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Cost: $ $ $ $ $

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Time: 5h00

Screen Filter Method
Personalize your gifts with screen printing!

With Speedball's Fabric Screen Printing Kit you'll be able to learn the basics of four main types of screen printing.

I've chosen to use the Screen Filter Method "Negative Method" and am printing on a nice white canvas tote bag. You can choose to print on whatever you like.

Plan on allowing a lot of time for drying in between steps, this isn't a project you can do start-to-finish in an afternoon.

When printing on fabrics make sure to follow Speedball's guidelines;
Use only fabrics that can be subjected to temperatures of at least 275' - 375' F. Do not use on non-porous fabrics such as nylon. Pre-test all fabrics. Fabrics with sizing must be washed prior to printing. On articles like T-shirts, a piece of foamboard, cardboard or paper must be put inside each garment to act as a barrier.

Posted by Princess Pam-attitude from Pocatello, Idaho, United States • Published 8th December 2014 • See Princess Pam-attitude 's 322 projects »

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Step 1
Once you have your Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Kit read through the "Preparing Your Work Area" and "Preparing Your Tools Sections.

Prep Work
Make sure you have all of the materials listed here in this tutorial before starting.

To prepare the screen scrub both sides of the screen fabric with a nylon brush and dishwasher powder/water solution. Let is dry thoroughly after rinsing.

Lay the Scotch Tape so it is divided equally half on the screen fabrics, and half on the screen frame. Turn the frame over and cover the groove with tape. Be certain that the tape extends beyond they frame and onto the fabric.

Taping in this way helps to maintain a "tight" screen, and prevents ink from leaking under the screen frame during printing and will keep the edges of your prints clean. To get maximum adhesion of the tape, rub it with a spoon. When choosing your pattern or design make sure to leave a generous border from the tape edges (minimum of 1" from the taped edge.)

You may want to cover your work area with old news paper just in case you have any little drips.
Step 2
On a sheet of plain paper, make up the illustration or message you wish to print with your screen. Place this layout on a tabletop. Place your screen over this layout, top side up. Trace your design directly on the screen fabric with a soft pencil.

Stir the Screen Filter until it is thoroughly mixed to a smooth consistence. Using a paintbrush, paint the Screen Filter on all areas of your layout that you do not want to print. Be certain that the bottom of the screen is elevated (not touching the table). When all areas to be blocked out are covered with Screen Filter, flip the screen over and smooth out places the filter may have collected on the opposite side of the screen. Be careful during this smoothing process not to distort your work.
Step 3
Leave the screen to dry in a level position. Make sure nothing touches the areas covered with Screen Filter. Thorough drying is necessary. Overnight drying is recommended to assure best results.
Using a hair dryer or fan may accelerate drying time.Check for pinholes in the blocked-out areas. You can do this by holding the screen up to a light. Fill any pinholes with Screen Filter and allow to dry completely

You are now ready to print.
Step 4
Printing

Before making prints make sure your Scotch Tape is still sealing the edges, if you think it may not be, replace it with new tape.

Stir the ink completely until you achieve a buttery or creamy consistency. If too thick, add one or two drops of water or Speedball Water Soluble Transparent Extender Base. Mix thoroughly. Colors may be intermixed.

Lay you fabric flat on a table, make sure it is wrinkle and lint free.

Spoon the ink across the end of the screen nearest to you. With the screen lifted away from the fabric, apply an even blanket of ink on to the print area. Be sure to use an easy, smooth stroke with the squeegee at a slight angel away from you. This is the flood stroke. Set the screen onto the fabric. Lift the squeegee over the ridge of ink and make the print stroke bu pilling towards yourself. Keep the squeegee at n 45' angle with enough pressure to scrape the ink from the screen. Lift the screen from the print.

If you are making multiple prints, make the flood stroke, insert new fabric and repeat the process.
Step 5
Clean Up
After you have made your prints, remove any remaining ink in the screen. This ink can be saved if you wish.

Wash immediately after the last print is pulled. Use warm water and a soft brush. Should ink dry on the screen, spray with Windex, or similar window cleaner. Rub with a lint-free cloth. When ink is removed, wash with a mix of warm water and dishwasher detergent using a soft brush. Rinse with warm water.

To clean off the Screen Filter, Speed Clean is preferable. You can also use 1 cup Arm & Hammer's Washing Soda dissolved in 1 gallon water.
A. Apply to both sides with a paintbrush. Scrub with a nylon bristle brush.
B. Apply again to both sides. Let stand in a horizontal position for three to five minutes.
C. Scrub with a nylon bristle brush while spraying with a forceful stream of hot water,
D. Let dry completely before storing.
Step 6
Once your print is dried completely, you can wear or give away your new personalized, one of a kind project.

ENJOY!