Screen Printing

Basic screen printing

Get started with the basics of screen printing with James Hill .

Learn how to make a screen with a small gap (snap) between the paper and screen, and block holes in the mesh using paper stencils or paintable filler to create a desired print.

Discover the effectiveness of resist methods using oil pastels to create lines. After drying, ink is applied at one end and a squeegee is used to transfer the ink onto the paper for a sharp, clean print. Advanced techniques such as mono-printing and blends can take your work to the next level. Get advice on setting up a screen printing station at home.

Screen printing using photo stencils

Unleash endless possibilities with photo screen printing. Immerse yourself in the art of creating sophisticated images ranging from scanned photographic media to flat surfaces of pure color, bold charcoal drawings, or subtle watercolor washes. Utilize computer technology to scan and separate images through Photoshop, or make a print using the original hand-drawn positive. The process involves applying photo emulsion to the screen, exposing it to UV light with the positive in between, and washing away the unexposed areas with water.

Screen printing, also known as silk screen or serigraph, is a widely used and highly popular fine art printing process known for its speed.

Advances in computer technology have made it easier to scan and separate images using Photoshop. However, using hand-drawn positives made with a clear grained film (tru-grain) is still considered the most traditional way of making a print. Both techniques require the application of photo emulsion to the screen and exposing it to UV light with the positive in between. The unexposed areas wash away with water, leaving only the areas that will allow ink to pass through. The photo emulsion is typically applied to the screen with a trough and dried before use.

Printmaking courses UK
Screen Printing Courses

T-shirt printing

Take your screen printing skills to the next level with our t-shirt printing course. Learn how to print a 3-color design onto t-shirts using a 3-color press. Prepare screens and coat them with light-sensitive emulsion, create a positive using photo-shop or hand-drawn film, and expose the image to ultraviolet light. Develop the image with water and a pressure washer, then print wet-on-wet ink in rotation on t-shirts. You can even replicate the t-shirt printer design and start your own t-shirt printing business at home.