Tips for screenprinting from the VISA 251 Intro to Screenprinting Class

• Take the time to ensure that your registration tabs are perfect at the beginning
• Don’t use thick ink
• Double check that your positives are facing the correct way before exposing your screen
• Make sure how much ink you need for the print—try not to mix too much or too little
• Do not let your ink dry in your screen
• Use the techniques you are taught—trapping will make sure there are no gaps at the end to make a nicer print
• Know your techniques and materials—try everything once (screenprinting techniques only) and experiment with how the techniques work. You will find they work better in different situations
• A well detailed plan is a must.
• Be conscious that other people also work in the studio.  Act accordingly.
• Don’t rely on your arms’ brute strength when pulling squeegees, use the weight of your upper body and maintain a stable stance
• Remember to use a flood coat so the ink does not dry in the screen
• If you keep yourself organized and clean up, it helps. Always have what you need handy and CLEAN AS YOU GO
• Double check your registration before printing on good paper, it helps to have a bunch (how much is a bunch) of Mayfair paper that you can practice on to get it right
• The more you print, the better you can get
• The frosted Mylar can be re-used–you can wash off  or re-hydrate toner washes with ammonia
• Be thorough! Register your brains out, always check to make sure everyting is lined up right.
• Always have a rag ready for cleaning up spills
• Label your inks before you forget what is in the container
• Give yourself more time than you think you will need
• Don’t forget to tape or block out the margins
• Remember to place registration tabs on the backside of the prints
• Make sure the floor wax solution container is clean before re-sealing it  because it is hard to remove the lid
• Use emulsion sparingly—it doesn’t need a thick coating
• CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF
• Always make sure your screen is securely clamped and fastened
• Focus on squeegee angle and pressure to make consistent prints
• Start with less layers planned out and ‘play’ with the image along the way. It makes for less stressful and more creative printing
• Check to see that the floor wax block-out is not breaking down—and be prepared to use tape to address areas where it doesn’t cover
• Plan and organize before printing and have a lot of patience
• Do your registration correctly on the first copy
• Always fit the squeegee to the narrowest dimension of the screen—and keep it at least 2 ½ inches away from all edges
• If you are pulling the long way of the screen, put the clamps on the narrow length of the screen and not along the edges—That way the clamps will not create a difference in height when you pull the squeegee