Difference between revisions of "Equipment/Screenprinting"

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== Summary ==
 
== Summary ==
  
Screenprinting is a manual printing technique using liquid ink and a stencil to create permanent images on sheets of paper, card or fabric or pre-existing items such as t-shirts and cotton shopping bags. Due to the amount of work required for set-up before and clean-up after printing, the process is most suitable for printing multiple identical items in one session such as a set of t-shirts or posters.
+
Screenprinting is a manual printing technique using liquid ink and a stencil to create permanent images on flat absorbent materials or items.
 +
 
 +
Typical materials to print onto include sheets of paper, card or fabric or pre-existing items such as t-shirts and cotton shopping bags. Due to the amount of work required for set-up before and clean-up after printing, the process is most suitable for printing multiple identical items in one session such as a set of t-shirts or posters.
  
 
A screen is a frame with a fine polyester mesh stretched across it which carries a stencil. The printing process applies liquid ink/paint in one colour at a time using a squeegee. The stencil on the screen-mesh works in a similar way to stencils in other art processes: some areas of the screen are left open and others are blocked.  This determines where ink is deposited onto the piece and thus creates a design or image. The result is a thin film of ink applied to the workpiece.   
 
A screen is a frame with a fine polyester mesh stretched across it which carries a stencil. The printing process applies liquid ink/paint in one colour at a time using a squeegee. The stencil on the screen-mesh works in a similar way to stencils in other art processes: some areas of the screen are left open and others are blocked.  This determines where ink is deposited onto the piece and thus creates a design or image. The result is a thin film of ink applied to the workpiece.   
  
Makespace supports waterbased screenprinting on paper, fabric and other materials up to A2 size.
+
Makespace supports non-photographic waterbased screenprinting on paper, fabric and other materials up to A2 size.
  
Now commissioned and available for use.  Please read through the wiki and see Training below for videos and book available at Makespace.
+
This is orange equipment because we recommended reading through these instructions before starting a sessionThis will improve the results you get and help us maintain the shared equipment through proper usage and cleaning.
 +
 
 +
Please read through the wiki and see Training below for videos and book available at Makespace.
  
 
=== Making stencils ===
 
=== Making stencils ===
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At Makespace we support vinyl and paper stencils. Vinyl stencils can be made on the vinyl cutter. Paper stencils can be cut with scissors or craft knives or on the laser cutter, if you are already trained on it.
 
At Makespace we support vinyl and paper stencils. Vinyl stencils can be made on the vinyl cutter. Paper stencils can be cut with scissors or craft knives or on the laser cutter, if you are already trained on it.
  
You will probably need to try different types of stencil to work out which kind of stencil works best for your design.
+
You will probably need to try different scales and types of stencil to work out which kind of stencil works best for your design.
 
Factors include the level of detail in the design and whether there are any 'islands' such as the inside of a letter 'o'.
 
Factors include the level of detail in the design and whether there are any 'islands' such as the inside of a letter 'o'.
  
Note: We do not currently support photographic methods at Makespace due to lack of a darkroom and lightsafe storage area. It is possible to create photographic stencils at home and bring the finished screen in to print with at Makespace.
+
Note: '''We do not currently support photographic methods at Makespace''' due to lack of a darkroom and lightsafe storage area. The current area is suitable for learning basic handprinting technique and smallscale craft and hobbyist printing.
But please do not take Makespace screens away from Makespace.
+
 
 +
It is possible to create photographic stencils at home and bring the finished screen in to print with at Makespace or to get a screen manufactured with your design. But please do not take Makespace screens away from Makespace.
 +
 
 +
Other dedicated print studios exist in Cambridge which do support photographic screenprinting process and open-access, for instance
 +
[http://www.stbarnabaspress.co.uk/open-access.html St Barnabas Press]
  
 
=== Main steps in the screenprinting process ===
 
=== Main steps in the screenprinting process ===
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# Print things.  More details for printing on [[ScreenprintingOnFabric|fabric]] and [[ScreenprintingOnPaper|paper/non-fabric]]
 
# Print things.  More details for printing on [[ScreenprintingOnFabric|fabric]] and [[ScreenprintingOnPaper|paper/non-fabric]]
 
# Clean up: Reclaim ink where possible then clean screens and tools immediately. Wash ink from hands afterwards.
 
# Clean up: Reclaim ink where possible then clean screens and tools immediately. Wash ink from hands afterwards.
 +
# Log prints done and materials used in the session in the log book. This helps the owners know which items are popular and to keep things in stock.
 
# Pay for any Makespace materials used (ink, all paper including test prints, cotton bags etc.)
 
# Pay for any Makespace materials used (ink, all paper including test prints, cotton bags etc.)
# Fabric only: Once ink has dried, heat-fix any prints using the iron or heatpress
+
# Fabric only: Once ink has dried, heat-fix any prints using the iron or heatpress  
  
 
For more details follow the links above or see section on '''Training''' below.
 
For more details follow the links above or see section on '''Training''' below.
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== Owners ==
 
== Owners ==
 
* Jo Brook
 
* Jo Brook
* Matthew Taylor
 
  
 
== Training ==
 
== Training ==
Line 49: Line 57:
  
 
==Warnings==
 
==Warnings==
Waterbased screenprinting does not have serious hazards as a process but without due care the ink can permanently damage various items in the space. This includes yours (or others') clothes or workpieces and also the screens themselves, inconveniencing other screenprinters by making screens unusable.
+
Waterbased screenprinting does not have serious hazards as a process but without due care the ink can permanently damage various items in the space. This includes yours (or others') clothes or workpieces.  
  
 
Take care when moving the larger and heavier pieces of equipment, especially if there are other people passing through the space.
 
Take care when moving the larger and heavier pieces of equipment, especially if there are other people passing through the space.
Line 56: Line 64:
 
* The main printbed and platen are solid and relatively heavy so take care when reversing the platen to or from t-shirt to flat-item-printing mode.
 
* The main printbed and platen are solid and relatively heavy so take care when reversing the platen to or from t-shirt to flat-item-printing mode.
 
* The drawers in the plan chest are heavy and can be pulled all the way out of the chest.  Be careful and pull them out slowly and not beyond around half way.
 
* The drawers in the plan chest are heavy and can be pulled all the way out of the chest.  Be careful and pull them out slowly and not beyond around half way.
* After cleaning ink from the equipment also wash it off your hands
+
* After cleaning ink from the equipment also wash it off your hands and skin. If you print regularly the pigments in the ink may cause skin irritation if not removed.
 +
* After washing up the equipment, ensure that the floor is not slippery by mopping up any water using the mops next to the sink. This is particularly important as the sink is on the busy main pathway through the space and to the secure workshop.
  
 
===Care of personal items and shared equipment===
 
===Care of personal items and shared equipment===
 
* Screenprinting ink will stain clothes, since it is designed to dye fabric permanently. So wear an apron while printing and pay attention to stray bits of ink, wiping hands and equipment with tissue paper if needed during the session.
 
* Screenprinting ink will stain clothes, since it is designed to dye fabric permanently. So wear an apron while printing and pay attention to stray bits of ink, wiping hands and equipment with tissue paper if needed during the session.
 
* Ink is liquid so work with care not to let splashes of it get onto other people's work. This applies especially when washing the screen out as the diluted ink can still stain and is more likely to splash than when the ink is in its print thickness.
 
* Ink is liquid so work with care not to let splashes of it get onto other people's work. This applies especially when washing the screen out as the diluted ink can still stain and is more likely to splash than when the ink is in its print thickness.
* Wash out the screen immediately after the last item has been printed. Waterbased ink starts drying into the screen as soon as you are not actively printing to force new ink through the mesh. Prompt washout will help remove as much ink as possible which will help shared screens to be ready for the next user.
+
* Wash out the screen immediately after the last item has been printed. There is a shower attachment which can be put onto the tap.  Waterbased ink starts drying into the screen as soon as you are not actively printing to force new ink through the mesh. Dried-in acrylic ink forms a plastic material which cannot be washed out and which blocks the holes in the mesh, rendering the screen unusable. Prompt washout will help remove as much ink as possible which will help shared screens to be ready for the next user.
  
 
== House Rules ==
 
== House Rules ==
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* Hinge clamps to hold screen during session
 
* Hinge clamps to hold screen during session
 
* Reversible bed with:
 
* Reversible bed with:
** Hinged platen for printing larger t-shirts, tote bags etc. (Pull t-shirt over platen to stop ink printing through to the back layer)
+
** Flat surface for printing onto paper and other single-layer materials and smaller items such as tote bags and t-shirts smaller than XL.
** Flat surface for printing onto paper and other single-layer materials
+
** Hinged platen for printing larger (XL+) t-shirts (pull t-shirt over platen to stop ink printing through to the back layer)
 +
 
  
 
'''Print-drying rack''' 20 spring-loaded A2 wire shelves
 
'''Print-drying rack''' 20 spring-loaded A2 wire shelves
  
'''Plan chest''' A1 primarily for storage of papers and flat items. Currently in use for screen-drying until a dedicated rack is constructed.
+
'''Plan chest''' A1 primarily for storage of papers, stock and temporary storage for personal screenrprinting projects.
  
 
'''Screens'''
 
'''Screens'''
 +
 
outer w x h (max printable area w x h)
 
outer w x h (max printable area w x h)
 
Thread-count: Approximately 28T
 
Thread-count: Approximately 28T
Line 101: Line 112:
  
 
'''Squeegees'''
 
'''Squeegees'''
 
+
Communal blank screens for use with temporary paper or vinyl stencils:
 
{|
 
{|
 
|-
 
|-
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| [[File:Squeegee blades squareprofile.jpg|200px|right|alt text]]
 
| [[File:Squeegee blades squareprofile.jpg|200px|right|alt text]]
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
*Makespace logo screens (2)
 +
  
 
'''Washout'''
 
'''Washout'''
*Shower attachment for tap
+
*Shower attachment for tap (kept in or under sink)
 +
*Washing-up liquid (kept near sink)
 +
*Scrubbing brushes
  
 
'''Other small tools:'''
 
'''Other small tools:'''
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'''Protective clothing:'''
 
'''Protective clothing:'''
* Printer's aprons (2)
+
* Printer's aprons
  
 
== Stock ==
 
== Stock ==
Line 151: Line 167:
 
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/126icVaL26e7uN-MAWLglC6a8GTyMyNR_htLq6toFI80/edit?usp=sharing Guide sheet]
 
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/126icVaL26e7uN-MAWLglC6a8GTyMyNR_htLq6toFI80/edit?usp=sharing Guide sheet]
  
== Set-up items / wishlist ==
+
== Wishlist / Ongoing issues ==
 
+
'''Workbench, drying area and storage'''
+
* Adjustable-height bench (as in craft room but somewhat deeper) -- 2 x Finnvard trestles or sheet with screw adjusters (found)
+
* Space to store screens -- can be a vertical space, also under the table
+
 
+
'''Small tools and accessories'''
+
* Hose for tap to help with screen washout
+
 
+
== Issues to be resolved to commission ==
+
* '''How to charge for materials'''  Suggestion is to charge for print 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.
+
 
+
** '''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.
+
'''Workbench, drying area and storage'''
A small darkroom or walk-in cupboard would be needed for this, and a light-safe screen-drying rack.
+
* Vertical drying rack to store screens and keep them off the dusty floor
If there is demand, this is something we could think about, maybe for the future space.
+
e.g., like this at London Createspace:
 +
[[File:Createspace screenrack.png]]
  
* What classification? 
+
'''Photographic stencil creation'''
Safe enough to be green but maybe should be orange as would like opportunities to make people aware of good practices to avoid wastage and ruined screens when sharing the equipment.  Posters above the area would be useful to remind people to washout immediately after use etc.
+
  
* Training session formats
+
After many discussions over the last few years we have decided we cannot run any kind of darkroom on the current site at Mill Lane due to many practical issues and the terms of our tenancy.
Probably need to run sessions focusing on either fabric or paper printing.  If trainees need to demonstrate their learning then sessions will probably be 2-3 people for around 3 hours.
+
  
* '''Storage of screens during work in progress''' 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 tapeThe policy on re-using screens could be similar to the private stock cupboard.
+
In theory a screen-exposure darkroom would need:
 +
* Mini-darkroom area for exposing screens -- could maybe be tent/pop-up
 +
* Lightsafe, undisturbed space/cupboard for storing multiple emulsion-coated screens overnight to dry -- cannot be pop-up
 +
* Exposure unit or lampPhoto-cube lamps could work if daylight colour-temperature (5000K) bulbs are replaced.

Latest revision as of 18:57, 19 January 2020

Class Orange equipment: Only use if you are confident doing so. Training is available if not.
(More about equipment classes)

Screenprinting area

Summary

Screenprinting is a manual printing technique using liquid ink and a stencil to create permanent images on flat absorbent materials or items.

Typical materials to print onto include sheets of paper, card or fabric or pre-existing items such as t-shirts and cotton shopping bags. Due to the amount of work required for set-up before and clean-up after printing, the process is most suitable for printing multiple identical items in one session such as a set of t-shirts or posters.

A screen is a frame with a fine polyester mesh stretched across it which carries a stencil. The printing process applies liquid ink/paint in one colour at a time using a squeegee. The stencil on the screen-mesh works in a similar way to stencils in other art processes: some areas of the screen are left open and others are blocked. This determines where ink is deposited onto the piece and thus creates a design or image. The result is a thin film of ink applied to the workpiece.

Makespace supports non-photographic waterbased screenprinting on paper, fabric and other materials up to A2 size.

This is orange equipment because we recommended reading through these instructions before starting a session. This will improve the results you get and help us maintain the shared equipment through proper usage and cleaning.

Please read through the wiki and see Training below for videos and book available at Makespace.

Making stencils

There are many ways to create stencils, including cutting paper or sticky vinyl and also photographic emulsions. At Makespace we support vinyl and paper stencils. Vinyl stencils can be made on the vinyl cutter. Paper stencils can be cut with scissors or craft knives or on the laser cutter, if you are already trained on it.

You will probably need to try different scales and types of stencil to work out which kind of stencil works best for your design. Factors include the level of detail in the design and whether there are any 'islands' such as the inside of a letter 'o'.

Note: We do not currently support photographic methods at Makespace due to lack of a darkroom and lightsafe storage area. The current area is suitable for learning basic handprinting technique and smallscale craft and hobbyist printing.

It is possible to create photographic stencils at home and bring the finished screen in to print with at Makespace or to get a screen manufactured with your design. But please do not take Makespace screens away from Makespace.

Other dedicated print studios exist in Cambridge which do support photographic screenprinting process and open-access, for instance St Barnabas Press

Main steps in the screenprinting process

0. If you are new to screenprinting, read the wiki, a book or watch the videos before starting a session. Once there is wet ink on the screen the actual printing should be done without any breaks to read instructions etc. or the ink will dry into the screen and damage it.

  1. Create a stencil and attach it to the screen (or use a screen with stencil prepared previously) more details
  2. Select or mix the appropriate ink for fabric or paper (by default a 50/50 mix of pigment/paint and print medium)
  3. Print things. More details for printing on fabric and paper/non-fabric
  4. Clean up: Reclaim ink where possible then clean screens and tools immediately. Wash ink from hands afterwards.
  5. Log prints done and materials used in the session in the log book. This helps the owners know which items are popular and to keep things in stock.
  6. Pay for any Makespace materials used (ink, all paper including test prints, cotton bags etc.)
  7. Fabric only: Once ink has dried, heat-fix any prints using the iron or heatpress

For more details follow the links above or see section on Training below.

Owners

  • Jo Brook

Training

See owners for occasional demos.

Daler Rowney System 3 Screenprinting Demo (video)

Screenprinting with vinyl cutter stencil (instructions)

Book: The Art Teacher's Guide to Water Based Screen Printing by Dave Fortune, kept in (and should always be returned to) the printing area.

Warnings

Waterbased screenprinting does not have serious hazards as a process but without due care the ink can permanently damage various items in the space. This includes yours (or others') clothes or workpieces.

Take care when moving the larger and heavier pieces of equipment, especially if there are other people passing through the space.

Safety

  • The main printbed and platen are solid and relatively heavy so take care when reversing the platen to or from t-shirt to flat-item-printing mode.
  • The drawers in the plan chest are heavy and can be pulled all the way out of the chest. Be careful and pull them out slowly and not beyond around half way.
  • After cleaning ink from the equipment also wash it off your hands and skin. If you print regularly the pigments in the ink may cause skin irritation if not removed.
  • After washing up the equipment, ensure that the floor is not slippery by mopping up any water using the mops next to the sink. This is particularly important as the sink is on the busy main pathway through the space and to the secure workshop.

Care of personal items and shared equipment

  • Screenprinting ink will stain clothes, since it is designed to dye fabric permanently. So wear an apron while printing and pay attention to stray bits of ink, wiping hands and equipment with tissue paper if needed during the session.
  • Ink is liquid so work with care not to let splashes of it get onto other people's work. This applies especially when washing the screen out as the diluted ink can still stain and is more likely to splash than when the ink is in its print thickness.
  • Wash out the screen immediately after the last item has been printed. There is a shower attachment which can be put onto the tap. Waterbased ink starts drying into the screen as soon as you are not actively printing to force new ink through the mesh. Dried-in acrylic ink forms a plastic material which cannot be washed out and which blocks the holes in the mesh, rendering the screen unusable. Prompt washout will help remove as much ink as possible which will help shared screens to be ready for the next user.

House Rules

The facilities are shared and the printing area is small and located in a busy area. So there are some house rules for using this equipment.

Ink / paint

  • Makespace supports waterbased printing only, whether you are using Makespace shared equipment or some of your own.

So, as a guide, do not use any inks, paints or varnishes which cannot be removed from the screen using just water and washing up liquid. (Non-waterbased printing is offered by some of the specialist printmaking studios in Cambridge.)

  • You may bring in and use your own ink if it is waterbased. If it is not one of the inks already in stock, check the procedure for bringing chemical products into Makespace: Hazardous_Materials. Most suitable inks will be the ones which don't have hazard warnings. If in doubt about ink, ask the owners or on the forum before using it in Makespace.

Screens

Makespace has a small number of shared screens which are intended for short-term use and learning.

As they are shared this means that:

  • No permanent stencils should be applied to screens. These are only usually needed for print runs in the 1000s of items.
  • You should aim to finish your printing in one session if possible and remove the stencil at the end of the session.
  • For large print runs and longer-term use, we recommend buying or making your own screen(s).

Equipment

Screenprinting frame:

  • Hinge clamps to hold screen during session
  • Reversible bed with:
    • Flat surface for printing onto paper and other single-layer materials and smaller items such as tote bags and t-shirts smaller than XL.
    • Hinged platen for printing larger (XL+) t-shirts (pull t-shirt over platen to stop ink printing through to the back layer)


Print-drying rack 20 spring-loaded A2 wire shelves

Plan chest A1 primarily for storage of papers, stock and temporary storage for personal screenrprinting projects.

Screens

outer w x h (max printable area w x h) Thread-count: Approximately 28T

  • 1 x 31cm x 32cm (21cm x 22cm)
  • 2 x 45cm x 58cm (35cm x 48cm)
  • 3 x 56cm x 77cm (40cm x 60cm)

Squeegees Communal blank screens for use with temporary paper or vinyl stencils:

For textile printing D or V-profile blades are used. These blade profiles lay down extra ink which is used to get a solid print on the fabric surface as some is absorbed into the fibres:
  • 1 x 8" (20cm) width, V-profile blade
  • 1 x 12" (30.5cm) width, V-profile blade
  • 1 x 15" (38cm) width, round profile blade
alt text
For printing on paper and other non-fabrics and less absorbent surfaces use square-profile blades which lay down less ink and give a sharper print:
  • 1 x 8" (20cm) width
  • 1 x 12" (30.5cm) width
alt text
  • Makespace logo screens (2)


Washout

  • Shower attachment for tap (kept in or under sink)
  • Washing-up liquid (kept near sink)
  • Scrubbing brushes

Other small tools:

  • Palette knife (for transferring ink to/from the screen)

Protective clothing:

  • Printer's aprons

Stock

Supplies

  • Unprinted newsprint paper, A2+ sheets (50x70cm)

For test printing and creation of paper stencils (using manual cutting or lasercutter) This is not considered printing paper stock as it will yellow in sunlight and is thus not suited to making finished products

  • Washing-up liquid

Inks, pigments and mediums

  • System 3 Acrylic print medium (paper/general use)
  • System 3 Acrylic print medium (fabric)
  • System 3 Acrylic pigments for colour mixing: Black, white, yellow, red, blue, silver
  • Permaset Aqua Fabric Magic -- print-ready (pre-mixed) fabric inks: Black, green

Cotton Shopping Bags

  • Arum 5oz fair trade natural cotton bag 42cm(h)x38cm(w), long handles

High-quality art paper

  • A2+ 250gsm printing paper. £1.30 per sheet.

Documents

File:RiskAssessmentScreenprinting.pdf

Guide sheet

Wishlist / Ongoing issues

Workbench, drying area and storage

  • Vertical drying rack to store screens and keep them off the dusty floor

e.g., like this at London Createspace: Createspace screenrack.png

Photographic stencil creation

After many discussions over the last few years we have decided we cannot run any kind of darkroom on the current site at Mill Lane due to many practical issues and the terms of our tenancy.

In theory a screen-exposure darkroom would need:

  • Mini-darkroom area for exposing screens -- could maybe be tent/pop-up
  • Lightsafe, undisturbed space/cupboard for storing multiple emulsion-coated screens overnight to dry -- cannot be pop-up
  • Exposure unit or lamp. Photo-cube lamps could work if daylight colour-temperature (5000K) bulbs are replaced.