Screen printing machine

How to Do Screen Printing

Screen printing is a versatile printing technique used to transfer designs onto e.g. textiles, paper or wood. In this process, ink is pushed through a fine mesh screen onto the material using a squeegee. This guide explains the basics and walks you step by step through the process

Gather materials and tools

For screen printing you will need:

• A screen-printing frame with fine mesh (55 mesh is good for the beginning)
• Screen-printing ink (suitable for textiles or other materials)
• A squeegee
• A design (preferable on transparency film)
• Photo emulsion and sensitizer (one component photo emulsion is best for beginners)
• A light source (we use a 400 Watt spotlight)
• Tape
• Screen printing machine
• The material to be printed (e.g. T-shirt, paper)
• Heat Press

Prepare the design

Create your design in black and white. Black areas will be printed later, while transparent areas will be impermeable.. Print the design onto transparency film (available for laser and inkjet printers).

Coating the screen and exposure of the motive

Coat he screen with photo emulsion

Mix the photo emulsion according to the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it evenly to both sides of the screen. Then allow the screen to dry completely in a dark room or space.

Expose the screen

Place the design onto the coated screen and expose it using a 400 Watt spotlight or UV lamp. Exposure time varies depending on the emulsion and light source.

Wash out the screen

Carefully rinse the screen with water. The unexposed areas (the design) will wash out and become permeable to ink.

Second exposure of the screen

After drying it is recomended to expose the screen again for arounfd 10 - 15 minutes.

Printing

Prepare for printing

Place the material to be printed on the screen printing machine. Position the screen on top and secure it using the clamp.

Apply the ink

Place some screen-printing ink onto the screen. Use the squeegee to pull the ink evenly across the design, pressing it through the open areas of the screen.

Lift the screen and let it dry

Carefully lift the screen. Allow the print to dry. When printing on textiles, the ink should then be heat-set (for example with an iron or heat press).

Tips and Notes

• Practice on test material first to get a feel for pressure and ink quantity.
• Clean the screen immediately after printing to prevent clogging.
• Ensure good ventilation, especially when working with chemical emulsions and inks.