Links to prints, print-making, and posters; plus a screen printing lesson

AmericanaGiftshop Fine Art Department...

Beautiful painting reproductions, prints and posters all with framing and mounting available. Fifty Master Artists. Van Gogh, Monet, Ansel Adams, Salvador Dali, Paul Cezanne, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Gustav Klimt, Andy Warhol, Andrew Wyeth print & poster art gallery.....
http://www.americanagiftshop.com/fineart.html

art.com posters prints photos frames...

Poster and Print Store. Sports Posters, Music Posters, Movie Posters, ......
http://www.art.com

Dpm Printing ...

Full color printing for business, including business card printing, letterhead printing, flyer printing, brochure printing, postcard printing, and design ....
http://dpmprinting.com/

Druksnel.nl - Dutch printing company...

Printing company in The Netherlands. Online prices. Posters and flyers....
http://www.druksnel.nl

Fine Art Reprints...

Fine Art Reprints-Oil Paintings to Canvas Giclee Reproductions....
http://www.fineartreprints.com

PostersLand...

The biggest online posters store of any styles...
http://www.postersland.com

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This Summer's Printing Lesson

Screen Printing

The process of screen printing is often called silk screen printing or serigraphy (from the Latin “sericum”, meaning silk). Originally, fine silk fabric was stretched and attached to a printmaking frame, but now more effective (and less expensive) screen fabrics are used.

In essence, the screen printing process is comprised of applying a stencil to a fabric screen and then forcing ink through the fabric to the paper print surface. When this is done, the stencil will block the areas where no ink is to be applied, thereby forming a design or pattern. The resultant image is called a stencil or pochoir print.

The most important elements of successful screen printing are the screen frame and backboard combination. The frame portion is simply a wooden frame with mitered corners that has the screen material securely attached. The backboard section is basically a flat, impervious material that is larger than the frame and has a wooden rail attached to it. The frame and backboard are usually attached at this rail with a hinge so that the frame can be lifted to insert and remove the print paper.

There are different variations of this frame and backboard combination, just as there are pre made kits that you can buy and easily assemble. For those with woodworking skills, a frame/backboard combination can be custom constructed. Whichever you decide to use, make certain that the frame and screen are secured tightly and that the print apparatus will withstand repeated use and cleaning.

For some, silk is still the fabric of choice due to its adhering properties. However, this material is more expensive and tends to stretch in humid areas. Synthetic polyester fabric is a more common choice because it is less expensive, resists solvents better, and remains stable under most atmospheric conditions.

Before a stencil is applied, the fabric should first be scrubbed clean of all grease or surface adherents. This process is called abrading and is best done after the screen is attached to the frame. Using a mildly abrasive household cleaner (such as Ajax) will clean the material and roughen its surface enough so that stencils will better adhere to it. Commercial degreaser specifically designed for this purpose is also available.

Before ink is applied to the screen surface, all four screen margins should be blocked out with paper tape and then sealed to the screen surface with polyurethane or shellac. Having this impervious border will clearly define the edges of your print image and prevent pigment from seeping onto the print paper below. A good border also provides a convenient place to rest your ink squeegee (applicator) when not in use.

A squeegee is basically a synthetic rubber or polyurethane blade that is secured to a wooden handle and is used to evenly apply pigment through the screenmaterial. This applicator comes in different shapes and sizes and should be wider than the screen opening but fit within the frame. All blade tips should be slightly rounded so that they will not inadvertently tear the screen.

There are different squeegee blade shapes for different types of ink application. A round edge blade is best for applying thick fabric inks. Thinner inks (for fine details) are best applied with a squeegee that has a thin edge, much like a cross section of a chisel. This will help work the ink through the screen more efficiently. General printing inks best benefit from application with a flat bottomed, rectangular squeegee blade drawn at a 60 degree angle.

The type of pigments that are mostly used to print on paper are called poster inks. These types of inks are available in both oil and water based varieties. Some inks have extenders added to make them more transparent, while others have a binding varnish added for better adhesion on absorbent surfaces. Retarding thinners are also available for some inks to help reduce drying rates. Since there are so many different kinds of inks and additives, it is recommended that you read the ink labels and ask your art supply store which ink is best suited for your particular purpose.


There are several ways of applying a stencil to the screen surface. One method is to apply a screen filler resist material by painting it on (freehand) or using a negative stencil outline. This type of direct stencil can be tusche, litho crayons, or some other material that will dissolve in a solvent but will block most inks from the print paper.

Another method is to use an indirect stencil. This is when a stencil pattern is cut from a material such as treated paper or an Ulano Ambra film and then applied directly to the screen surface. Some of these films are manufactured with a gelatinous emulsion that will firmly adhere to the screen when water is added. Very intricate stencil patterns can be cut with a stencil knife.

After the print frame is in place with print paper secure and a stenciled screen over it, the print process can begin. At this point, the ink can be applied to the screen and squeegeed about at various angles and patterns to make a print. When finished, the frame is carefully lifted and the print paper removed to let dry.

This is a simplified description of screen printing tools, materials, and processes. To effectively work in this medium you should obtain more information on the subject from your art supply store. This unique print process enables you to create many diverse variations of images from the same print pattern.


This printing lesson written by Arttalk.com

Click here for previously published printing lessons.

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Other Important Links

Action Printing; Promotional Products...

Promotional products & custom promotional items. Your SuperStore for promotional products including promotional pens, promotional mugs and golf promotional products. Low minimum order......
http://www.actionprintinginc.com

Allmoviesposters.com Movie Posters...

Find movie posters at allmoviesposters.com. Allmoviesposters.com - discount posters and fast delivery.....
http://www.allmoviesposters.com

AmericanaGiftshop Fine Art Department...

Beautiful painting reproductions, prints and posters all with framing and mounting available. Fifty Master Artists. Van Gogh, Monet, Ansel Adams, Salvador Dali, Paul Cezanne, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Gustav Klimt, Andy Warhol, Andrew Wyeth print & poster art gallery.....
http://www.americanagiftshop.com/fineart.html

art.com posters prints photos frames...

Poster and Print Store. Sports Posters, Music Posters, Movie Posters, ......
http://www.art.com

Custom Tango Drum Scans and KRIST'L Archival LightJet Prints - NancyScans...

NancyScans.com: the premier online store for Tango drum scans and fine art, archival LightJet prints. NancyScans.com: Our fully calibrated and color managed workflow ensures perfect...
http://www.nancyscans.com

Dpm Printing ...

Full color printing for business, including business card printing, letterhead printing, flyer printing, brochure printing, postcard printing, and design ....
http://dpmprinting.com/

Druksnel.nl - Dutch printing company...

Printing company in The Netherlands. Online prices. Posters and flyers....
http://www.druksnel.nl

Edifice Editions - Classical Architecture Posters Postcards...

Edifice Editions, source for posters and postcards of classical to modern architectural drawings from Italy, Germany, France, Spain, and The Americas...
http://www.edifice-editions.com

Fine Art Reprints...

Fine Art Reprints-Oil Paintings to Canvas Giclee Reproductions....
http://www.fineartreprints.com

FramedPrintsNow - Art Prints Framed Art Home Decor ...

Framed art prints, wildlife photography, wall clocks, throw pillows for home decor. Animal greeting cards, religious greeting cards, t-shirts, baby clothes and more.....
http://www.framedprintsnow.com/

National Gallery Shop, London - Welcome...

The On-line shop for the National Gallery, London. Selling a range of books , gifts, posters and prints....
http://www.nationalgallery.co.uk

PostersLand...

The biggest online posters store of any styles...
http://www.postersland.com

World Printmakers...

World Printmakers, etchings, engravings and other art prints from round the world...
http://www.worldprintmakers.com