Quilting Arts - February-March 2016_

fi gure 1 fi gure 2

fi gure 3

thermofax

W

e’ll explore basic Thermofax printing plus two variations. For all three

types, have on hand a Thermofax screen, screening printing ink in

several colors, and foam brushes—plus painter’s tape for one variation.

DIRECTIONS

Basic Printing

1. Place the smooth side of the screen on
   the fabric.


2. Hold the screen in place with one hand.


3. Dip the foam brush into the paint
   and brush it over the screen, applying
   gentle pressure.


4. Pull up the screen to reveal the print.
   (fi gure 1) Continue printing across
   other areas of the fabric, if desired.


5. Wash the screen when fi nished.
   TIP: Allow the screen to dry completely before
   printing again. Store screens fl at to avoid creases.

Variation #1: Broken Printing

1. Using painter’s tape, block off portions
   of the screen design. Put the tape on the
   rough side of the screen. (fi gure 2)
   TIP: Blue painter’s tape is low tack which makes
   it suitable for use on Th ermofax screens. Do not
   use tape with high adhesion, such as duct tape, as
   it may damage the screen.


2. Print as described in Basic Printing.
   (fi gure 3)


3. Remove the tape and wash the screen—
   or move directly to Variation #2: Shaded
   Printing before washing.

Variation #2: Shaded Printing

This technique creates a variegated

print. Paint builds up quickly using this

method, so be careful not to let any of it

dry on the screen.

1. Using the screen from the Broken
   Printing session, remove the painter’s
   tape but don’t wash off the paint.

method #1

Process photos by Lynn Krawczyk

fi gure 4

screen printing

2. Using a contrasting paint color, print as
   described in Basic Printing. (fi gure 4)
   TIP: Limit the amount of brushing to not blend
   the colors too much.

Thermofax 101

• Th ermofax screen printing is done with
  a silk screen created using a Th ermofax
  machine. You can order a custom
  designed screen or a premade screen from
  many online entrepreneurs.
  NOTE: Because Th ermofax machines are
  no longer manufactured, purchasing one is
  an expensive investment.


• Do not use a rubber squeegee with a
  Th ermofax screen. It creates too much
  friction on the screen and will pull it apart,
  making it diffi cult or impossible to print
  with it.


• Wash the screen as soon as you’re done
  printing. With proper care, screens will last
  for years. However, if paint dries on the
  screen, it will clog the mesh and the screen
  will no longer function.