How to Prepare a Sign by the Silk Screen Method

In screen printing, paint is squeezed through a screen to produce images on paper.

Silk screening, or screen printing, on paper is similar to the method used for fabrics. A mesh screen is exposed with an opaque image on top and paint is squeezed through the unexposed cracks. However, when screen printing on paper, special wash-proof paint is not needed. Inexpensive poster paint can be used. Alternatively, a more expensive screen-printing ink can be used and is advisable for images with high detail. For multiple colors, use a different screen for each color. A register is important when using multiple colors, as it ensures that the paper is lined up in the same place for each screen.

Things You'll Need

• Two hinge clamps
• Sturdy table
• Screen with image
• Paper
• Plastic register guides
• Poster paint or screen-printing ink
• Squeegee

Instructions

1. Lock your first screen onto the hinge clamps, which should be attached to just one side of the screen frame. If using multiple colors, start with the lightest color screen.

2. Place the transparency used for the screen exposure onto a sheet of poster paper.

3. Slide the paper and transparency under the hinged screen until the transparency lines up with the exposed screen image.

4. Lift the screen and carefully adhere the register tabs to the work surface. The tabs should be applied on three sides of the paper---top, bottom and one side---to slide the paper from the side or top and two sides to slide the paper from the bottom. The register tabs will assure that your paper slides in the same position every time.

5. Remove the transparency and lower the screen.

6. Apply a horizontal squirt of ink to the screen, just above the image.

7. Squeegee the ink onto the screen firmly from top to bottom.

8. If using multiple screens and colors, allow ink to dry and repeat inking and squeegeeing for each screen.

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of register tabs, you can use masking tape. Be careful not to tear your paper when removing the tape.

References

• Fecal Face: How to Screen Print a Poster