Getting Started in Screen Printing

Screen Printing is a fantastic and simple art with a rich history that can be traced back to the Song Dynasty in 960AD China. Furthermore it is a wonderful and fun-packed activity to do with the children, and getting started is surprisingly cheap and easy!

Screen Printing Materials and Getting Started

Ideally you should look to start small. Purchasing the components individually could be expensive so initially you should consider buying a screen printing kit. They can be bought for as little as £25 and will typically include a board, frame and mesh, a clamp, a squeegee and stencilling paper (inks are usually purchased separately). If you are feeling really adventurous and are quite hands-on then don’t be afraid to have a go at making a kit yourself with some wood and mesh!

Squeegee’s

Squeegee’s can vary in size and shape. Essentially it will have a firm but flexible straight rubber edge. These can range in price from the very cheap – about £5 – to a more expensive £30+. Alternatively if you are doing this on a budget and are looking to keep the cost down on a small project a square piece of perspex with a smooth, flat edge could do the trick.

Inks

If you are screen printing onto material then you will need inks specifically designed for fabric. Once you have your basic equipment for screen printing you can keep on using them, but the ink supply will need regularly replenishing. Purchased separately individual base colours will cost around £10 (per 300ml) while specialist colours and finishes could be considerably more (silvers and gold’s for example could cost between £25 and £35 for a 300ml jar). This ink will last considerably depending on the size of your projects and prints, but nevertheless to avoid unnecessary costs it is worth planning your project in advance to determine what colours you need.

What to do?

Start with a small, achievable project. Printing T-shirts or tea-towels could be a fun, cheap and easy way to get started. If you are looking to make this an activity to do with the children there are many other possibilities. You could make a vibrant and exciting tepee for them to play in, or you can customise their bedroom curtains. If you have small boys you could also consider making a superhero costume. If he likes batman buy a simple black t-shirt and a black piece of fabric (for a cape)  - and with a carefully drawn out stencil and some yellow ink you could make a great costume for your little caped crusader!

Getting started in screen printing is easy and the process itself is relatively simple. Furthermore if you are thrifty enough this can be a cost effective hobby to take up and will certainly nurture your children’s artistic tendencies. Just make sure you all wear aprons and put plenty of sheets down!