PRNT 311 Silkscreen II: A Comprehensive Guide to Screen Printing
Screen printing, also known as silk screening, is a popular printing technique used to create images on various surfaces, such as fabric, paper, plastic, and metal. It is widely used in the art, fashion, and advertising industries to create eye-catching designs. PRNT 311 Silkscreen II is an advanced course that builds on the fundamentals of screen printing. In this article, we will discuss the principles of screen printing, the equipment and materials needed, and the step-by-step process of creating a silkscreen print.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Screen Printing
Screen printing is a printing method that involves using a mesh screen to transfer ink onto a surface. The screen is coated with a light-sensitive emulsion, which is exposed to UV light with a design, allowing the ink to pass through the areas of the screen that are not covered by the design. The ink is then forced through the screen with a squeegee, creating a print on the surface below. Screen printing is a versatile technique that can be used to create prints on a wide range of surfaces, including fabrics, paper, plastics, and metals.
Principles of Screen Printing
Mesh Count
The mesh count of a screen refers to the number of threads per inch in the screen. A higher mesh count means that the screen has more threads per inch, resulting in a finer image. A lower mesh count produces a coarser image.
Emulsion
Emulsion is a light-sensitive liquid used to coat the screen before exposure. The emulsion hardens when exposed to UV light and is washed out with water to create the stencil for printing.
Ink
Screen printing ink is a thick, paste-like substance that is forced through the screen with a squeegee. The ink is typically made of pigment, binder, and solvent.
Squeegee
A squeegee is a tool used to force the ink through the screen and onto the surface being printed. Squeegees come in different sizes and shapes depending on the printing application.
Equipment and Materials
Screens
Screens are the most important piece of equipment for screen printing. They are made of mesh stretched over a frame and come in various sizes and mesh counts.
Exposure Unit
An exposure unit is a piece of equipment that uses UV light to expose the emulsion-coated screen with the design. Exposure times vary depending on the type of emulsion and the design being used.
Washout Booth
A washout booth is used to wash out the emulsion from the screen.
Inkjet Printer
An inkjet printer can be used to print the design onto a clear film, which is then used to create the stencil for the screen.
Heat Press
A heat press is used to cure the ink after printing. The press applies heat and pressure to the printed fabric, ensuring that the ink is fully cured.
Fabric
The fabric used for screen printing should be pre-washed and free of any residues that may affect the ink’s adhesion.
Ink
The ink used for screen printing should be specific to the material being printed. For example, fabric ink is used for printing on fabric, while paper ink is used for printing on paper.
Emulsion
Emulsion is used to create the stencil for printing. There are different types of emulsion available, such as water-based, solvent-based, and dual-cure.
Squeegee
A squeegee is used to force the ink through the screen and onto the surface being printed. The squeegee should be chosen based on the size and type of screen being used.
Tape
Tape is used to mask off areas of the screen that should not be printed on. There are different types of tape available, such as masking tape and screen tape.
Gloves
Gloves are used to protect the hands from exposure to chemicals and ink.
Apron
An apron is used to protect clothing from ink and emulsion stains.
Creating the Artwork
Before starting the screen printing process, it’s essential to create the design that will be printed. The design can be created digitally or hand-drawn. Once the design is complete, it needs to be prepared for printing.
Digital Design
If the design is created digitally, it needs to be printed onto a clear film using an inkjet printer. The film is then used to create the stencil for printing.
Hand-Drawn Design
If the design is hand-drawn, it needs to be traced onto a clear film using a black marker. The film is then used to create the stencil for printing.
Preparing the Design for Printing
Once the design is printed or traced onto the clear film, it needs to be placed onto the coated screen and exposed with UV light. This process creates the stencil for printing.
Preparing the Screen
Before the screen can be used for printing, it needs to be coated with emulsion, exposed with the design, and washed out.
Coating the Screen with Emulsion
Emulsion is poured onto the screen and spread evenly with a scoop coater. The coated screen is then left to dry in a dark room.
Drying and Exposing the Screen
Once the emulsion is dry, the design is placed on top of the screen, and the screen is exposed with UV light. The screen is then washed out with water, creating the stencil for printing.
Printing the Design
Once the screen is prepared, it’s time to start printing the design.
Setting up the Print Station
The print station should be set up with the screen, ink, and squeegee. The fabric should be placed on the print table, and the screen should be aligned with the design.
Registering the Design
The design should be registered, ensuring that it is in the correct position on the fabric.
Printing the First Layer
The ink is poured onto the screen and spread evenly with the squeegee. The squeegee is then used to force the ink through the screen and onto the fabric.
Curing the Ink
Once the first layer of ink is printed, the fabric is placed in a heat press to cure the ink. The press applies heat and pressure to the printed fabric, ensuring that the ink is fully cured.
Printing Additional Layers
After the first layer is cured, additional layers can be printed to create more complex designs. Each layer should be cured before adding the next layer.
Cleaning the Screen
After printing is complete, the screen should be cleaned thoroughly to remove any remaining ink or emulsion. This ensures that the screen can be reused for future printing jobs.
Conclusion
Screen printing is a popular method for printing designs onto fabric and other materials. It requires specific equipment and materials, such as a screen, ink, and emulsion, but the process is relatively straightforward once you have the necessary equipment. With practice, it’s possible to create high-quality prints that are both unique and long-lasting.
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