Bippity Boppity Boo

I really hope I get the chance to do some screen printing with Greg during my final year but with Covid-19 just hanging around, I'm not sure I will be so lucky. If not then I will definitely be looking into classes that I can do once lockdown is lifted. Check this space to see if my wish comes true...

Screen printing is a versatile printmaking technique that allows the printer to print on multiple surfaces using the same stencil. From my general knowledge we have been able to print on the basic paper in university but I am sure we would be able to print on other materials if we wanted to.

When looking into the process of screen printing I found out that you have to use different mesh sizes depending on the chosen surface. For example - If you chose to print on a fabric like a t-shirt or tote bag then you would have to select a lower mesh count to allow more ink to print onto the material. Whereas, when printing on paper you would use a higher mesh count as this allows you to get a more detailed print design.

Some of the benefits of using screen printing are;

Can create large format artwork.

Multiple copies using the same stencil.

No print is the same so each piece is unique.

People often say it is very therapeutic then layering the different screens to get a print that has depth to it.

The Process

The printer will take his/her design and print it out onto a piece of clear transparent film to create the stencil.

This is where the printer selects the correct mesh screen for the complexity of the design and texture of the surface they are printing on. The screen is then coated with a layer of light reflective emulsion that develops under bright light.

The clear template that was made in the first step is laid on the emulsion coated screen. The whole thing is then exposed which hardens the emulsion and the rest stays as a liquid. Id the design is more than one colour the printer will create multiple stencils and screens. To get a professional finish they will have to be lined up perfectly to make the finished design seamless.

Now the screen has been prepared, it is fitted onto the printing press. The desired surface for the print is then laid underneath and flat to get a clean print.

The screen is then lowered and the ink is placed at the top. To drag the ink down and onto the design printers use what is called a squeegee that helps distribute it evenly and presses the ink through the mesh to get a clean design.

Once they have finished the process of screen printing they can wash the screen using a special liquid to remove the emulsion that allows them to reuse the screen for future designs.

Much love,

Abs x