Difference between revisions of "ScreenprintingOnFabric"
From Makespace
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# Clamp the screen into the printing frame using the hinge clamps | # Clamp the screen into the printing frame using the hinge clamps | ||
# If printing an item with multiple layers such as a bag or t-shirt, ensure that the ink does not print through to the back layer using a '''platen''' to separate the layers. For larger items such as large/adult t-shirts, the print bed can be (carefully) flipped over and the built-in platen used. For smaller items such as shopping bags or small t-shirts, use the small portable platen or a piece of cardboard or board cut to size. | # If printing an item with multiple layers such as a bag or t-shirt, ensure that the ink does not print through to the back layer using a '''platen''' to separate the layers. For larger items such as large/adult t-shirts, the print bed can be (carefully) flipped over and the built-in platen used. For smaller items such as shopping bags or small t-shirts, use the small portable platen or a piece of cardboard or board cut to size. | ||
| − | # Ensure the screen has suitable '''snap''' / '''off-contact''' for the thickness of this | + | # Ensure the screen has suitable '''snap''' / '''off-contact''' for the thickness of this fabric or item. To test this press down gently on the centre of the screen. It should depress around 3mm and spring back. Use acrylic pieces (in the small drawer unit) under the edge of screen nearest you to increase the height. If printing on a thick item or using the small platen, also insert acrylic pieces between the underside of the screen inside the clamps. |
# Select ready-mixed fabric-printing ink or mix ink using pigment and '''fabric''' print medium | # Select ready-mixed fabric-printing ink or mix ink using pigment and '''fabric''' print medium | ||
Revision as of 01:50, 14 January 2016
Contents
Screenprinting on Fabric
Summary
Preparation
- Choose suitable fabric
- Prepare a screen and stencil
- Check that the fabric or item is suitable for printing (flat, absorbent)
- Prepare a screen and stencil
- Clamp the screen into the printing frame using the hinge clamps
- If printing an item with multiple layers such as a bag or t-shirt, ensure that the ink does not print through to the back layer using a platen to separate the layers. For larger items such as large/adult t-shirts, the print bed can be (carefully) flipped over and the built-in platen used. For smaller items such as shopping bags or small t-shirts, use the small portable platen or a piece of cardboard or board cut to size.
- Ensure the screen has suitable snap / off-contact for the thickness of this fabric or item. To test this press down gently on the centre of the screen. It should depress around 3mm and spring back. Use acrylic pieces (in the small drawer unit) under the edge of screen nearest you to increase the height. If printing on a thick item or using the small platen, also insert acrylic pieces between the underside of the screen inside the clamps.
- Select ready-mixed fabric-printing ink or mix ink using pigment and fabric print medium
Printing session
- Prepare some pieces of test paper (of similar size to your design)
- Clear space in drying rack
- Select D or V-profile squeegee which is the smallest which is wider than your design
- Print on paper or items
- Wash screen, equipment and hands
- Log activity and pay for any Makespace materials by items x print size
Finishing session
- After items are dry, the design must be fixed into the fabric using heat. This allows the item to be washed (up to 40 degrees C). Cover the printed area with a piece of baking paper (from the kitchen) and use the iron (5 minutes at hottest setting appropriate to the fabric. moving the iron as usual to avoid burning the fabric or paper) or heatpress (30 seconds) to fix the design.
