Screen printing (also known as screen printing, silk screening, or serigraphy) is a fantastic artistic technique that is especially useful for printing onto cloth or paper. The process is easy, versatile, and relatively inexpensive, so everyone can try it! This article will help you get started.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using Screen Printing & Squeegee
Step 1. Draw your design
Think about something interesting and draw it on paper. Don't worry about coloring or shading – you'll be cutting out the image and using the rest of the paper as a stencil.
First time make it simple. Geometric shapes and circles with uneven patterns are the easiest and never cliché. Leave enough space if you're a beginner – you don't want the paper to tear while cutting
Step 2. Use a craft knife to cut out all the colored parts of your design
Keep the blank paper around the design intact. You have now created your stencil. Unfortunately, if it breaks, you may have to start all over again. Be careful and do it carefully.
Make sure your stencil is the right size for your t-shirt. Because if not you have to resize or adjust it
Step 3. Place the stencil on top of your material (paper or t-shirt) and the screen print on top of the stencil
Place the stencil so that the stencil is directly above it (the stencil and the stencil are touching) and the handle is facing up. If there is space between the edge of your stencil and the edge of the screen, place duct tape on the bottom. You certainly don't want paint to leak where it shouldn't.
If and using the duct tape method, be sure not to tape the stencil to the string! Because the stencil will move when you use a squeegee (a rubber broom) on the screen
Step 4. Spoon the paint
Draw a line above the screen (at the part farthest from you). Do not place paint on top of the stencil at this time. Try to scoop out as much paint as will be enough to cover the stencil.
It's a little tricky to use more than one color with this method. if you try it, know at some point the colors will mix. If you have no problem with that, just do it
Step 5. Use a squeegee to spread the paint over the screen
Try doing it in a downward motion – or in as few strokes as possible. This will make the print as smooth and professional as possible.
- Always, always, always, make vertical strokes. If you do both, horizontally and vertically, the paint will clump and it will be more difficult to dry and finish.
- Once you get to the bottom, go ahead and scoop out the excess paint from the screen printing to use for more purposes.
Step 6. Remove everything from your material
Be careful! If and pull it, the paint may stain areas that shouldn't have been painted. It's best to do it layer by layer, lifting it up and setting it aside.
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Let it dry. The longer the better.
If and screen printing on clothes, once dry you need to put tracing paper on top of the design and iron it. This will seal it in, making it usable and washable
Method 2 of 2: Using Ram
Step 1. Print the design from the computer
Big, dark and simple designs are the best to go with. Print in black and white or dark colors – you need to see the pattern through the screen printing. The design must also fit in the ram (a circular tool for embroidery).
If you don't want to use a computer program, you can draw your own. Just make sure it's the right size, and that it's dark enough, and won't transfer to the screen print
Step 2. Put cheesecloth in the ram
Open and pull the cloth at the base of the ram. Replace the top and turn the bolt back on. It doesn't have to be in the middle; You will use it in loop hoops.
Sheer curtain fabric can be used well as a screen printing. Choose a fabric that is underlined and not too translucent
Step 3. Place the hoop on top of the design and start tracing
The fabric should touch the design directly. Use a pencil to trace; when you make a mistake you just have to step back and delete it. Just trace the outline.
Step 4. Flip the ram cloth over
Cover the outside of the design (where the trace lines are) with a layer of glue. This will not be part of the design; this should surround the design. The glue will act as a barrier when you apply the paint – once you go off the line, it won't show up on the fabric; will only be on top of the glue.
Glue can fall apart outside the design or drawing -just make sure it's not inside the design. When you are done, wait for it to dry completely. About 15 minutes is enough
Step 5. Position the template in place
The sheer fabric should be away from the material, separated by the width of the ram. Smooth the fabric under the screen to create an even design.
If you have a squeegee, use it to brush paint over the material. If not, use a sponge paint brush and hold the screen firmly
Step 6. Remove the screen printing and allow the paint to dry
Carefully lift the screen print so as not to stain! If it is not completely dry, the paint may bleed. Allow 15 minutes to dry completely.
Iron your fabric, following the directions on the ink or paint bottle. Put on the shirt
Tips
- If the edges of your stencil are rough or you continue to damage them, you may not be holding the knife in the correct position. Adjust your hand position.
- Spread paint one way only! Otherwise the paint will clump together and make it harder to dry.
- If and screen printing a t-shirt, place a piece of newspaper inside the shirt because the paint can penetrate and stain the other side of the shirt.
- Apart from drawing your own, you can look at magazines for designs. Or print a photo and cut it out.
Warning
- The paint will stain; wear old clothes.
- Use a cutting mat so you don't damage the table.
- Craft knives are sharp – be careful. Always store or cover knives when not in use.
