method #2
Screen printing over a mask creates silhouettes of the mask on the
fabric, which make wonderful backgrounds for additional printing.Items used as masks should be fl at to make printing easier.
For this technique, assemble a 12" x 18" pre-stretched silk screen (110 mesh is
good), rubber squeegee, masks (such as paper stencils or leaves), duct tape, a spoon,
and textile screen printing ink. I used Permaset Aqua textile screen printing ink in
Yellow R because it is very opaque and prints well over dark or vibrant colors.
TIP: I do not duct tape the wood frame of my screens because I feel it takes away too much
open screen. I polyurethane the wood to protect it from water and only use duct tape to create
the well.
over a a mask
fi gure 5
fi gure 6
fi gure 7
DIRECTIONS
- Create a well on the screen by applying
2–3 strips of duct tape along the top
edge. (fi gure 5)
NOTE: A well is a section of the screen that is
blocked off where paint can be placed without
going through to the fabric.
- Tape the edges of the fabric to your
print surface using painter’s tape. Place
the mask on the fabric. (fi gure 6) Place
the screen on top. - Using a spoon, place some paint on
the well. Hold the screen in place with
one hand and pull the paint across the
screen with the squeegee. (fi gure 7) - Lift the screen from the fabric and
remove the mask to reveal your print. - Wash out the screen and allow it to
dry completely.
PrintingScreen