Silk Screening

Silk screening is another method of printing. A silk screen is commonly the technology used to print t-shirts and other fabrics, but for art purposes the silk screen has historically been used to transfer prints.

Silk screening first requires a fixed screen of silk or polyester attached tightly around a frame. Photo emulsion is then applied evenly to both sides of the screen.

Flat objects including print outs, or cut out card are arranged over the painted screen and the screen is then laid flat under UV light from either a UV light box or the sun. The nature of the photo emulsion means any areas exposed and not blocked by the cut-outs or positives will no longer allow anything to permeate through the screen in that area.

Once the paint has developed, the screen can be rinsed using water. This removes the undeveloped paint from beneath the positives leaving a somewhat stencil-like screen.

When the screen is ready and dried, the paper or medium is laid flat and the screen is also placed flat over the medium. In straight up and down gestures, paint is wiped over the screen. The paint will move through the screen's tiny holes to stain the paper or material below and print the image.

Perhaps the best-known work in silk screen is that of Andy Warhol. Famously Warhol used silk-screening in his pop-art work and celebrity portraits.  

Silk screening is an interesting project on which to focus. It is another technique that can be practised rather cost effectively and without too many materials. However for finer or more ambitious projects the degree of professionalism rises and light boxes or other possibly expensive equipment and chemicals become a necessity. This is another technique to experiment with before planning and attempting a final piece and making sure to record your experiences each time as evidence in your working diary.

Click here for a video on silk screening.