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WORK METHOD
 

Screenprinting is an art form with a thousand-year history that finds its roots in Song Dynasty of China, where it was developed to print designs on fabric. The once laborious process has been streamlined, making it efficient for both mass production and commercial printing, as well as small-scale artisanal printing.

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Despite advancements, the foundation of screen printing remains unchanged: ink is pushed through a mesh screen with blocked areas forming a stencil, enabling repeated pattern printing. Stencils are made by applying black paint on a mylar sheet that is placed over a screen coated with light-sensitive emulsion, which is then exposed to light. 

 

Screenprinting designs can be as complex or as simple as you want. Each color requires a separate screen, with colors layered to create the final image.

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Below the screen printing process is explained and shown in more detail.

Starting a new design

Starting a new design. A sketch serves as the master copy and blueprint for all subsequent layers of the print. 

Each layer is painted on mylar sheets to form a positive.

Each layer is painted on mylar sheets to form a positive. 

Screens made of polyester mesh and aluminum frames are coated with photo-sensitive emulsion and dried in the dark until set

Screens made of polyester mesh and aluminum frames are coated with photo-sensitive emulsion and dried in the dark until set.

The stencil is made by exposing the screen and mylar sheet to light, hardening the emulsion around the paint.

The stencil is made by exposing the screen and mylar sheet to light, hardening the emulsion around the paint.

The soft, unexposed emulsion washes away, leaving a clear imprint of the design on the screen.

The soft, unexposed emulsion washes away, leaving a clear imprint of the design on the screen. The stencil will allow the ink to pass through during printing. 

The screen is mounted on a suction-equipped printing table to secure paper

The screen is mounted on a suction-equipped printing table to secure paper, using registration marks for exact layer alignment.

Ink is applied to the screen with a squeegee, pressing it through the mesh onto the printing surface.

Ink is applied to the screen with a squeegee, pressing it through the mesh onto the printing surface.

​The Screen Printing Process step by step

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  1. The process starts with creating a design on paper. This sketch serves as the master copy and blueprint for all subsequent layers of the print. Each color in the final design typically requires its own layer

  2. Screens made of polyester mesh and aluminum frames are coated with photo-sensitive emulsion and dried in the dark until set.

  3. For each layer of the design, a corresponding positive is created by applying black ink on a mylar sheet. 

  4.  A stencil is made by exposing the screen and mylar sheet to light, hardening the emulsion around the paint. The soft, unexposed emulsion washes away, leaving a clear imprint of the design on the screen. This stencil will allow the ink to pass through during printing. 

  5. The screen is checked for imperfections, with any unnecessary exposed areas taped off.

  6. The screen is mounted on a suction-equipped printing table to secure paper, using registration marks for exact layer alignment.

  7. Inks are mixed to the right consistency for optimal printing.

  8. Ink is applied to the screen with a squeegee, pressing it through the mesh onto the printing surface.

  9. Each printed layer is allowed to air dry for at least 30 minutes.

  10. Post-printing, the screen is cleaned with soap and a chemical film remover to eliminate ink and emulsion residues, extending its usability.

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