Screen Printing

What is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is a printing technique whereby a mesh is used to transfer ink onto a substrate, except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a blocking stencil. ... One color is printed at a time, so several screens can be used to produce a multicolored image or design.

History
Stiff brushes were used to force ink through the mesh onto the fabric. In the 17th century silk screens were being used in France as a way of printing onto fabric.

Who invented Screen Printing?
The silk-screen stencil is believed to have been invented in Asia as long ago as A.D. 500. By the 1600's, silk-screen printing was a highly developed art in China and Japan. It spread gradually to Europe. Samuel Simon, of England, received the first patent for silk-screen stencil printing in 1907.

When did screen printing start?
Screen printing first appeared in a recognizable form in China during the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD). It was then adapted by other Asian countries like Japan, and was furthered by creating newer methods.

What is the difference between digital printing and screen printing?
Digital printing is a much newer process that involves your artwork being processed by a computer, and then printed directly onto the surface of your product. ... The ink in screen printing is applied thicker than digital printing, which results in brighter colors even on darker shirts.

List of materials needed for Screen Printing:

• Screen and frame.
• Photo emulsion and sensitizer.
• Bulb.
• Latex gloves.
• A pitch black room.
• Squeegee.
• Silk Screen Fabric Ink

Screen Printing Materials

Design and Stencil

§  Drawing Paper/ Book

§  Pencil and Pens

§  Eraser

§  Tracing paper

§  Masking tape

§  Cutting Board

§  Craft knife

§  Stencil paper/ Plain Copier Film

Setting up tables

§  Newspaper and masking Tapes

§  Bin Liners

§  Soft wash cloths

Setting up screen

§  Silk screen

§  Packing tape and Double-sided Tapes and masking tape

§  Scissors

§  Clear sheets

§  Masking tape

Printing

§  Squeegee

§  Spoon

§  Fabric paints

§  Tubs for mixing colours

§  Paper and Fabric to print on

§  Cards and Wooden boards to put in T-shirts and under fabric

Heat setting

§  Blow drier- to dry before ironing

§  Iron and Board-set the iron to the hottest temperature for the fabric printed

§  Natural fabric to lay on top of print for ironing

Some Shops

§  Eckersley Art Shop

§  Screen Fiend