Screen printing (also called screen printing) is a fantastic artistic technique, especially useful for printing on material. The method is simple, versatile and quite inexpensive - everyone should try it! This article will help you get started.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: With a screen and a spatula
Step 1. Design your print
Think of something interesting and draw it on a piece of paper. There is no need to color it or do any shading, because you will have to cut it out and use the rest as a stencil.
To get started, draw something simple. Geometric shapes and circles on an asymmetrical pattern are the easiest and never banal thing. Keep them apart if you are a beginner to prevent the paper from tearing when you cut out
Step 2. Use a utility knife to cut out the colored parts of the design
Keep intact the part not drawn, the outline of the drawing. You have thus made your stencil. Unfortunately, if it does tear, you will have to do it again. Practice working carefully and accurately.
Check that the stencil is the right size for your shirt. If not, you will need to change it
Step 3. Put the stencil on the material (paper or shirt) and the screen on top of the stencil
Position it so that the shirt is directly on top (the two should be touching) and the handles are facing up. If there is space between the edges of the stencil and the edges of the screen, put masking tape on the underside. You have to prevent the color from leaking out.
If you use the ribbon method, be careful not to pin the stencil to the shirt! Otherwise the stencil may move when you use the spatula
Step 4. Get some color
Draw a line across the top of the screen (the part furthest away from you). At this point you don't want to color the top of the stencil. Then take off the amount of color you think is in excess.
With this method it is not easy to use more than one color. If you try, know that sooner or later the colors will mix with each other. If that's okay with you, go ahead
Step 5. Use the spatula to spread the color on the shirt
Try to do this in one downward motion, or with as few passes as possible. This way you will have a sharp and professional result.
- Just do vertical movements. If you make horizontal and vertical movements, the color will clump and take longer to dry.
- Once you reach the bottom, continue down and collect the excess color to use it again.
Step 6. Lift everything off the material
be careful! If you drag, the color will scatter. It is best to lift one layer at a time.
-
Let it dry for as long as possible.
If you have made a print on the fabric, once it is dry, you will have to put a sheet of waxed paper or tracing paper on the design and iron it. This will fix the design and the piece of clothing can be worn and washed
Method 2 of 2: With an Embroidery Hoop
Step 1. Print your design on your computer
It is easier to use a large and dark design. Print it in black and white or in dark colors - you need to be able to see the pattern across the screen. It must also fit within the bounds of the embroidery hoop.
There is no need to use programs to create images, you can design your own. Just make sure it's the right size, dark enough, and doesn't transfer across the screen
Step 2. Put the fabric material in an embroidery hoop
Open the circle and spread the fabric over the base. Put the upper part of the circle back and tighten the screw. It doesn't matter if it's not perfectly centered, because you'll be using the material inside the circle.
Sheer pieces of curtains work great as a screen. Take a type of mesh fabric and not too translucent
Step 3. Place the circle over the motif and start tracing
The fabric must touch the model directly. Use a pencil to trace the image; if you're wrong, you can always cancel. Draw an outline only.
Step 4. Turn the circle over
Cover the outside of the pattern (the part with the tracing lines) with a layer of glue. "Not" about the reason, but around it. The glue will act as a protection when applying the color: if you go outside the lines, it will not show on the fabric, but it will remain on the glue.
It doesn't matter if the glue spreads out of the pattern; the important thing is that it does not go into the reason itself. Once done, let it dry completely. 15 minutes should be enough
Step 5. Position the screen
The transparent fabric should not be on the material, but separate from the thickness of the embroidery hoop. Flatten the fabric under the screen to flatten the pattern.
If you have an ink squeegee, use it to apply color to the material. Otherwise, use a sponge brush and hold the screen firmly
Step 6. Remove the screen and let it dry
Be careful not to stain when you take it off! If it is not dried well, the color may drip. Wait at least 15 minutes.
Iron the fabric according to the instructions indicated on the container of the ink or color used
Advice
- If the edges of the stencil are not smooth or it continues to tear, it is likely that you are not using the utility knife correctly. Pay attention to how you handle it.
- You can look in magazines for drawings. Or print a photo and cut out some parts of it.
- Spread the color in one direction only! Otherwise, lumps may form and it will be difficult for it to dry.
- If you're printing a t-shirt, put a layer of newspaper on the inside so that the color doesn't get through and stain the other side.
Warnings
- The cutters are sharp - be careful. Always put the blade away or cover it when you are not using it.
- Always use a cutting board so you don't ruin the table.
- Color stains: wear old clothes.
