink or a more open screen mesh.

Tips & Warnings

• Stick to water-based inks for ease of use and cleanup.

• Do not attempt to sell fabric printed with images that are under copyright.