Silk Screen Printing Tutorial

Silk screen printing is commonly used by artists and shirt designers.

Silk screen printing, or seriography, was first used in ancient China around 1000 A.D. Since then, it has been used around the world and was still a common printing technique until the late 20th century, when computer technology largely took over the process. Screen printing is still a popular technique with artists and small independent clothes manufacturers.

Although it is not a difficult process to perform in your own home, screen printing is time consuming and requires quite a lot of space and kit to complete well.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with design package
• Printer
• Transparencies
• Silk screen
• Scoop coater
• UV sensitive emulation
• 150W bulb
• Black paper
• Clear tape
• Masking tape
• Cloth to print onto
• Squeegee

Instructions

Preparing the Design

1. Create a pattern to be printed, using design software on a computer.

2. Separate the colors into layers on the computer. This is so each individual color can be printed independently.

3. Print the designs on transparencies for the actual printing process. Most modern printers can print on to these.

Preparing the Screen

1. Clean the screen using a screen degreaser, brush and water. Allow the screen to dry completely.

2. Cover both sides of the screen in UV sensitive emulsion using the scoop coater that comes with the screen press. To protect the emulsion, do this in a darkened room.

3. Allow the emulsion to dry completely.

Combining Artwork and Screen

1. Place the design transparency onto the screen so it lies upside down and back to front as you look at it. This will make it print the right way round.

2. Tape the transparency in place with clear tape so it does not move during printing.

3. Place the screen on top of a large piece of black paper and 12 inches below a 150W light bulb.

4. Leave the screen under the light bulb for between 10 and 20 minutes. The larger the design, the longer the exposure time.

5. Wash off the emulsion so you are left with the design on the screen, and allow to dry completely.

6. Repeat for all individual color elements of the design.

Printing the Design

1. Set up the screen in the press and adjust the height of the press so it sits about 1/8 inch above what you are printing onto.

2. Tape up the edge of the screen so paint does not seep through.

3. Place the cloth you are printing onto a flat surface, ensuring it is flat and that the design will appear as you want it to. Perform a trial run using an old shirt before trying it for real.

4. Apply a generous amount of printing ink below your pattern.

5. Drag the ink across the screen using a squeegee so it prints onto the object and allow to dry.

6. Repeat these steps for any additional color designs you are also adding.

References

• Reuels: Silk Screen Printing Instructions
• YouTube: How To Silk Screen Printing Shirts