Silkscreen

1. Silkscreen Materials

2. Screen The element that gives this technique its name is the silkscreen itself. The frame is usually made from aluminum or wood and supports the silk mesh that creates the screen. The mesh is available in a variety of thread counts: the higher the number the better the detail. The lower the number, the easier it is to get ink to pass through the screen.

3. Ink Special ink is used for silk screening. As silk screening is often used on fabric surfaces, it is important that the ink is flexible and won’t flake off. The ink can either be more transparent or more opaque depending on the choice of the artist. The artist must ensure that once they have finished using the ink, they wash it off of their screen immediately, or it will clog the screen pores.

4. Squeegee The squeegee is the tool used to push the ink through the screen. They come in a variety of sizes for the artist to choose. The rubber edge is also available in a selection of densities that effect the flexibility of the squeegee.

5. Stencils One method of using a silkscreen is to attach a stencil to print over. Some stencils can be store bought, or others can be created by cutting out designs from special paper. There is stencil paper available at art stores, or you can use butcher or freezer paper from your local grocery store. The stencil can either be taped down to the surface that you are printing on, or if you want to create multiples of the same image, it can be attached to the screen.

6. Emulsion Another method that gives the artist more control on detail is the use of emulsion. Emulsion is a solution that is poured into a trough and scraped across the surface of the screen. The artist has to make sure that the screen is evenly coated on both sides and then thoroughly dried. This can be done with a blow dryer, or left in a dark room to air dry. Emulsion is semi-permanent, until the artist treats it with a chemical to wash it off from the screen.

7. Image Transfer The use of emulsion requires an image to be transferred using a light table. The image must be created on a transparent surface, such as an acetone sheet, tracing paper, or vellum. The image itself needs to be completely opaque and not allow any light to pass through. This can be done using a printer or photocopier, or the artist can paint it by hand using India ink. The image is then placed on the screen and exposed to light. As the light shines through the design onto the screen, the emulsion will harden in areas that are exposed. The painted design will block the light and keep the emulsion malleable enough to be rinsed from the screen afterwards.

8. Equipment The light table is important for the use of emulsion. The table should include a dark cover to avoid the potential risk of light reflection. Incandescent bulbs are used and the wattage and exposure time vary depending on the size of the screen. A pressure washer is used to rinse off the ink from the screen. It is also used for the emulsion method when the coating has gone through the exposure process and the design needs to be cleared from the hardened areas.

9. Finishing Techniques Silk screen prints can be used on a variety of surfaces, but usually are placed on regular paper or fabric. Silk screening is a common practice for creating custom t-shirts and other accessories. Some inks require that the fabric be ironed after it has dried. In specific brands, the ink can expand and create an embossed effect on the surface.