Screen Printing

SCREEN PRINTING

Pull the squeegee, lift the screen and reveal a bold, bright print on your very own T-shirt. Screen printing is magic you can make together.

What is screen printing?

Screen printing is a way of printing a design by pushing ink through a fine mesh screen onto fabric or paper. A stencil blocks parts of the screen, so ink only passes through where the design is. It's how many printed T-shirts, tote bags and posters are made, and it's easy enough for families to try together.

How does screen printing work?

A screen is a frame with fine mesh stretched tightly across it. Screens were once made with silk, which is why screen printing is also called silkscreen printing.

First, a stencil is added to the screen. It can be as simple as cut paper, or it can be made with a light-sensitive coating called emulsion, which hardens everywhere except where the design is.

Next, you lay your T-shirt or paper flat, lower the screen on top and spoon a line of ink along one end. Then you pull a squeegee, a flat rubber blade on a handle, firmly across the screen. The ink squeezes through the open parts of the mesh and onto the fabric below. Lift the screen, and there's your print.

Can you print more than one colour?

Yes. Each colour usually has its own screen and stencil, printed one after another. Lining the colours up neatly is called registration, and printers often use a press that holds the screens steady so every layer lands in the right place.

Fabric inks usually need heat to set them, so the print lasts through the wash. This step is called curing.

Is screen printing good for kids?

It's a lovely one for all ages. Children love the big reveal when the screen lifts, and grown-ups are just as delighted. Your Activity Leader shows you how to hold the squeegee and how much pressure to use, then helps you pull your own print. It's a brilliant way to make matching team shirts, whether for a club or your Patrol (the team you join when you arrive). Everyone goes home proudly wearing something they made.

What should we wear or bring for screen printing?

Wear clothes you don't mind getting a splash of ink on. To print on, bring something plain and flat, like a cotton T-shirt or tote bag. Smooth, light-coloured cotton usually gives the crispest print.

FAQ

DO WE NEED ANY EXPERIENCE?

Not at all. Your Activity Leader shows you each step, from laying out your shirt to pulling the squeegee.

IS SCREEN PRINTING SAFE FOR CHILDREN?

Yes, with care. Printing inks can irritate sensitive skin, so wash any ink off hands promptly. The squeegee and screen can pinch fingers, so keep hands out from under the squeegee and the frame. Do not put ink near mouths or eyes.