Screenprinting DIY Style Continued

April's Material Knowledge session explored printmaking further. Without either daylight or the investment of a UV set-up, the photosensitive technique of burning screens proved a little tricky for our late Winter evening class.

For those who wish to explore this further, there are 2 main methods to choose from:

1) Drawing Fluid

This is a more direct approach than using the photosensitive method

Better for beginners

Easier to facilitate a workshop with

The amount of detail depends on the skill of the artist

The screen can be quite easily washed for re-use with less hazardous chemicals used

A positive image is created so what you see is what you get

2) Photosensitive Emulsion

A high contrast image needs to be prepared

Suitable for those more experienced

Difficult to facilitate a workshop without a specialist set-up with UV bulbs or good sunlight

There is potential for greater detail

More hazardous chemicals are required for production and washing

A negative image is produced so how this translates needs to be considered

However, we continued experimenting with the materials to hand with a sense of freedom that our inexpensive equipment gave.

It was found that the finer the gauze material, the finer detail could be achieved with some lovely crisp lines being produced using a silk scarf over a wooden frame as a screen.

It is also possible to print onto textiles quite easily using the same method for paper with acrylic paint mixed with a textile medium. You can blend the paint to any colour you choose, as normal, adding the textile medium afterwards at an easily remembered ratio of 1 part paint : 1 part medium or in simpler terms, equal amounts.

Stencils need to be cut from a thin sheet to avoid paint or ink leaking underneath and using an acetate sheet spray mounted onto the screen gives more durability.