ScreenprintingOnPaper

Screenprinting on Paper and non-Fabrics

Summary

Preparation

1. Check that paper or item is suitable
2. Prepare a screen and stencil
3. Select or mix non-textile printing ink

Printing session

1. 1. Prepare test paper pieces
2. Select square-profile squeegee
3. Clear space in drying rack
4. Print on paper or items

Cleanup

1. Wash screen, equipment and hands
2. Log activity and pay for any Makespace materials by items x print size

Detailed instructions

1. Check paper or items are suitable for printing

For best results paper should not be too thin or it may wrinkle or get waterlogged. Note that typical 'office' or 'computer' paper (80 gsm) is usually too thin and will not dry flat especially if there is a lot of ink in the design. Non-paper items should ideally be somewhat absorbent or the print may scratch off.

1. Prepare a screen and stencil – see CreatingScreenprintingStencils
2. Select or mix non-textile printing ink
   1. First decide on the colour to be printed in this session.

Note: Items must be dry before printing additional colours so only prepare ink for each colour just before it is needed for printing.

To mix a new batch of non-textile ink:

1. Take an empty clear plastic ink pot to mix your ink mixture in

and use a spoon to measure out pigments and mix if needed

1. Choose a colour of System 3 pigment (paint) or mix System 3 pigments to create a new colour. For mixed colours mix well until the colour is completely even, so that the print will be consistent on each item
2. When the pigment mixture is the colour you want, mix this with an equal amount (1:1) of System 3 Textile print medium.
3. Mix well until the mixture looks consistent.
4. For printing the mixture should have a consistency similar to domestic emulsion paint or liquid honey and should drop slowly from a palette knife dipped into it. If it is too dry or sticky to drop, mix in small amounts of extra medium until is more fluid. This can happen when ink has been stored and reused.