Introduction to Silk Screen Printing: Learning This Art Form is Easy and Fun

Silk screen printing is a great way to make a lot of prints forms one piece of art. While many might be intimidated by the name silk printing, it is an easy to learn art form that is a lot of fun to do. You do need a large open work surface to create silk screen art, but beyond that, the rest for the materials are generally affordable and easy to find.

You can find most for the supplies your will need to create silk screen art at the local art supply store. If you do not have an art supply store in your city, then try visiting wwww.dickblick.com or www.pearlpaint.com. Their websites are awesome and they sell everything online that they sell in their retail stores.

Now, this is a simple introduction to silk screen printing, there are obviously more involved and expensive methods. So, all of you beginners out there it is time to learn a new craft and outlet for your artistic side.

To do Silk Screen Printing you will need:

Silk fabric
Newspaper
Pre Made Silk-screen
Exacto Knife
Squeegee
Vellum
Pencil
Painter’s tape
Design
Fabric paint

The first step is to draw the desired design on vellum. You could also transfer your design by placing vellum over the design and tracing it with a pencil. You can easily see through vellum by placing it on a lighted artist tables or even in a window when there is day light outside to shine through.

Now, if your silk screen printing design is going to have more than one color then you will need to have more than one screen. Basically, you use one silk screen for each color. Beginners may find it easier to start out only making one color and one silk screen.

Now, if you are using multiple colors go ahead and draw out those screens as well.

Now, Cut out the designs on each piece of vellum with a sharp craft knife. Sort of think of this like creating a stencil. There is no need to be intimidated by any of the steps in this silk screen process.

Now, you need to attach the first vellum design to the back of the silk-screen with painter’s tape.

You can buy pre made silk screens at the are supply store. You could also build yours out of wood.

Now, you need to place several paper towels or layers of newspaper print out on the work surface. This is important because you need to absorb paint. You will also need a padded work area.

Place silk fabric on top of the paper towels, and put the silk-screen on the fabric.

I like to make marks on the fabric at each of the four outer corners of the silk screen. This is important if you are using multiple colors and multiple screens. You can later use these marks to line up the frame.

Now pour some fabric paint onto the silk-screen. You should pour this along the top edge. I recommend making a nice size puddle of paint.

Next, Place the squeegee in the paint. You need to pull it slowly along the screen toward you. You need to hold the squeegee at a 45-degree angle. This is important. You don’t have to measure the angle, but simply tilt the squeegy.

Once you have reached the bottom of the screen Reverse the angle of the squeegee. Push it back to the top of the silk-screen in one smooth motion.

. Now, remove the silk screen and the squeegee. Let your wet fabric paint sit and dry completely.

Once the paint is dry you can use your silk screened fabric to make a pillow or even a purse!

If you want to ad the second or third colors, then apply them after each layer of paint has dried.