Screen printing
is often used to customize T-shirts.
Screen printing uses a photo-sensitive emulsion to block certain areas of the screen and allow ink to be pushed through the open areas to print an image. The preparation of these screens can vary slightly based on preference and brand of emulsion used, but the basic process is the same. Once the screen has been created, it is placed over the substrate, ink is added, and a hard squeegee is used to force the ink through the screen.
Instructions
1. Select a single color image. Screen printing processes can only print one color at a time. Print this image onto a transparency sheet using black ink.
2. Secure the transparency sheet to the emulsion screen using clear tape.
3. Expose the transparency side of the screen to the light box's ultra violet light until developed. Times may vary, so check the packaging from your emulsion screen to determine the proper exposure time.
4. Remove the transparency. Place the emulsion under cool running water. The unexposed areas of the emulsion will begin to wash away as the image emerges.
5. Encourage this process gently with your fingers if necessary. Allow the screen to dry completely before printing.
