DIY Screen Printing

A couple years ago when I was taking Business in college (have I mentioned that before?) I had to do a demonstration of something in my Business Communications class. I spent weeks trying to decide what I could teach or demonstrate. Back then I didn't have much for hobbies or crafts. I loved screen printing in high school and taught it for 2 years as a tutor for Visual Arts class. So I found a DIY tutorial and "taught" my college class how to do it. Lately I thought it would be fun to pull it out and create some more; and what's more fun than to share it with others!

What You'll Need:



-image to transfer (computer printout or hand drawn)
-item to transfer it too (material, clothing, paper)
-embroidery hoop (size depends on image)
-nylons (you can also use thinly woven fabric like curtain sheer material or tulle)
-scissors
-writing utensil (pen, marker, sharpie)
-various sized paint brushes
-fabric ink
-newspapers and heavy books
-wear clothing you don't mind getting glue or ink on

 

Step 1: Decide what image you want to use and what you want to put it on

-keep it simple and not too many intricate details.
-print/draw it the same size you want on your material
-when choosing fabric to print on try to make sure it's not too thin of material or the ink might bleed through.
-if printing words make sure when you go to add ink that they are in mirror image so they read properly

 

Step 2: Stretch nylons across the hoop and tighten



-stretch and tighten but don't make too tight or the nylons might rip/snag
-trim excess nylons. Leave a little bit so you have a bit to grab if you need to tighten it more.

 

Step 3: Transfer image to nylons



-with marker or pen carefully draw a light outline of the image you want to print

 

Step 4: Apply Modpodge to negative areas






-with paint brushes apply modpodge to all the areas you don't want ink.
-make sure you hold the hoop while you're doing this. If you lay it down on the table you may glue it to it!
-I use a smaller paint brush to do all the areas close to the lines and small areas. And a big brush for the outer areas.
-wait for it to dry and reapply. It will take more than one layer. If you're like me and worried then do several coats.
-if you're really concerned then do a test print on something else before you use it on your chosen material

 

Step 6: Time to screen print!

[caption id="attachment_1142" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="thanks ol' Martha girl for the help holding the material still! "][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1143" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="that turned out to be a bit too much ink"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1145" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="I went a bit too far when spreading it. The ink went where I hadn't modpodged it! opps!"][/caption]

 



 

[caption id="attachment_1148" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="poor picture quality but... I used blue and purple ink"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1147" align="aligncenter" width="384" caption="I had this template from the last time. So I stretched it out and tried it again. Not sure exactly where but this image was from google somewhere"][/caption]

-once the modpodge is dried and you're satisfied it's thick enough it's time to try it out!
-lay some newspaper down and lay your material out. Use something heavy like textbooks to anchor the shirt and hold it still
-double check where you want the image to go and make sure it's exactly right.
-use one hand to hold the hoop still and place a bit of ink on the screen. Use a piece of cardboard or something stiff like it to spread the ink across the screen.
-Add more ink if it doesn't cover your image.

 

Step 7: Let it dry

-slowly pull from material. Leave the material there flat and to dry. Read the instructions on your ink bottle to know how long to expect.

 

Tips:

-Sometimes not all areas get enough ink and some areas get too much. In that case, I take my small paint brush and spread it out.
-You can use the template more than once. Carefully rinse, let dry and use again. You may need to reapply modpodge to a few places, but make sure to check first.

And there ya have it! Not too complicated! You can use this for so many projects! Let me know if you try it out!