How to Stretch Screen Print Frame Mesh

For screen printing to produce a clear picture, the mesh must be evenly and tightly stretched on the frame. How this is done depends on whether an embroidery ring or generic wooden frame is used. The ring is easiest, but if you don't have access to one, any wooden frame can be used.

Things You'll Need

• Embroidery hoop or any wooden frame
• Staple gun (if not using embroidery hoop)

Instructions

Using an Embroidery Hoop

1. Take apart the hoop and lay the mesh over the half without the tightener.

2. Place the second half of the hoop over the first. Begin tightening until it is difficult (but not impossible) to pull the mesh through the hoop.

3. Pull the mesh taut evenly all the way around. Once it is as taut as you can get it, finish tightening the ring so that the fabric is secure.

Using a Generic Wooden Frame

1. Lay out the frame and center the mesh over it.

2. Choose one side of the frame as your starting side; this side will be the top. Use the staple gun to staple the mesh down at one corner. Staple the mesh down along this side carefully. Re-stretch the mesh after each staple.

3. Pull the mesh tight, from the bottom. Alternate which side of the frame you staple on. After each staple, pull the mesh down and away from the side you just stapled. This will create an even stretch in the mesh.

4. Pull the excess at the bottom over the frame and hold it tight. Staple the mesh to the bottom edge of the frame. It should be even and tight all of the way around the frame.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use weights on the excess to help hold the mesh tight as you work.