How to PrintSILK Screen ?PART 4

This is the final part on how to print SILKSCREEN

MAKING PRINTS

Step A-Preparations

Attach your screen frame to the base by inserting the hinge pins. For off-contact printing tape a penny or a nickel to each of the four corners on the underside of the screen. Place a sheet of your printing paper under the screen and position it as it is to be printed. Allow for margins. When you are certain that the paper is in the correct position, lift the screen gently and mark where each edge of the paper should be placed.
Cut three pieces of cardboard about 1 " x 2" and use these for registration guides. Place these next to the lines you drew on the base so you can correctly locate each sheet to be printed.
These guides should be fastened securely with tape or rubber cement. Good guides are particularly important if you intend to print more than one color of any print.

Step B-Selecting inks for printing on paper

WATER SOLUBLE INKS

Art prints require porous-surface papers of high quality. For most other printing applications, construction paper, drawing paper, charcoal paper, pastel paper, most board items (except railroad board) and cover stock (especially good for greeting cards) will be fine. Ink remains water soluble after drying.
Avoid slick coated, high gloss papers or vinyl or plastic coated papers.
Stir the ink completely until you achieve a "buttery" or "creamy" consistency. If too thick, add one or two drops of water or Water Soluble Transparent Extender Base. Mix thoroughly. Colors may be intermixed.
PERMANENT ACRYLIC INKSFine art prints require smooth matte finish, medium or heavyweight papers. To overcome "buckling" caused by water penetration, after each color run is dry, place a flat weight on stacked prints. This will cause them to dry flat and is especially important for good color registration.
These water-based acrylic inks dry waterproof.
To achieve transparency or economy, SPEEDBALL Extender Base (preferred) or Transparent Base may be added. Do not allow ink to dry in screen.
For most other printing applications like posters, greeting cards, book covers, etc. 20# weight and over cover stock paper is recommended.
Avoid slick coated, high gloss papers or vinyl or plastic coated papers.
Stir the ink completely until you achieve a "buttery" or "creamy" consistency. If too heavy or thick, add one or two drops of water, SPEEDBALL Acrylic Extender Base or SPEEDBALL Acrylic Transparent Base. Mix thoroughly

Step B-Alternative

Selecting inks for printing on non-paper surfaces.

WATER SOLUBLE INKS - These can be used on wood or masonite if first coated with an acrylic emulsion base coat such as SPEEDBALL Gesso. To achieve waterresistance, use an acrylic aerosol spray or a solventbased varnish as a topcoat.
TEXTILE INKS -These can be used on almost any fabric that can be subjected to a hot iron (275'-375'). Do not use on nonporous fabrics such as nylon.
ACRYLIC INKS -These inks can also be used on wood, masonite and many coated surfaces. Always pre-test before using.

Step C-Printing on paper

Spoon out the ink across the end of the screen nearest to you. With the screen lifted slightly from the base, apply an even blanket of ink onto the print area. Be sure to use an easy, smooth stroke with the squeegee at a slight angle away from you. This is the flood stroke. Drop the screen onto your paper Lift the squeegee over the ridge of ink and make the print stroke by pulling towards yourself. Keep the squeegee at a 45 degree angle with enough pressure to scrape the ink from the screen. Lift the screen from the print, make the flood stroke, set the kick leg, remove the print and put it to dry on your rack or line. Insert new paper, release the kick leg and repeat the process.
Sharp clear prints can be produced provided you (1) maintain a generous quantity of ink on the screen, (2) use the flood stroke and (3) maintain adequate and even pressure on the squeegee during the print stroke....................................

The finished print of how SILKSCREEN We hope to be bestowed upon satisfaction