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How to Screen Print at home

Overview

  1. Prewash your fabric you (*fabric in kits are already washed)

  2. Set up your workspace 

  3. Create your design + cut stencil 

  4. Mix your ink 

  5. Experiment and print! 

  6. Keep your screen clean

Pre-wash fabric

If your using your own fabric, you will need to pre-wash it.

Cloth will need to be dry for printing, so best to wash your cloth a day in advance.

Pre-wash your fabric or garment with PH neutral soap or baby shampoo. Rinse well and dry.

 

Create Your Stencil

You can order a professional silk screen with an emulsion or make your own DIY stencil following our instructions below.

Need help creating a design? Click here.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

  • A sheet of paper or acetate

  • Something to draw with (pencil, or marker for acetate) 

  • A knife or scissors

Tip: for beginners start with a single layer print, if you have screen printed before or feel confident you can try a multi-layer design. Paper is good if you only want to use your design once or twice. Acetate (photocopy) film is recommended if you want to re-use your stencil later.

Stencil.jpg

STEP 1

Draw your design onto the paper first or if you’re confident you can draw directly onto the acetate. Be aware of the positive and negative space. Positive space is what you will cut out and what will show up on the final print. Negative space is the area around your design that will form the stencil. In order for the stencil to stay together, all areas of negative space must connect.

Positive Negative Space.png

STEP 2

Using a knife or scissors, cut out the design. You’ll cut out the areas that you want the ink to come through on the print. If using a knife make sure that you’re cutting on a safe surface like a cutting board, mat, or piece of cardboard. 

STEP 3

Once your stencil is finished, gather any cutout pieces of paper or acetate for recycling and you’re ready to start printing!

cut-stencil.jpg

TWO LAYER PRINTS 

For a two-layer print, or a design that has overlapping elements, you’ll need to create two separate stencils. 

We recommend that you start by drawing and cutting out one stencil, then lightly tracing that design onto another sheet. You’ll then have guidelines for drawing the second stencil.

 

Printing

You will need

  • Kaji Mundo Screen Printing Kit

  • Your mixed ink

  • Wet and Dry rag for cleaning 

  • Sticky tape

  • Measuring spoons or teaspoon

  • A container of water for cleaning

Setting up your screen

How to Print

  1. Place cutting mat in between your tote bag or beneath your fabric

  2. Pour enough indigo to cover the width of your cut out design. 

  3. Holding your squeegee at a 90 degree angle, pull the ink down using medium pressure. 

  4. Pull the same ink over your design one or two times. 

  5. Lift the screen.

KEEPING THE SCREEN CLEAN:

  • If you are printing for a long time or doing many different designs you need to avoid the ink drying on the screen. Use a spray bottle with water to keep the screen clean.

  • Scoop up any excess ink with a spoon and put it into your ink bowl.

  • Wipe your screen in between prints.

Other Techniques

Clean up

  • Acetate Stencil rinse with water ready for reuse, or paper stencil remove sticky tape from paper stencil and put into your compost bin.

  • Wash the screen under running tap. Spray with a hose to remove any excess ink.

Aftercare and Storage

Your print: Air dry for 8+ hours in the shade before washing. Cold, hand-wash with soap nut or mild soap like baby shampoo or eco laundry liquid.

Do not soak, bleach tumble dry or boil. Iron reverse side only.

Screen Equipment: Wash with water after use, if ink has dried on screen use some dishwashing liquid or soap to remove residue.

FAQ

  • How much pressure should I use? Use a bit of pressure and pull across at smooth, natural pace. With our ink we go over the design 2-3 times. 

  • Why is the ink is bleeding on my design? There may be too much ink on the screen or the screen was too wet.

  • My design did not show up on the fabric, what do I do?

    You may need more ink or to make sure the ink is spread to cover the entire width of the design.

    If you are using your screen for a second time, check that it has been cleaned properly and that the mesh is not blocked.

  • What do I do if ink is stuck on my screen? To remove dried ink, soak in warm water with eco dishwashing liquid, wash with a tooth brush or gentle sponge.