A typical graphic for a silk screened T-shirt
There are several techniques for making a silk screen stencil, but the photo emulsion method is the most versatile and widely used. A light-sensitive emulsion is spread over a silk screen frame stretched with synthetic silk mesh. Once dry, art work on film is placed on the silk screen frame and exposed to strong light. The image is then developed with a spray of warm water. Once the screen is dry, ink can be placed in the silk screen and printed with a squeegee.
Instructions
1. Load your printer with clear vellum paper. Create a film positive by printing an image on clear vellum paper. The image could be a drawing, graphic or photo. Word processing, illustration and graphics software are good for creating images. Images may also be prepared by hand and scanned into your computer for printing.
2. Wash the silk screen with soap and water, rinse and let dry completely. In a dark area, coat the silk screen on both sides with photo emulsion using the sharp edge of the screen coating tool, or a stiff card made of plastic or paper. Remove excess emulsion. Let dry in the dark overnight.
3. Cut the foam rubber to fit inside the silk screen frame. In a dark area, lay the foam rubber on a flat surface and put the silk screen frame face down over it. Place the film positive face down, centered on the back of the silk screen. Place the heavy glass over this assembly.
4. Hang a halide light 18 inches over the assembly and turn it on to expose the image on the silk screen. Turn the light off after the exposure time recommended in the instructions that came with the photo emulsion. While still in the dark, develop the image with a spray of warm water. Blot both sides of the exposed frame with newsprint and set in a light area to dry.
5. Screw the screen printing clamps to a flat wooden bench top or table top. Place the silk screen frame in the clamps and tighten. With the silk screen raised on the clamps, place fabric or paper in the live printing area.
6. Lower the silk screen to the printing surface and place screen printing ink in the end near the clamps. Pull the squeegee towards you, forcing the ink through the screen as you go. Multiple prints may be made. Clean up with the proper solvent for the ink when finished printing. Inks may clean up with water, mineral spirits or other solvent, depending on the type of ink.
