Screen Printing Basics

[D_Harris]

I'm looking to do some screen printing onto materials like plexiglass, lexan, Polycarbonate, ect. and was hoping to get general feedback in regard to the tools of the trade.

What would it take to make my own screens as far as cost and materials?

Thanks a lot.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

[numbernine]

Hi Darren,

I've done a little screenprinting at home and it is a ton of fun. Here's a few tips to help you along in handy list form (I like lists).

1. To start with, I wouldn't try to make screens myself... to get good results it has to be tensioned just right, the frame has to lay perfectly flat, etc. Honestly, I'd splurge on the screens and just save the hassle. They aren't too expensive once you figure in that with care they will be reusable for a long time.

2. I made a press loosely following these plans http://www.screen-printing-t-shirts....ess-plans.html . I made a few changes since I wasn't doing t-shirts but it is a good start.

3. I'm not sure how well the materials you want to print onto will take the ink... you may want to buy a small jar of ink and smear a light coat onto the plexi and see if it will dry and not flake off.

Anyway, hope some of this helps and have fun with it.

[D_Harris]

I like a challenge and have been reading up on making screens.

I think I'll have to use some sort of spray sealant over the ink after it is applied to the plexi-glass, which will be back-lit.

Anyway, thanks a lot.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

[Eric23]

An experienced screen printer friend. Used matte medium on plexiglass. Then inked it up like an intaglio and printed on paper.

[doganonymous]

printing on plexi or any flat surface would work the same as printing on t-shirts. The only difference might be in the ink and the heat level for curing it to the plexi. You might need to research that out.

I, too, made my own press, got some good help from>> http://www.diyscreenprintingpress.com

[johngibbons]

For D.Harris
I have a book from I library and it is
Simple Screenprinting
Annie Stromquist
ISBN 1-57990-490-4
JohnGibbons

[connorpastel]

Hi, you could refer to the following:-

http://www.worldprintmakers.com/engl...ymac/intro.htm

http://sanyaglisic.com/blog/?p=1161

http://www.reuels.com/reuels/Silk-Sc...tructions.html

I would love to try screenprinting, though my art teacher isn't too keen on it; to her screenprinting is feasible only if you are going to print lots of items. Well, I hope to screenprint christmas cards by year end!

[Jeremy Bryant]

Yeah, I have to agree with these guys. Screen Printing IS fun. I never thought before that it was until I've tried, you can easily do experiments and stuff about it that will surely improve your creativity.

[daniel87]

Well said Jeremy. I do some in my spare time, it's good fun.