PRINT SCREENING

At the beginning of the first year we all had a four week workshop in the printing sheds learning how to screen print and transfer print. As this was such a long time ago I was unsure on actually how to screen print so as a result I researched it on youtube... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFM_tBfyjM0 I found this really useful and it really re-jogged my memory. Firstly we had to choose the image we wanted and print it off in black and white. Then we had to choose a screen from the rack which is a suitable size for our picture. Next we had to cover the screen in emulation (this is a chemical that is light sensitive), and leave it in the dark drying cupboard to dry. This takes about 20 minuets. When it was completely dry we took it over to the light box and laid the image upright and the screen on top of it. We then closed the light box and turned the vacuum on. When all the rubber top was sucked tight we then turned on the light. It has been set to 160.. which is about four minuets. This counts itself down and will then automatically turn itself off. We then needed to turn the vacuum off and take the screen out. After this process we then needed to clean off the rest on the emulsion which is done in the washing room. When washing any of the screens, you need to but the helmet and jacket on. This is because it is very loud and the emulsion can spray back at you. When the screen in cleaned it needs to go back in the drying cupboard. While this is drying it is a good opportunity to mix up the pigment dyes. When the dyes are made up and the screen is dry it is time to begin printing. You need to stretch you piece of fabric as tight as possible on the printing table and then place the screen on top of the fabric, put a bit of pigment dye at the top and then squegy the ink down the screen. After the is done slowly remove the screen and you are left with your print. You can then either continue to print onto other fabrics or you can go and wash the screen off. When you are completely finished with your screen you need to clean the whole screen to get all the emulsion off so somebody else can use that screen to print.