Screen printing using the stencil method

Using a stencil for screen printing seems like an easy way to transition from stenciling to screen printing. This stencil process works best with one color and a design with no islands. There are kits available from Speedball with all of the supplies included in one box, or you can go on your own and get the following supplies to screen print your stencil.

• Screen - Use a screen with a higher thread count for more detailed work. Screens come in different sizes. Pick one that works for you. These are re-usable.
• Squeegee - A flat piece of plastic to spread the paint over the screen and push it through the screen.
• Paint - For T-Shirts, you'll want to use fabric paint. If you're going to be using other media, you'll want acrylic paint.

One side of the screen is flush with the frame and the other side is recessed. Take your stencil and place it on the flush side of your screen. This is the side that will make contact with the shirt. The design should be placed on the screen so the end design is printed with the desired orientation. Tape around the edges with blue painter's tape to keep the stencil attached to the screen and only the design can be seen through. If you don't have a table set-up with hinge clamps, you'll be placing your screen down on the shirt. Put a piece of cardboard or plywood inside the shirt to stop the ink from bleeding through to the back of the shirt.

Put a generous amount of ink on the recessed side of the screen and use the squeegee and slide it across the design. Depending on your design, you may need to do this a several times to get a good transfer.

Peel the screen up from the shirt, being careful not to smudge the shirt. Hold onto the cardboard inside it to keep it flat as the screen is pulled up. Lay the shirt out flat to dry. You can hang it up to dry, but be careful it doesn't fold on itself and smudge. You can also use a heat gun or hairdryer to speed the drying time.

If you're doing multiple shirts, a hinge clamp table makes it a lot easier. When they're dry, wash the shirts.

Spoon up any extra ink from the screen and put it back in the jar for later use. Clean your screen and acetate with water. There are some mild soaps you can use as well. Spray out the screen so no ink is left in it to dry out and clog up your screen. You can reuse the screen with a different design.