Supplies Needed For Screen Printing On Fabric

I used to screen print in college (we won't say how long ago that was) and loved it.  I minored in Art and would have liked to take more classes had I thought such a career would actually have a big chance at supporting me above poverty level.  And at the time I needed to support myself and fast!  So...I majored in Criminal Justice but that is a whole different story.

Back to screen printing on fabric...

 A shirt I recently printed of a propeller for my boat-loving Super T using the drawing fluid/screen filler method

I'm re-learning the processes for screen printing.  As you can see from my previous post here I've already had an epic fail of reading directions when using the emulsion method.  One I'm learning from though...I found some rubber gloves.

After deciding to dive back into screen printing ('cuz I seem to need to add something else on my plate while running after my toddler and preschooler, right?) I realized I had one big problem.  I got rid of all my supplies after college.  Dang it!

Since I'm a bargain shopper I hopped on Craigslist to see if a miracle might occur and someone was parting with screen printing supplies.  Low and behold...a local t-shirt printing business was selling a huge lot of wood screens in excellent condition as they were changing to aluminum framed.  They were selling the wood framed screens for...get ready for this...$3 each!  Yes, 3 bucks!  I got myself eight (yes 8!!) screens of varying mesh count in awesome condition for what I could buy two for brand new.  Score!

If you've been thinking about dabbling in screen printing on fabric, but are overwhelmed by the products out there, this post is for you.  Hopefully it will help you sort out what's what so you can decide which method(s) you want to try.  It really isn't as daunting as one might think.  Actually, it is addicting once you get going. There are some awesome tutorials of various methods already online, so I'm not going to repeat those.  I'm simply going to outline what a "hobby screen printer" might have for a set up as inspiration for you.

You don't need a fancy professional screen printing studio or crazy-big space to produce fun prints.  I have a simple, small bedroom that I've turned into my "craft studio".  In there I do anything and everything crafty except build with wood and power tools.  To do that I invade the "man cave" belonging to the Mr. 

This is my main work space for when I have my screens out and am working on them.  On this table I prepare my screen for inking (with whatever process I happen to choose for the specific design I've got going on). It is just a dresser that the Mr. made into a craft table for me by adding an extended laminated plywood top. 

This is a small table I do my inking up and printing on - it is totally beat up so I don't really care if it gets ink on it.  There is a sanded, wax paper covered board on top that is the perfect size to slip inside youth and adult t-shirts to aid in getting a smooth print. 

Underneath the table is the perfect size space for storing my extra screens, wrapped in plastic bags to keep the dust away (hardwood floors in my house seem to have dust bunnies giving birth to dust bunnies!).

In a small space that must be multi-functional, organization is key!  I have a drawer that most of my supplies fit into.  I do plan to build my ink supply, but for now, this works.

Lastly, you need a clean up space.  It is really the messiest part of it all.  I use our laundry tub, which is the perfect size to fit my screen and allow me room to scrub and rinse.  You could also use a bathtub, but make sure to scour it well afterwards to avoid stains from the inks and chemicals.

 If using photo emulsion you need a dark space for the screen to dry.  I use a cupboard that isn't opened during the day or a dark window-less closet.  

Laid out here is all that a "dabbler" needs for all three screen printing methods:  1) The use of a stencil.  2)  The use of screen filler and drawing fluid.  3)  Photo emulsion.

To aid you in deciding what method(s) you might like to try, I'm listing some of my favorite tutorials here.  You will also find a ton of different techniques and tutorials listed on Pinterest.  Keep reading past the links below to see what supplies are needed for each method.

Stencil:
See Kate Sew
Lil Blue Boo
Homes

Drawing Fluid & Screen Filler:
Instructables.com
Blick Art Supplies  (link to tutorial video)

Photo Emulsion:
Lil Blue Boo (using sunlight)
Lil Blue Boo (cleaning and removing emulsion)
Instructables.com (using artificial light)
Blick Art Supplies (link to tutorial video)


SUPPLIES:
Please keep in mind there are various techniques for each method, and I'm just outlining supplies I personally use.  For all methods you will be needing a screen*, squeegee ( with rounded edge for printing on fabric), something to prop the screen up (I use two long wooden boards), scissors and tape (for taping off edges), wax paper (or cardboard/newspaper) to lay directly under the layer of fabric you are printing on so ink doesn't seep through.

*A note about screens...there are various mesh counts available.  Basically, the thicker the ink (white is super thick), the larger holes you want in your mesh (like a 110/sq. inch or so).  They thinner the ink (which tend to be your darker inks), the smaller holes you want (like a 155 or so).

Also helpful will be newspaper for protecting surfaces, paper towels and rags, an apron or smock, rubber gloves for use when handling chemicals and during screen clean up, as well as a scrub brush for washing screens.  I keep a good liquid dish soap on hand by my laundry tub too, for help in scrubbing out ink.

STENCIL METHOD:
Here are the basics for what you would be using a stencil method.  Mask Ease or contact paper to make your stencils which will act as "ink blockers", and ink made for printing on fabric.  I like Speedball water soluble, but there are various brands available.

DRAWING METHOD:
For the drawing method, you'll need drawing fluid and screen filler.  Again, I use the Speedball brand.  You will also need a solution to remove the dried screen filler.  There are commercial screen cleaners on the market like this  or you can make your own solution like I did of 1 cup Arm & Hammer Washing Soda to 1 gallon water.  Used with warm water it works like a charm and is way cheaper.

PHOTO EMULSION:
Photo emulsion method may be the most intimidating, but is really quite fun.  You'd need a bottle of photo emulsion, sensitizer (not shown as I spaced photographing it at tossed the bottle), and a bottle of photo emulsion remover.  Shown here is Speedball.  You'll also need rubber gloves when handling it.

Transparencies are needed to transfer your image to via computer printer or black marker, and a piece of clear glass helps to stack on top of the transparencies and screen during the time you are burning the image onto the screen, resulting in a nice crisp image. I edged my glass with masking tape to protect my hands from the sharp edges.

For screen burning, you'll need to either use the sun on a really bright day or artificial light like this shop light (look in the auto section of your local department store) and a 150V clear incandescent bulb.   Also helpful is a dark surface to set your screen on during this time (like a dark counter top or black fabric) which will cut down on reflection and help with the exposure process.

OTHER HANDY TOOLS FOR ANY METHOD:  

 You may want some disposable foam brushes for use with clean-up chemicals, plastic spoons for scooping ink and other fluids onto screens before squeegeeing (is that a word?) it, little paintbrushes for applying various liquids like drawing fluid, and Sharpie markers for making black designs during the emulsion method.  Also keep the handy dandy instruction pamphlets around that come with your inks and chemicals as they are awesome to refer to if you are a beginner.

Screen printing is a lot of fun once you collect all your supplies and get the basics down for the method you want to try.  Don't let it intimidate you!  Your creativity can soar with this hobby!  HAPPY PRINTING!