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How to get the image from computer screen to mesh screen
Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2012 4:41 pm
by kaoticscreenprinting
I don't know what to search for this so I am starting a new thread.
My friends and I are thinking about starting a screen printing business in my basement. We are all confused about what to do after we design on the computer. Can someone please explain what happens next for me? Thanks.
Re: How to get the image from computer screen to mesh screen
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2012 9:47 pm
by dizzytoledo
Too long of a process to answer in one post. The quick version is:
Print your image in black on a transparency or vellum
For every color on the image you will have to separate the colors and print in black
Here's the hands-on stuff: All of this is in a dark room with a yellow bulb
1) degrease your screen - let dry
2) coat the screen with "dual-cure emulsion" with a 'scoop-coater' - let dry
3) tape your transparency on the flat side of your image (it should look backwards)
4) expose to a 500 watt UV worklight (distance 20 inches) for 10 minutes
5) Remove transparency and spray water on the screen(both sides)
6) Continue doing this until your image area falls out of the screen leaving you with your stencil
7) Turn on lights, allow to dry, tape of sides on inside of the screen, add your ink, squeegee and set on yourpress.
8") make sure the screen is centered on your press and clamped down
9) place an old shirt or piece of fabric on the board (test)
10) pull the squeegy towards you at a 60 to 80 degree angle with some a little force.
11) lift screen and voila! you have just screen printed
Now for a more in depth version go to youtube.com and look up the subjects:
color separations, prepping a screen, coating a screen, exposing a screen, screen alignment.
It's a lot to learn but it's also a lifetime of enjoyment.
Word of advice; take your time in the beginning! You'll mess up, don't get frustrated, learn to troubleshoot. That's it