Difference between revisions of "Equipment/Screenprinting"
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** '''Printing methods''' | ** '''Printing methods''' | ||
*** Allow only Water-based printing -- oil-based methods require toxic products, specialist disposal, ventilation etc. | *** Allow only Water-based printing -- oil-based methods require toxic products, specialist disposal, ventilation etc. | ||
| + | *** Allow printing using any screens which have stencils compatible with water-based inks. This includes photo-stencils created offsite. | ||
| + | |||
** '''Stencil-making methods''' | ** '''Stencil-making methods''' | ||
| − | The following stencil-making methods will be trained or recommended: | + | The following dry stencil-making methods will be trained or recommended: |
* '''Paper-cut stencils''' | * '''Paper-cut stencils''' | ||
Using the thin newsprint paper provided, stencils can be made by manual cutting (or tearing) using scalpels or scissors. For trained users, lasercutting can also be used. | Using the thin newsprint paper provided, stencils can be made by manual cutting (or tearing) using scalpels or scissors. For trained users, lasercutting can also be used. | ||
* '''Vinyl-cut stencils''' | * '''Vinyl-cut stencils''' | ||
| − | Based on trial sessions, recommend using vinyl on the squeegee side for durability of stencil. Needs care when weeding. | + | Based on trial sessions, recommend using vinyl on the squeegee side for durability of stencil. Needs care when weeding especially on small details and lettering. |
| + | |||
| + | Note: We cannot reliably support photo-stencil creation, mainly because it requires a space which is guaranteed to be dark during the exposure. | ||
| + | A small darkroom or walk-in cupboard would be needed for this, and a light-safe screen-drying rack. | ||
| + | If there is demand, this is something we could think about, maybe for the future space. | ||
* '''Storage of screens during use by a particular member''' Printing several colours may take longer than one session, as each colour needs to dry. So a user should label their screens with a name and date on masking tape. The policy on re-using screens could be similar to the private stock cupboard. | * '''Storage of screens during use by a particular member''' Printing several colours may take longer than one session, as each colour needs to dry. So a user should label their screens with a name and date on masking tape. The policy on re-using screens could be similar to the private stock cupboard. | ||
Revision as of 19:20, 6 January 2015
Set-up items
Workbench and storage
- Adjustable-height bench (as in craft room but somewhat deeper)
- Drying rack for printed items
e.g., unit with wire-mesh drawers and probably on wheels which can live under printing table
- Space to store screens -- can be a vertical space, also under the table
Small tools and accessories
- Smaller squeegees for smaller screens
- Palette knives (plastic) or equivalent (spatulas)
- Hose for tap to help with screen washout
- Artists' aprons (2 or 3?)
- Soft brush to help with screen washout
- Washing up liquid
- Airtight plastic pots for mixing and storing ink
Regular supplies
Inks/paints
- Acrylic print medium (paper/general use)
- Acrylic print medium (fabric)
- Acrylic paint to mix to provide pigment colours
- Pre-formulated fabric inks (e.g., Permaset Aqua Fabric Magic) in a few basic colours
Papers
- Printing paper - this needs to be at least about 200 gsm as water-based printing will warp 80 gsm computer paper etc.
A2 sheets?
- Unprinted newsprint paper (as used for wrapping chips or pottery etc.), A2 sheets
For test printing and creation of paper stencils (using manual cutting or lasercutter)
Issues to be resolved to commission
- First-aid equipment on the wall above the bench. Could this be moved closer to or above the sink?
- How to charge for materials Suggestion is to charge for paper by size rather than ink.
Stencils made on the vinyl cutter would be charged as for other vinyl cutting.
- Methods to Allow/Support
- Printing methods
- Allow only Water-based printing -- oil-based methods require toxic products, specialist disposal, ventilation etc.
- Allow printing using any screens which have stencils compatible with water-based inks. This includes photo-stencils created offsite.
- Printing methods
- Stencil-making methods
The following dry stencil-making methods will be trained or recommended:
- Paper-cut stencils
Using the thin newsprint paper provided, stencils can be made by manual cutting (or tearing) using scalpels or scissors. For trained users, lasercutting can also be used.
- Vinyl-cut stencils
Based on trial sessions, recommend using vinyl on the squeegee side for durability of stencil. Needs care when weeding especially on small details and lettering.
Note: We cannot reliably support photo-stencil creation, mainly because it requires a space which is guaranteed to be dark during the exposure. A small darkroom or walk-in cupboard would be needed for this, and a light-safe screen-drying rack. If there is demand, this is something we could think about, maybe for the future space.
- Storage of screens during use by a particular member Printing several colours may take longer than one session, as each colour needs to dry. So a user should label their screens with a name and date on masking tape. The policy on re-using screens could be similar to the private stock cupboard.
