How to Screen Print With Plastisol Ink

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Apply a layer of emulsion to your screen.

   You can do this with a spatula.
   
   Keep a clear border around the frame.
   
   This should be about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to
   5.1 cm) wide.
   
   For this step, you need to be in a darkroom. , Allow the screen to dry., This image needs to be black and white, not gray scale., Make sure it is lying down smoothly and there are no bubbles, folds, or any other places where it does not lie flat.,, The trash bag makes clean up much easier.
   
   Should any emulsion run off, it will be caught by the bag rather than making a mess.,, At this point the layer of emulsion should stick while your image comes out clear on the screen.,, Painter's tape works well for this.,, Make sure the material is smoothed out without any creases or folds, as this could ruin the outcome of your printing.,,,, Plastic ink dries at around 340 degrees Fahrenheit (171 degrees Celsius).
2. 2

   Step 2: Pull the squeegee along the screen to get rid of any surplus of emulsion that accumulates.

3. 3

   Step 3: Design the picture you want on your shirt on a computer and print it off.

4. 4

   Step 4: Place the printed image on your screen.

5. 5

   Step 5: Layer a piece of foam and a flat weight over the screen.

6. 6

   Step 6: Wrap the screen

7. 7

   Step 7: and weight in a black trash bag.

8. 8

   Step 8: Start the UV lights and allow them to run for about 10 minutes.

9. 9

   Step 9: Wash the screen carefully.

10. 10

    Step 10: Allow the screen to fully dry.

11. 11

    Step 11: Cover any places that show clear through the screen

12. 12

    Step 12: such as the borders around the frame.

13. 13

    Step 13: Lock the screen into the printing press.

14. 14

    Step 14: Put the t-shirt on the printing stand.

15. 15

    Step 15: Lower the screen.

16. 16

    Step 16: Apply Plastic ink to your design.

17. 17

    Step 17: Pull the squeegee along the screen.

18. 18

    Step 18: Dry the t-shirt thoroughly with a heat gun.

Detailed Guide

About the Author