How To Screen Print for Beginners

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of screen printing on t-shirts, perfect for beginners. You'll learn about the necessary supplies, the steps to create your design, and tips for successful printing. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to start your screen printing journey.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

To begin screen printing, you will need the following materials:

• 160 Mesh Screen: Ideal for detailed designs.
• Speedball Diazo Photo Emulsion: This will coat your screen.
• Speedball Diazo Sensitizer: Mix this with the emulsion before application.
• Scoop Coater: Used for applying the emulsion to the screen.
• Speedball Diazo Light Kit: For exposing your design onto the screen.
• Squeegee: To spread the ink onto the screen.
• Fabric Screen Printing Ink: Choose colors based on your design.

Practical Tips

• Ensure you have a clean workspace to prevent contamination of your emulsion and ink.
• Read the instructions that come with your supplies, as they may vary by brand.

Step 2: Prepare the Screen

1. Mix the Emulsion: Combine the photo emulsion with the sensitizer according to the package instructions.
2. Coat the Screen:
   • Use the scoop coater to apply a thin and even layer of emulsion on the screen.
   • Hold the screen at a slight angle and coat both sides for a uniform layer.
3. Dry the Screen: Place the coated screen in a dark, dry place for at least 1-2 hours until the emulsion is fully dry.

Common Pitfalls

• Avoid exposing the coated screen to light before it’s dried, as this will ruin the emulsion.

Step 3: Expose Your Design

1. Create Your Design: Print your design on a transparency sheet.
2. Set Up the Light Kit: Position your screen and transparency under the light.
3. Expose the Screen: Turn on the light kit and expose for the recommended time (refer to the emulsion instructions).

Practical Tips

• Test the exposure time with a small design first to avoid wasting materials.

Step 4: Rinse the Screen

1. Wash Out the Design: After exposure, rinse the screen with water to remove unexposed emulsion.
2. Dry the Screen: Allow the screen to dry completely before moving to the next step.

Common Pitfalls

• Ensure that the water pressure isn't too high, as it can damage the screen.

Step 5: Set Up for Printing

1. Prepare Your Work Area: Lay down a flat surface and place your t-shirt underneath the screen.
2. Align the Screen: Position the screen carefully over the t-shirt to ensure proper alignment of the design.

Step 6: Print the Design

1. Apply the Ink: Squeeze a line of fabric screen printing ink at the top of the screen.
2. Use the Squeegee:
   • Hold the squeegee at a 45-degree angle.
   • Push down on the ink and pull it across the screen in one smooth motion to transfer the ink onto the t-shirt.
3. Check the Print: Lift the screen to check the print quality.

Practical Tips

• If the coverage is uneven, you may need to apply more ink or adjust the pressure on the squeegee.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've completed your first screen printing project. Key takeaways include gathering the right supplies, properly preparing your screen, and practicing your technique. As you gain confidence, consider exploring more complex designs and colors. For further guidance or questions, feel free to reach out through comments or social media!