Equipment/Screenprinting

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.
  • Stencil-making methods

The following 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.

• 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.